How to Clean My Press Parts

Bio-based solvents can mitigate many of these risks, making press cleaning and maintenance less dangerous for employees and the world around them. For example, VertecBio™ Gold is an eco-friendly solvent for paints, coatings, and inks, that you can also use as a degreaser for press parts. Its high flash points and low VOCs make it a much less hazardous option compared to petroleum-based solvents.

Cleaning with Non-Flammable Liquids

For printing companies that are especially safety-conscious, non-flammable liquids are appealing for press cleaning. They're non-corrosive and non-evaporating, making them more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based solvents.

Because of their composition, non-flammable liquids make work environments safer for your employees and ease fire concerns. They're easier to handle and don't require as many special pieces of equipment or procedures.

Despite these benefits, some companies avoid non-flammable cleaning solutions because they aren't as powerful as solvents and alkaline liquids. This can make it more difficult to effectively clean your press, particularly when dealing with dried inks and adhesives.

Cleaning with Alkaline Liquids

When dealing with ink that's difficult to remove, some printers turn to alkaline liquids. They're capable of handling stains from ink, adhesives, and coatings, and they don't require a dedicated ATEX room.

On the other hand, alkaline liquids aren't as easy to use and involve more specialized equipment than other options. As a result, they're less worker-friendly than nonflammable liquids and bio-based solvents.

Step-By-Step Cleaning Guide

The exact procedure for cleaning a printing press depends on the model and design of your machine. However, it typically involves a similar series of steps.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Depending on the type of solution you're using, you may have to combine it with water. This is often the case with petroleum-based solvents, as it helps reduce damage to the press.

Clean the Print Rollers and Parts

Many modern printing presses have automated cleaning cycles. If you have this type of press, you can clean your print rollers by adding a solvent to the chambers and, if necessary, initiating the cleaning cycle.

Without an automated system, you'll need to manually clean your rollers by applying a solvent. Once the rollers are clean, wipe it away, along with any remaining residue.

Clean the Blanket

As with rollers, some printing companies use automated systems to clean their blankets. Others opt to wash them by hand, applying and then wiping off the cleaning solution.

Troubleshooting Tips

It's not unusual to encounter problems while cleaning your press. When that happens, try these strategies to solve them:

Ultimately, the solvent or other cleaning solution that you choose will have the greatest effect on your ability to keep your press working correctly and efficiently.

Why Choose Organic Solvents with Vertec BioSolvents?

Before you pick a press wash, consider not how it will impact your productivity and quality control, as well as the safety of others. Vertec BioSolvents' line of solvents are high performance yet also environmentally friendly.

For instance, the Vertec BioSolvents' Ink Zapper can remove ink, paper residue, and lint and clean pipe rollers without water. It's safe for employees to handle and is completely biodegradable with no hazardous air pollutants. Even better, it reduces solvent usage up to 60 percent. This bio-based alternative for washing printing presses and blankets is an ideal option for companies that want to maximize their efficiency and cost savings while also protecting workers and the environment.