BW Converting reports early results from the newly launched PCMC Meridian Elite+ laser anilox cleaning platform now operating at Amcor Flexibles North America, including at a Wisconsin flexible packaging facility. Introduced in early 2025 under the PCMC brand, the Meridian Elite+ is the sixth generation of the company’s laser roll cleaning technology. The platform combines automated cleaning, in-line cell volume measurement and connected diagnostics aimed at improving print consistency, changeover speed and roll longevity in flexographic pressrooms.
According to Amcor Flexibles North America, integrating measurement into the cleaning cycle has streamlined work on the pressroom floor. “The Meridian Elite+ takes our anilox management program to the next level,” said Erica Kirinovic, Manufacturing Process Improvement Engineer, Amcor Flexibles North America. “It integrates the anilox volume measurement process directly into the cleaning cycle, consolidating what historically has been a two-step manual process. This has improved consistency by eliminating the risk of equipment damage during measurement and has freed up operators to focus on other critical pressroom tasks.”
The system automates both cleaning and inspection. It uses laser ablation to remove ink, adhesive and coating residues from the engraved cells of anilox and gravure rolls. A built-in microscope measures cell volume before and after cleaning to confirm recovery and, if needed, automatically initiates a second cycle without operator intervention. A connected roll health database provides full traceability of each roll’s cleaning history and volume trends. Reported outcomes include improved first-pass print accuracy, faster changeovers and extended roll life.
Integrated laser cleaning and inspection
The Meridian Elite+ brings several functions into a single, closed-loop process designed for flexographic operations:
- Laser ablation-based cleaning of anilox and gravure rolls to safely clear ink, adhesive and coating residues from cell structures.
- Integrated pre- and post-clean cell volume measurement via a built-in microscope, enabling verification of cleanliness and capacity recovery.
- Automatic re-clean triggering when required, reducing manual steps and minimizing handling risks.
- Roll-level traceability through a connected database, allowing converters to monitor cleaning history and volume trends over time.
BW Converting notes that more than 250 laser cleaners are installed globally, with a growing presence in flexible packaging. The Meridian Elite+ is offered in multiple configurations and is designed, built and serviced in-house under the PCMC brand.
