Commercial printers have many different kinds of blades. These include steel, plastic, and graphite. Depending on the kind of work you need the blade to do, choose the one that best suits you.
Steel
There are many different types of steel blades for commercial printers. The type of blade you choose can greatly impact the quality of your printing. They can also help to save money.
One of the most commonly used materials for flexo doctor blades is steel. This material has excellent wear resistance, and it is available in a variety of thicknesses and profiles.
Fiberglass composite doctor blades offer an alternative to metal blades, and they can provide better durability at high speeds. They are ideal for abrasive inks, as they are reinforced with glass fibers.
Metal doctor blades are also available. A variety of stainless steel and carbon blades are available.
Graphite
The use of graphite metal blades for commercial printers has been introduced previously. These are used in higher-end graphics and corrugated applications, such as printing on ceramic anilox rolls. However, it is often a problem to produce high-density graphite parts with complex shapes.
As a result, additive manufacturing techniques have emerged during the past two decades. One of these is the Binder Jetting Printing (BJP) process. This is a technique that can process virtually any powder. BJP uses a binder to wet and bond the graphite powder particles. Once heated, the binder softens.
There are several potential advantages to this technique. One is the reduction of porosity, which can lead to low strength and wear resistance. Another benefit is that it allows for high-density components.
Plastic
Plastic blades are a safer alternative to conventional steel blades. They are also more affordable. However, if you are considering using plastic blades, you must choose the right type for the job.
For example, you may not want a hard squeegee to print white inks on labels. Rather, you may use a softer squeegee to deposit lighter ink deposits onto the paper. Consider using doctor blades, which are a safer choice.
The width of the doctor’s blade can have a huge impact on your printing. It is important to choose the correct width for your job. Also, it can help prevent uneven ink coverage, which can cause start-up lines and poor print quality.
Ceramic Blades
Unlike steel blades, ceramic blades do not spark or rust. They are also non-magnetic and chemically inert. These characteristics make them ideal for industrial applications. They are also easy to maintain. Using ceramic blades in your business will help to avoid chemical reactions, harmful bacteria, and corrosion.
Ceramic blades are manufactured in a variety of styles, from rounded-tip trapezoid blades to 4-cutting edge blades. They are also available in sizes ranging from 134 to 170 mm. They can be used for a wide range of cutting applications. Some of the most common uses include:
Ceramic blades are also used for film-slitting operations. These blades provide a clean, sharp edge that lasts much longer than metal blades. They are also easier to maintain because they do not rust. They are also non-conductive and do not contaminate the surrounding area.
The doctor blade industry has made significant advances, including the development of new materials and custom executions. This can increase quality and productivity while also reducing fatigue.