An Insurance Policy to Proper Printing
July 2005
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Much research and development has gone into the design of modern doctor blades and systems, and knowing what is needed is the most important factor in choosing the correct blade.
AUTOMATION. SIMPLICITY. PARTNERSHIP. These three elements are important to the converter involved in any aspect of the printing process, and doctor blades are no exception. "Fundamentally, the job of the printing doctor blade has not changed over the years. A doctor blade must remove excess ink from the ink transfer process without causing other problems," said Paul Sharkey, president, FLXON Inc. "What has changed is that more and more printers realize the doctor blade really does matter and that it is not a commodity."
If some converters still need to be sold on the importance of doctor blades to the overall printing process, some doctor blade suppliers offer suggestions and hints to choosing the right doctor blade, and offer some insight into the future of the doctor blade industry.
What to know
There are a number of factors that make selecting the right doctor blade a difficult proposition, says Perry Lichon, president, Retroflex Inc. "Through the years we have learned that no single blade material or tip configuration is best suited to all applications. This seemingly inexpensive piece of consumable can easily make or break the end user's profitability," he said.
"Imagine. A multi-million dollar printing or coating line having its performance being controlled by a thin strip of material that costs pennies per inch," Lichon added. He said a good way to research which blade is right for specific printing processes is to ask the supplier for samples of a variety of different blade materials.
"Printers need to partner with their blade, roller, and ink companies to solve their printing issues," said Tony Donato, blade application engineer and trainer, Benton Graphics Inc. "As the buyers of packaging become more demanding and the timetables keep shrinking when new products are needed, the converters are forced to turn to their suppliers to assist them within product and process development," he added.
Choosing the right blade material is almost as important as choosing the right blade manufacturer. The mechanics of the blade needs to be within specific tolerances to ensure proper positioning, which is essential to preventing ink leakage, ensuring a long blade life, and saving the anilox roll from unnecessary wear and tear.
"The doctor blade must be machined to the most exacting straightness and flatness tolerances to ensure the press operator can meter ink effectively with the lowest possible pressure settings on the doctor blade," said Anthony Foley, president, Converting Solutions Inc.
AUTOMATION. SIMPLICITY. PARTNERSHIP. These three elements are important to the converter involved in any aspect of the printing process, and doctor blades are no exception. "Fundamentally, the job of the printing doctor blade has not changed over the years. A doctor blade must remove excess ink from the ink transfer process without causing other problems," said Paul Sharkey, president, FLXON Inc. "What has changed is that more and more printers realize the doctor blade really does matter and that it is not a commodity."
If some converters still need to be sold on the importance of doctor blades to the overall printing process, some doctor blade suppliers offer suggestions and hints to choosing the right doctor blade, and offer some insight into the future of the doctor blade industry.
What to know
There are a number of factors that make selecting the right doctor blade a difficult proposition, says Perry Lichon, president, Retroflex Inc. "Through the years we have learned that no single blade material or tip configuration is best suited to all applications. This seemingly inexpensive piece of consumable can easily make or break the end user's profitability," he said.
"Imagine. A multi-million dollar printing or coating line having its performance being controlled by a thin strip of material that costs pennies per inch," Lichon added. He said a good way to research which blade is right for specific printing processes is to ask the supplier for samples of a variety of different blade materials.
"Printers need to partner with their blade, roller, and ink companies to solve their printing issues," said Tony Donato, blade application engineer and trainer, Benton Graphics Inc. "As the buyers of packaging become more demanding and the timetables keep shrinking when new products are needed, the converters are forced to turn to their suppliers to assist them within product and process development," he added.
Choosing the right blade material is almost as important as choosing the right blade manufacturer. The mechanics of the blade needs to be within specific tolerances to ensure proper positioning, which is essential to preventing ink leakage, ensuring a long blade life, and saving the anilox roll from unnecessary wear and tear.
"The doctor blade must be machined to the most exacting straightness and flatness tolerances to ensure the press operator can meter ink effectively with the lowest possible pressure settings on the doctor blade," said Anthony Foley, president, Converting Solutions Inc.
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