BW Converting reports strong early results from its newly launched PCMC Meridian Elite+ laser anilox cleaner. The system is delivering measurable performance gains at multiple customer sites, including Amcor Flexibles North America (AFNA), one of the world’s largest flexible-packaging printer/converters.

First introduced in early 2025 under the legacy PCMC brand, the Meridian Elite+ is the sixth-generation evolution of BW Converting’s laser roll-cleaning platform, engineered to deliver advanced automation, precision and data-driven maintenance for today’s flexographic pressroom. With the newest platform now in the field, Amcor is among the first converters to implement it in a full-scale production setting.

“The Meridian Elite+ takes our anilox management program to the next level,” says Erica Kirinovic, mfg. process improvement eng.-Amcor Flexibles North America. “It integrates the anilox-volume measurement process directly into the cleaning cycle, consolidating what historically has been a two-step manual process. This has improved consistency by eliminating the risk of equipment damage during measurement and has freed up operators to focus on other critical pressroom tasks.”

The Meridian Elite+ automates both cleaning and inspection processes, using laser ablation to safely remove ink, adhesive and coating residue from the engraved cells of anilox and gravure rolls. A built-in microscope measures cell volume before and after cleaning, confirming recovery and triggering a second cycle if needed — no operator intervention required.

This integrated, closed-loop system gives converters full traceability of each roll’s cleaning history and volume trends through a connected roll health database. The result is improved first-pass print accuracy, faster changeovers and longer roll life.