Why Anilox Volume Units Matter for Your Print Job
When specifying an anilox roller, the volume of its laser-engraved cells directly determines how much ink or coating is transferred to the plate. Two common units appear on specifications: BCM and cm³/m². Misinterpreting these can lead to over- or under-inking, affecting color density, dot gain, and print consistency. Understanding the difference—and the relationship between them—helps engineers and buyers select the right roller for the substrate, ink, and press conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Anilox volume is the capacity of the roller’s cells, typically expressed in BCM or cm³/m².
- BCM and cm³/m² are directly related: cm³/m² = BCM × 1.55.
- Volume, along with cell count (LPI) and geometry, governs ink laydown and print quality.
- Recommended starting volumes vary by application, such as 3.0 BCM (4.65 cm³/m²) for 4-color process or 10.0 BCM (15.50 cm³/m²) for high-opacity whites.
- Always verify volume in both units to avoid specification errors.
What Is Anilox Volume?
Anilox volume refers to the total capacity of the microscopic cells engraved into the ceramic surface of an anilox roller. These cells meter and transfer ink or coating to the printing plate. Volume is a measure of how much liquid the roller can carry per unit area, and it is a primary determinant of ink film thickness on the substrate.
The two units commonly used to express this volume are BCM (billion cubic micrometers per square inch) and cm³/m² (cubic centimeters per square meter). Both quantify the same physical property but in different systems of measurement.
Why Volume Specification Affects Print Outcomes
Selecting the wrong anilox volume can compromise print quality. Too high a volume may cause excessive ink laydown, leading to dot gain, color bleeding, or poor drying. Too low a volume can result in weak color density, inconsistent coverage, or insufficient opacity for whites and varnishes. Volume must be matched to the plate screen, substrate, ink type, and press speed to achieve the desired print characteristics.
How BCM and cm³/m² Relate
The relationship between BCM and cm³/m² is explicitly defined: cm³/m² = BCM × 1.55. This conversion allows engineers to translate between the two units when reviewing specifications or comparing rollers from different suppliers.
| Application | Typical Volume (BCM) | Equivalent Volume (cm³/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Color Process (labels/film) | 2.0–4.0 | 3.10–6.20 |
| Pantone Solids | 3.0–6.0 | 4.65–9.30 |
| High-Opacity White | 6.5–13.0 | 10.08–20.15 |
| Aqueous Varnish | 4.0–8.0 | 6.20–12.40 |
| UV Varnish / Adhesive | 5.0–10.0 | 7.75–15.50 |
These ranges illustrate how volume requirements scale with the demands of the application. For example, high-opacity whites and adhesives typically require higher volumes to ensure sufficient laydown, while fine detail in process printing often uses lower volumes to maintain precision.
Practical Applications of Volume Specifications
Anilox volume specifications are tailored to the printing process and desired outcome. For HD process work (e.g., labels or film), a typical starting point might be 3.0 BCM (4.65 cm³/m²) with a 60° hex cell geometry. Solid colors and linework often use 5.0 BCM (7.75 cm³/m²), while high-opacity whites or coatings may require 10.0 BCM (15.50 cm³/m²) with elongated or open-channel geometries to maximize flow.
The choice of geometry (e.g., 60° hex for general work, elongated for high-flow applications) further refines how the volume is delivered to the plate. These specifications are not arbitrary; they are derived from the interplay of substrate, ink viscosity, plate screen, and press speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use either BCM or cm³/m² when specifying a roller?
Yes, but it is critical to confirm which unit the supplier is using. Since cm³/m² = BCM × 1.55, a specification in one unit can be converted to the other. Always verify both values in the supplier’s documentation to avoid errors.
Why do some applications require higher volumes?
Higher volumes are typically needed for applications requiring greater ink or coating laydown, such as high-opacity whites, varnishes, or adhesives. These materials often have higher viscosities or require thicker films to achieve the desired visual or functional properties.
How is anilox volume verified?
Reputable suppliers provide a baseline volume report in both BCM and cm³/m², often accompanied by microscope images of the cells at multiple points (gear, center, drive) to confirm consistency across the roller’s surface.
Sources and Evidence
All technical details, definitions, and application-specific recommendations in this article are sourced from Cooper Rollers’ first-party page on ceramic anilox rollers. This includes the relationship between BCM and cm³/m², typical volume ranges for various applications, and the role of volume in determining print quality.
