A printing press is a stack of rollers, and every position does a different job. The ink ductor transfers from the fountain, the distributor rollers even out the film, the form rollers apply it to the plate, and the dampening train keeps the non-image area clean. Using the same hardness across all of them is the fastest way to inconsistent density.
We manufacture matched sets by press model, with the hardness and surface finish specified per position rather than copied from a single sample.
Press Models We Manufacture For
Send the press model and the roller position. If your press is older or a rare model, send the roller itself — we reverse engineer from the worn part.
| Brand | Series / model | Roller positions |
|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg | Speedmaster SM 52, Printmaster PM 52 | Ink ductor, distributor, form, dampening, rider — full unit sets |
| Heidelberg | Speedmaster SM 74, CD 74 | Ink and dampening trains, coating rollers |
| Heidelberg | Speedmaster CD 102, SX 102 | Ink, dampening and rider positions |
| Heidelberg | GTO 46 / 52 | Ink and dampening rollers |
| Roland | Roland 200, 300, 700 | Ink, dampening and coating rollers |
| Komori | Lithrone series | Ink and dampening trains |
| KBA | Rapida series | Ink and dampening rollers |
Model coverage is indicative. Confirm your exact machine and roller position in the enquiry — the same series can differ by year and configuration.
Rollers We Have Actually Built
Photographed in our workshop. No stock images, no supplier catalogues.
Heidelberg SM52 Set
Ink and dampening rollers, hardness matched to each roller position across the unit.
Heidelberg PM52 Set
Full replacement sets, shipped as a matched unit or as individual positions.
Special Compounds
Compound-specific colours so line staff can identify positions at a glance.
Hardness by Roller Position
Typical starting points for offset presses. Final values depend on ink system, press speed and substrate.
| Position | Typical hardness | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Ink ductor | to be confirmed | Transfers ink from the fountain roller |
| Distributor / rider | to be confirmed | Works and evens the ink film |
| Form roller | to be confirmed | Applies ink to the plate |
| Dampening metering | to be confirmed | Controls fountain solution film |
| Dampening form | to be confirmed | Applies solution to the plate |
| Coating roller | to be confirmed | Applies aqueous or UV coating |
Hardness by position is confirmed against the factory’s tested capability and your press manual before quotation.
Printing Roller Questions
Do you supply a single roller or only full sets?
Both. A single replacement for one position is normal, and so is a complete unit set. Sets are matched so the hardness progression across positions is consistent.
How do I order without a drawing?
Send the press model, the unit number and the roller position. If you have the old roller, ship it — measuring the worn part and reconstructing the dimensions is standard practice for us.
Can you match OEM hardness exactly?
We match to the reading you provide, but recommend confirming against the press manual. A worn roller often reads harder at the ends than in the middle, so the “original” number is not always the right target.
What causes early failure on press rollers?
Usually one of four: incompatible wash-up solvent attacking the compound, excessive nip pressure, ink drying on the roller during downtime, or a bearing/seating fault causing runout. Tell us how it failed and we will adjust the compound.
Do you ship to the US and Australia?
Yes, by sea, air and express, with export packing included. Lead time and freight options are confirmed in the quotation.
Send the Press Model and Roller Position
You will get a matched set proposal with hardness per position, a price and a lead time — usually within one working day.