How's Your Cleaning Process?

In the label printing industry, precision matters, and so does every cleaned part. Yet many pressrooms still rely on manual cleaning methods that are time-consuming, inconsistent, and labor-intensive. If your team is spending too much time scrubbing ink trays, buckets, and doctor blade chambers by hand, it might be time to ask: is it worth it anymore? 

Let’s discuss when and why it makes sense to automate parts washing and how Flexo Wash’s PK ECO product line helps narrow web printers improve consistency, protect press performance, and save valuable time. 

Why Manual Parts Washing Falls Short 

Manual cleaning may be familiar and workable for low-volume operations, but in busy label pressrooms, the drawbacks become clear. 

Common challenges include: 

• Inconsistent cleaning that affects print quality 
• Risk of part damage from abrasive tools or harsh chemicals 
• Excessive downtime between jobs 
• Exposure to potentially harmful solvents 
• Skilled labor spent on non-productive tasks 

In short, manual cleaning reduces efficiency and increases the risk of costly press issues and operator fatigue. 

The Case for Automation: Efficiency, Consistency, Safety 

Automated parts washers like the Flexo Wash PK ECO Series are built specifically for narrow web and label printing environments. They clean a variety of removable press parts, such as doctor blade chambers, ink trays, and buckets with speed, precision, and repeatability. 

Benefits of upgrading to an automated system: 

Reliable consistency 

• Each part is cleaned to the same high standard every time 
• Minimizes defects caused by ink residue or contamination 

Significant time savings 

• Frees press operators to focus on make-ready, setup, and production 
• Speeds up job changeovers and improves uptime 

Environmental responsibility 

• PK ECO systems support closed-loop liquid circulation 
• Reduce chemical and water usage with support for low-VOC and VOC-free solutions certified for food packaging 

Spotlight on the Flexo Wash PK ECO Line 

The PK ECO Series is engineered to meet the specific demands of narrow web label converters. These fully automatic systems clean all ink types, UV, water-based, and solvent, and are compatible with components from leading press brands. 

Key features: 

• Compact design to fit narrow web pressrooms 
• Fast, reliable cleaning cycles for maximum throughput 
• Flexible racks and chamber holders for custom fit 
• Optional filtration unit for reduced liquid waste and ongoing savings 
• Can be paired with the PK Filtration Unit to extend the life of cleaning solutions, especially when handling UV inks efficiently and sustainably 

When Is the Right Time to Upgrade? 

If your pressroom is experiencing any of the following, an automated system may be the next smart step: 

• Sluggish changeovers or inconsistent print quality 
• Frequent downtime due to dirty or damaged parts 
• High labor costs or manual cleaning delays 
• Growing pressure to meet environmental or safety standards 

Upgrading isn’t just about convenience, it’s about protecting your pressroom’s performance and long-term profitability. 

Clean Smarter & Run Better 

Automated parts washing is a practical investment for modern label converters. With the Flexo Wash PK ECO Series, you gain consistent results, improved pressroom efficiency, and a cleaner work environment without compromise. 

Explore the full line of narrow web parts cleaning systems.