CONTROLLED LASER CLEANING FOR ANILOX
FW Laser 2000 — Precise, Repeatable Laser Anilox Cleaning
The FW Laser 2000 is Flexo Wash's newest laser cleaning system for pressrooms that need consistent cleaning quality, minimal downtime, and industrial reliability.
What Is the FW Laser 2000?
More Than a Laser — A Complete Cleaning System
Effective anilox cleaning is not just about removing contamination. It is about removing it with consistency, process control, and protection of the anilox surface.
The FW Laser 2000 combines NIR-MOPA laser technology, high-speed Galvo scanning, precision motion control, 3-stage industrial filtration, and built-in traceability in one engineered system. The result is a cleaning process that is predictable, documentable, and built to run in a demanding production environment.
Why Printers Choose the FW Laser 2000
Key Benefits for Flexographic Pressrooms
- Consistent cleaning quality: Galvo-based beam movement supports even energy distribution and a repeatable clean across the full anilox surface.
- Reduced thermal impact: Controlled energy delivery protects the ceramic anilox substrate, extending roll life.
- Less downtime: Repeatable process settings and live monitoring support a structured, efficient maintenance routine.
- Safer working environment: 3-stage filtration (HEPA, Active Carbon, Spark Arrestor), fully enclosed, Class 1 laser rated. No goggles, no dedicated ventilation required.
- Full traceability: CleanLink stores cleaning parameters and cycle history for documentation and process verification.
- Production flexibility: Handles a wide range of anilox diameters and lengths across narrow and wide web formats.
Galvo vs. Direct Laser
Why Flexo Wash Uses Galvo Technology
In a direct laser system, a single concentrated dot of energy hits the anilox surface. To avoid damaging the roll, the anilox has to rotate at very high speed and be tightly fixed in the machine. This creates mechanical stress and limits process control.
The FW Laser 2000 uses Galvo technology — a high-speed galvanometric scanner that steers the laser beam rapidly and precisely across the roll surface. This gives far more control over the cleaning pattern, overlap, scan speed, and energy distribution. The anilox rotates at a steady, controlled speed. The result is a more uniform clean with less mechanical wear and greater consistency from cycle to cycle.
How It Works
Integrated Technologies for Controlled Cleaning
Galvo-Based Beam Movement
High-speed galvanometric scanning moves the laser beam precisely across the anilox surface, supporting controlled scan patterns, overlap, and energy distribution.
NIR-MOPA Laser Technology
The FW Laser 2000 uses a near-infrared MOPA laser (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) refined with reduced pulse width. This supports more precise energy control and a more gentle, repeatable cleaning process.
Precision Motion Control
Integrated Precision Motion Control manages movement, positioning, and process execution throughout the cleaning cycle, delivering consistent results from one run to the next.
Collision Detection
Onboard sensors help prevent unintended contact between the laser head or extraction unit and the anilox roll, protecting both the machine and the roll.
3-Stage Industrial Filtration
HEPA, Active Carbon, and High-Capacity Particle filters, plus a Spark Arrestor and automatic filter service notification, support a clean and safe working environment.
Visual Monitoring
An optional integrated camera allows operators to follow the cleaning process on-screen in real time without opening the machine.
Traceability
Built for Process Visibility and Documentation
CleanLink stores cleaning parameters for each roll, supporting documentation, process verification, and long-term consistency across operators and cycles. Rolls can be registered via RFID reader, barcode scanner, or USB import/export.
Optional add-ons include DotScope and MicroDynamic integration for condition measurement and verification as part of a structured maintenance workflow.
Who Is the FW Laser 2000 For?
Built for North American Pressrooms
Flexographic Printers: For operations focused on stable print quality, repeatable cleaning routines, and reduced operator variability.
Converters with Multiple Anilox Formats: For facilities running a broad range of anilox sizes across narrow and wide web that need one system to handle it all.
Production Teams Prioritizing Uptime: For businesses that need cleaning performance alongside monitoring, industrial-grade safety, and documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FW Laser 2000
What is the FW Laser 2000?
The FW Laser 2000 is Flexo Wash's newest laser-based anilox cleaning system, built for flexographic printers and converters who need consistent, repeatable cleaning with industrial reliability. It combines NIR-MOPA laser technology, high-speed Galvo scanning, precision motion control, 3-stage filtration, and CleanLink traceability in one complete system.
Why does Flexo Wash use Galvo technology instead of direct laser?
In a direct laser system, a single concentrated dot of energy hits the anilox surface. To avoid damaging the roll, the anilox has to rotate at very high speed and be tightly fixed in the machine. Galvo technology uses a high-speed galvanometric scanner to steer the laser beam rapidly and precisely across the roll surface, giving far more control over the cleaning pattern, scan speed, and energy distribution. The result is a more uniform clean, less mechanical wear, and greater consistency from cycle to cycle.
What is a MOPA laser and why does it matter for anilox cleaning?
MOPA stands for Master Oscillator Power Amplifier. It is a more advanced form of fiber laser technology that allows precise adjustment of pulse width and frequency. Flexo Wash uses a near-infrared (NIR) MOPA laser refined with reduced pulse width, which means cleaning energy can be controlled more precisely for a gentler, more repeatable process that protects the ceramic anilox substrate.
What filtration system does the FW Laser 2000 use?
What is CleanLink and how does it support my operation?
CleanLink is Flexo Wash's traceability and monitoring system. It stores cleaning parameters and cycle history for every roll, supporting process documentation and long-term consistency across operators. Rolls can be registered via RFID reader, barcode scanner, or USB import/export. CleanLink also gives the Flexo Wash service team access to machine data for faster remote troubleshooting when needed.
Can the cleaning process be monitored without opening the machine?
Who is the FW Laser 2000 designed for?
Ready to See What the FW Laser 2000 Can Do?
Our team works directly with pressrooms across the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean to find the right cleaning solution for your operation. Let us help you get there.
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