Polythene extrusion and flexo printing generate ink build-up, polymer residue, adhesives, oils, and dust, which accumulate on rollers, dies, frames, guards, and surrounding equipment. Traditional cleaning methods presented several challenges:

• Long production stoppages for manual and chemical cleaning
• Risk of roller and anilox damage from aggressive methods
• Ink contamination leading to print defects and waste
• High labour input and solvent handling
• Inconsistent cleaning standards across sites

The client required a solution that could clean thoroughly while minimising downtime and standardising maintenance across multiple facilities.

Dry ice blasting was selected as a non-abrasive, solvent-free cleaning solution suitable for both extrusion and printing environments. The process effectively removed:

• Polythene and polymer build-up on extrusion equipment
• Ink, adhesive, and dust from flexo printing presses
• Contamination from frames, guards, rollers, and surrounding machinery

Because dry ice sublimates on impact, cleaning was completed without secondary waste, moisture, or residue.

Our team carried out on-site dry ice blasting across extrusion lines and flexographic presses, including:

• Extruder dies, calibration equipment, frames, and guards
• Flexo press components, housings, and non-sensitive rollers
• Ancillary equipment and production areas

Cleaning was scheduled during planned maintenance windows, ensuring minimal disruption to production.

Following the success of the initial cleans, the client:

• Booked regular, periodical dry ice blasting services
• Rolled out cleaning programs across multiple sites and machines
• Standardised cleaning intervals to prevent heavy build-up

These scheduled cleans ensure equipment remains at optimal condition, reducing unplanned stoppages and maintaining consistent output quality.

The benefits of dry ice blasting were seen across all sites:

• Significant reduction in cleaning-related downtime
• Improved extrusion consistency and film quality
• Sharper, more consistent print results
• Reduced reliance on solvents and manual scraping
• Extended component and roller life
• Cleaner, safer production environments

Dry ice blasting is now an integral part of the client’s preventative maintenance strategy, supporting consistent quality and reliable operation across their entire production network.

• Safe for delicate and high-value components
• No water or chemicals
• Effective on ink, polymer, and adhesive build-up
• Ideal for multi-site, repeatable cleaning programs
• Environmentally responsible with no secondary waste

By partnering with us for scheduled dry ice blasting services, this polythene extrusion and flexo printing manufacturer achieved cleaner machines, reduced downtime, and consistent quality across multiple sites, demonstrating the long-term value of proactive, non-abrasive industrial cleaning.