Print Rollers: The Benefits of Using Polyurethane Elastomers and Case Studies
20/09/2023
Thermoplastic elastomers
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global print rollers market was valued at USD 10.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2022 to 2028. The market growth is driven by increasing demand for digital printing and rising print production.
Polyurethane elastomer print rollers account for a significant share of the global print rollers market. They are used in a variety of applications, including offset printing, flexographic printing and digital printing.
The use of polyurethane elastomer in the production of printing rollers offers numerous advantages. The material is obtained by casting, through the reaction of its components, making it particularly suitable for the manufacture of printing rollers.
In this article, we delve into the advantages of using polyurethane elastomers in printing rolls and present some companies that are successfully using recycled material.
Why use polyurethane elastomers in the production of impression rollers
Noise: polyurethane elastomers are quieter than other materials, such as rubber and metal.
The advantages of polyurethane for printing rollers over other elastomers include its remarkable elasticity at all hardnesses, flexibility at all temperatures, resistance to abrasion, tensile strength, shear and impact, as well as contact with oils and greases.
It also has a considerable load-bearing capacity, is stable in various climatic conditions, and resists oxidation and the action of ozone. It can withstand temperatures of up to 100°C, significantly dampens noise and vibrations, and, depending on its formulation, resists moisture well over time.
Recycled thermoplastic elastomers offer the same advantages as virgin polyurethane elastomers, but are often cheaper and more sustainable. They are made from recycled material, reducing the amount of waste to be disposed of.
Specific advantages of using recycled thermoplastic elastomers
Lower costs: recycled thermoplastic elastomers are often cheaper than virgin polyurethane elastomers.Better sustainability: recycled thermoplastic elastomers help reduce environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste to be disposed of.
Better quality: recycled thermoplastic elastomers can offer comparable or even better performance than virgin polyurethane elastomers, thanks to technological advances in the recycling process.
In general, recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules are compatible with most types of printing rollers. However, it is important to check the technical specifications of the granules and printing rollers to ensure optimal compatibility.
A study by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) has shown that recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules can be used to produce printing rolls with comparable or even better performance than rolls made from virgin granules. The study examined a variety of printing rollers, used in different applications, and found that recycled granules had no negative impact on roller performance.
A report by PlasticsEurope states that recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules can offer comparable or even better performance than rollers made from virgin granules.
The report points out that recycled granules can have mechanical and physical properties similar to virgin granules, and that they can be used to produce printing rollers with durable and reliable performance.
A paper published in the journal Polymer Engineering & Science showed that printing rollers made from recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules can have a longer service life than rollers made from virgin granules.
The study examined a variety of printing rollers, used in different applications, and found that rollers made from recycled granules had an average lifespan 20 per cent longer than rollers made from virgin granules.
In general, the production and procurement costs of recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules are lower than those of virgin granules. This is due to the fact that recycled granules utilise waste material, which is often available at lower prices than virgin raw material.
If you manufacture industrial wheels, are involved in consultancy or generally want to test new recycled materials in your own production or in the production of customers you directly follow, please contact Gianeco.
Below are the contact details of our Co-Founder and Thermoplastic Elastomers Specialist
Print Rollers: The Benefits of Using Polyurethane Elastomers and Case Studies
20/09/2023
Thermoplastic elastomers
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global print rollers market was valued at USD 10.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2022 to 2028. The market growth is driven by increasing demand for digital printing and rising print production.
Polyurethane elastomer print rollers account for a significant share of the global print rollers market. They are used in a variety of applications, including offset printing, flexographic printing and digital printing.
The use of polyurethane elastomer in the production of printing rollers offers numerous advantages. The material is obtained by casting, through the reaction of its components, making it particularly suitable for the manufacture of printing rollers.
In this article, we delve into the advantages of using polyurethane elastomers in printing rolls and present some companies that are successfully using recycled material.
Why use polyurethane elastomers in the production of impression rollers
Noise: polyurethane elastomers are quieter than other materials, such as rubber and metal.
The advantages of polyurethane for printing rollers over other elastomers include its remarkable elasticity at all hardnesses, flexibility at all temperatures, resistance to abrasion, tensile strength, shear and impact, as well as contact with oils and greases.
It also has a considerable load-bearing capacity, is stable in various climatic conditions, and resists oxidation and the action of ozone. It can withstand temperatures of up to 100°C, significantly dampens noise and vibrations, and, depending on its formulation, resists moisture well over time.
Recycled thermoplastic elastomers offer the same advantages as virgin polyurethane elastomers, but are often cheaper and more sustainable. They are made from recycled material, reducing the amount of waste to be disposed of.
Specific advantages of using recycled thermoplastic elastomers
Lower costs: recycled thermoplastic elastomers are often cheaper than virgin polyurethane elastomers.Better sustainability: recycled thermoplastic elastomers help reduce environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste to be disposed of.
Better quality: recycled thermoplastic elastomers can offer comparable or even better performance than virgin polyurethane elastomers, thanks to technological advances in the recycling process.
In general, recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules are compatible with most types of printing rollers. However, it is important to check the technical specifications of the granules and printing rollers to ensure optimal compatibility.
A study by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) has shown that recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules can be used to produce printing rolls with comparable or even better performance than rolls made from virgin granules. The study examined a variety of printing rollers, used in different applications, and found that recycled granules had no negative impact on roller performance.
A report by PlasticsEurope states that recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules can offer comparable or even better performance than rollers made from virgin granules.
The report points out that recycled granules can have mechanical and physical properties similar to virgin granules, and that they can be used to produce printing rollers with durable and reliable performance.
A paper published in the journal Polymer Engineering & Science showed that printing rollers made from recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules can have a longer service life than rollers made from virgin granules.
The study examined a variety of printing rollers, used in different applications, and found that rollers made from recycled granules had an average lifespan 20 per cent longer than rollers made from virgin granules.
In general, the production and procurement costs of recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules are lower than those of virgin granules. This is due to the fact that recycled granules utilise waste material, which is often available at lower prices than virgin raw material.
If you manufacture industrial wheels, are involved in consultancy or generally want to test new recycled materials in your own production or in the production of customers you directly follow, please contact Gianeco.
Below are the contact details of our Co-Founder and Thermoplastic Elastomers Specialist
