Donora, Pennsylvania based Apex International has announced the global launch of Anilox Armor, its new line of premium protective covers engineered to safeguard anilox sleeves during storage, transport, and handling. This product will be available worldwide through Apex and its regional partners beginning March 2026.
Anilox sleeves are precision-engineered components that play a critical role in delivering consistent ink and coating transfer across flexographic, coating, and other advanced printing processes. The unique end-ring color identification adds significant value by allowing anilox sleeves to be quickly and accurately identified, handled, and stored, ensuring seamless recognition across all operators and shifts.
In addition, effective protection is vital. Damage sustained during storage or handling can compromise the engraved surface and lead to print defects, downtime, and higher operating costs. Anilox Armor covers are specifically designed to address these risks, safeguarding your anilox sleeves and extending the lifespan of anilox assets.
Nick Harvey, Technical Director at Apex International says, “We listened to what pressrooms say causes the most costly damage, and we engineered a solution that protects these critical components from impact, abrasion, and environmental stress.”
Anilox Armor protective covers combine impact-resistant composite materials with a precision-fit, air-cushioned interior that absorbs shock and prevents contact damage to critical engraved surfaces. The covers are engineered specifically for Apex sleeves and rolls, ensuring a secure, non-slip fit that resists inks, solvents, and cleaning agents
“In many facilities, damage happens during routine movement and storage,” added Nick. “Anilox Armor helps address that risk proactively, so presses stay running, and high-quality print standards are maintained.”
Anilox Armor is stocked in standard sizes to fit commonly used sleeve and roll diameters, with custom sizes available upon request to match specific applications.
