Print Sleeves, Bases and Covers

Print sleeves, bases, and covers are press components designed to improve uptime, repeatability, and print quality. They help reduce changeover time, maintain tight running tolerances, and protect high-value engraved/print surfaces in demanding flexo and gravure environments.

Choose based on the job:

• Flexo sleeves: plate mounting for fast job changes and consistent print results.
• Bridge sleeves: lightweight sleeves used to improve repeat accuracy and reduce vibration at speed (often tied to specific press/mandrel sizing needs).
• Anilox bases & sleeves: precision-fit sleeve bases designed for repeatability, stability, and long-term refurbishing/rebuild potential.
• Anilox roll covers: protective covers that shield engraved rolls/sleeves and improve pressroom identification.

Flexo plate mounting sleeves are cylindrical components used to mount printing plates on a flexographic press. PRS flexo sleeves are built to withstand heat, wear, and harsh chemicals, are compatible with sticky-back tapes, and are resistant to solvent-, water-, and UV-based inks. Typical PRS capabilities include precision tolerances (TIR <= 0.0005 in and diameter tolerance <= 0.0005 in) and sleeve lengths commonly up to 80 in, with custom applications up to 120 in.

Bridge sleeves are lightweight sleeves engineered to reduce vibration (“bounce”) and improve print consistency at high speeds. PRS bridge sleeves use carbon fiber reinforcement for vibration dampening and are designed to support tight registration tolerances while reducing operator fatigue and easing sleeve changeovers. Options can include replaceable notches, secondary air supply / flow-through air, and locating/register features for precise press integration.

Anilox bases are the foundation beneath anilox sleeves/rolls, and base integrity is critical for repeatability and consistent ink transfer. PRS multi-layer anilox sleeve bases use a precision aluminum wall (to support end-user refurbishing) plus a proprietary SmartMemory™ cushion layer that returns the sleeve to its tight original fit when air is removed. PRS lists TIR tolerance for these bases as < 0.0005 in.

Anilox roll covers are thin, lightweight protective covers that install directly over the engraved surface—without removing the roll from the press. PRS covers are color-coded (with optional slit design for visibility) and offered as wrap-around or slide-on protection to reduce wear/accidental damage and improve pressroom identification.

Yes. PRS offers resurfacing options for used flexo sleeves to extend service life. PRS anilox bases are designed to maintain fit/tolerances through repeated use and refurbishing, and PRS bridge sleeves can be configured with replaceable notch designs to support longer product life.

For the fastest quote, provide press/OEM details, mandrel/air system details, sleeve ID/OD, face length/overall length, notch or mounting features, and what you’re trying to improve (changeover speed, vibration, repeatability, identification/protection, etc.). If you’re missing documentation, PRS offers a Roll Identification service: upload photos and share what you know, and PRS engineers identify the roll type (including print cylinders/anilox/coating rollers) and provide repair/replacement guidance.