Roller Manufacture and Care

Synthetic rubber is used in roller manufacture: a complex mix of natural rubber and various chemicals that achieve stability and elasticity through the vulcanization process. It is the raw rubber that gives the rubbery material its basic characteristics.

To this are added the vulcanisation agents for the subsequent vulcanisation process. Plasticisers (fluid oils) play a major role as they - along with the extenders and the vulcanisation agents - determine the subsequent degree of hardness of the material. The more plasticisers that are added, the softer the rubber after the vulcanisation process.

• If possible, do not expose rollers to direct natural or artificial light.
• The special paper that the rollers are delivered in prevents light penetrating and therefore helps retain the rubbers' characteristics. For this reason, do not remove the paper before installing the roller in the press.
• Always put the roller with its pivots on a frame support: Putting it down directly onto the rubber can result in permanent deformations (pressure marks).
• Store rubber rollers in a cool and dry place.
• Under certain circumstances ozone causes microscopic scratches on the rubber surface. For this reason do not store rollers in the vicinity of motors or other electrical devices.