CTS Industries integrates RollerTec rubber sleeves into its flexographic anilox portfolio

The dust has settled on LOUPE Americas 2026, and the strategic realignments from the Chicago floor are beginning to take shape. Among the most practical developments for narrow and wide-web flexographic converters is the formalized joint market approach between CTS Industries and its subsidiary, RollerTec. By consolidating ceramic anilox production and rubber roller manufacturing into a single commercial offering, the Cedartown, Georgia-based operation is addressing a persistent supply chain friction: the fragmented procurement of press rollers.

For decades, converters have treated anilox rolls and rubber meter or nip rollers as distinct purchasing categories. CTS Industries is shifting this dynamic. Operating out of its Georgia facility, the company handles the entire manufacturing process domestically, from raw material machining to ceramic coating and laser engraving.

What makes this integration noteworthy is the technical baseline CTS brings to the table. The company covers a broad engraving spectrum, ranging from 40 to 1,800 LPI with volumes between 1 and 100 BCM. Beyond traditional hexagonal patterns, their portfolio includes Tri-Helical engravings for high-viscosity varnishes and adhesives, and the open-cell Flo-Thru technology designed to mitigate ink spitting and improve laydown.

However, the critical differentiator lies in quality control and traceability. Every engraved anilox undergoes P.A.R.T. Analysis (Production Assurance Roll Test) before dispatch. This micrometer-scale verification ensures that cell volume and engraving consistency meet exact specifications, a non-negotiable requirement for converters running highly repeatable jobs. Coupled with the EZ View Pro system on their shafted rollers, which embeds engraving identification directly onto the hardware, CTS provides a level of traceability that significantly reduces pressroom errors during roller selection.

RollerTec complements this high-precision anilox foundation with its expertise in elastomeric components. As a specialized subsidiary, RollerTec manufactures rubber rollers, tint sleeves, meter rollers, and laminate rollers, while also providing re-covering and journal repair services.

By bringing these two halves of the flexographic ink transfer system together, CTS Industries is not merely cross-selling products. It is offering a unified, US-manufactured roller ecosystem that promises tighter tolerances, simplified troubleshooting, and a more resilient supply chain for North American converters.