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In this time of ever changing environmental regulations, we are seeing more and more evidence of different solvents being used as roll cleaners.
Many of our clients are obtaining "cleaning solutions" of various names and chemical makeups as alternatives to environmentally unfriendly chemicals. Please be aware that simply because a chemical is not classified as a controlled substance by the E.P.A. does not mean that it is safe to use as a roll cleaner. It is sometimes a difficult task to find a suitable chemical for cleaning the process residue without damaging the rubber roll covering. What is good for one type of rubber may or may not be compatible for an alternative rubber type.
Often we are asked to recommend a quality roll cleaner. Frankly, there is no one, all-purpose cleaner that can be used for every application. However, we have found that in most cases isopropyl alcohol or simply soap and water are safe and effective. If those are not suitable solvents for your particular process residue, there are several steps to take before possibly damaging a roll covering with a harmful solvent.
1 . Contact the supplier of the process product (i.e. ink, paint, and glue) which you want to clean from your roll and ask if there is a recommended solvent for cleaning purposes
2. Obtain a sample (one-pint) along with a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
3. Contact your Rolls Incorporated Sales Engineer prior to using the suggested cleaner and request that an immersion test be conducted in order to determine what effect the cleaner will have on the rubber covering prior to using the cleaner. Testing prior to using a cleaner can help prevent catastrophic damage to a roll.
The use of all cleaners should be kept to an absolute minimum with regards to quantity and duration of exposure. The cleaner should never be poured directly on the roller, but rather applied with a cloth and removed as quickly as possible. Our lab recommends that you work only on a very small area and follow by immediately wiping off the area with a clean dry cloth. If any swelling or softening is observed, discontinue at once. Use personal protective equipment as recommended on the MSDS supplied with the solvent/cleaner.
It might be helpful to recognize that all chemicals used to clean equipment surrounding the roll can also have an adverse effect on a roll covering. This contact can be in the form of drips, vapors, or overspray. We will gladly test any of these cleaners as well if damage resulting from contact is suspected.