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RollerTec: Rubber Roller FAQs

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What is the difference between silicone and silicone/EP blend?

Silicone is an inorganic material whose characteristics are excellent for applications requiring release, and/or use in a high temperature environment up to 500°F. Although it has superior release and temperature resistance, its physical properties doesn’t allow it to work in a conventional production atmosphere for long periods of time in comparison to other rubber materials. Standard atmosphere temperature is much cooler than silicone material prefers, creating the shorter life expectancy than your standard EPDM or BN materials for flexographic printing applications.

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Silicone/EPDM (SIL/EP) – a blend of Silicone and EP materials used for strength when silicone is not strong enough. This material is tougher than silicone rubber, but not as tough as EPDM. Silicone/EPDM may be well suited for applications where silicone is just not quite tough enough, and there is room for compromise in release characteristics and temperature requirements.

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Which countries do you ship to?

We ship our products worldwide! There are some exceptions to this. If you are not sure, please contact us directly and we will assist you to the best of our ability.*

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   *Note: International customers assume responsibility for all rubber components. Shipping damages are not covered by RollerTec. For all questions and concerns, please contact us.

Any general rules you have for printing?

We are glad you asked! We have "commandments" that we suggest to our customers:

 

The factory specified the engineering for a reason.

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Practices that alter factory specs, like multiple re-engravings, will almost always result in substandard printing. If you are having significant problems, check to make sure the press is “in spec”. If not, start there.

 

Cultivate a good gear and bearing supplier

Used bearings and worn gears are often grief-causers and money wasters.

 

If it is worth a new roller, it is worth a new bearing.

Shop for good bearing prices and replace at each roller change. A roller is only as good as its bearing.

 

Most value for the dollar.

When pulling a gear or bearing, put a penny over the center hole and save yourself some money per end to have them re-drilled. The center holes must be true to the journals!

 

A flexo press is only as good as the inking system

A new meter roller, a new anilox, new bearings, and new gears are essentially a new press.

 

Cleanliness is next to profitability

 

It’s easier to keep something clean than to clean something that is overwhelmingly dirty. A clean shop will almost always be more profitable than a dirty one.

 

Water-based inks, latex paints, and concrete have something in common.

 

They all harden into an insoluble form that is murder on the flexo inking system. If it dries out before you fit it or clean it, you probably ruined it. In addition, large solids in water-based inks tend to settle into a sludge that may eventually harden if left long enough. Keep things stirred or changed.

 

All anilox roll problems will eventually transfer to the meter roll.

 

The rubber meter/doctor roll is the most vulnerable part of the inking system. Any damage to the anilox will eventually transfer to the meter roll. Keep your ink clean. Always strain your into and out of an approved storage container. Old nylon stockings work well to strain, but organdy cloth works better. Chunks of dried ink on the anilox will destroy a rubber roller. A pan run dry will ruin both rubber and anilox. A little extra care saves a lot of cash and downtime.

 

With Defoamer, more is not better.

 

Two drops are probably twice what you need. Most defoamers and all greases and oils are certain death to EPDM rubber compounds.

 

If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right the first time!

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What types of rubber rollers does RollerTec Inc. manufacture?

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RollerTec Inc. specializes in producing a variety of high-quality rubber rollers, including:​

  • Printing Rollers: Designed for flexographic printing applications.

  • Industrial Rollers: Suitable for material handling, assembly, and manufacturing operations.

  • Nip Rollers: Used in processes requiring precise pressure application.

  • Tint Sleeves: Ideal for tinting applications in printing.

  • Meter Rollers: Used for the controlled application of coatings or adhesives.​

These rollers are available in various materials and configurations to meet specific industrial needs.​

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What materials are used in RollerTec's rubber rollers?

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RollerTec offers rollers made from several high-performance materials:​

  • Neoprene: Versatile and durable, resistant to gasoline, ozone, and high temperatures.

  • Nitrile: Non-marring surface, resistant to gasoline, oil, alcohol, and abrasion.

  • Polyurethane: High strength and excellent abrasion resistance, suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

  • Silicone: Flexible and resistant to high temperatures, ideal for extreme conditions.​www.rollertecinc.com

Each material is selected based on its suitability for different industrial applications.​

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Can RollerTec customize rollers to specific requirements?

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Yes, RollerTec provides tailored solutions to meet specific customer needs, including:​

  • Custom rubber molding to meet particular design requirements.

  • Grinding and machining services for precise tolerances and surface finishes.

  • Various mounting options include roller only, bearing mount, threaded stud mount, and shaft mount.​

These customization options ensure compatibility with diverse operational needs.​

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What is the typical lead time for orders?

 

RollerTec prides itself on prompt delivery times:​

  • New Rubber Rollers: Manufactured and shipped within 5 to 10 business days.

  • Recovered Rollers: Turnaround time of 10 business days or less, including any necessary repairs.​

These lead times are among the fastest in the industry, ensuring minimal downtime for customers.​

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Does RollerTec offer roller recovery services?

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Yes, RollerTec provides comprehensive roller recovery services, including:​

  • Recovering meter, nip, and laminating rollers.

  • In-house journal and end hole repairs.

  • Free center hole repairs for orders of 10 or more rollers.​

All recovery services are completed in-house, maintaining quality and efficiency.​

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What industries does RollerTec serve?

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RollerTec's products are utilized across various industries, such as:​

  • Printing and packaging.

  • Manufacturing and assembly operations.

  • Material handling applications.​

Their rollers are engineered to enhance efficiency and reduce operational downtime in these sectors.​

 

How can I request a quote or place an order?

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To request a quote or place an order, you can:​

Be sure to include preferred compounds or grades (e.g., EP65) in your inquiry for accurate assistance.​

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What are RollerTec's contact details?

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Address:​

408 S. Second St.
Cedartown, GA 30125​

Phone:​

  • Toll-Free: 1-800-334-7117

  • Local: 770-748-5133​

Email:​

Service@ctsindustries.com​

Business Hours:​

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST​

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