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How to use the correct Doctor Blade in the printing industry

The Ink Scraper is also called Ink Blade, Ink Doctor Blade, Ink Spatula, Ink Scraper Blade.
In gravure printing, the ink scraper plays a crucial role. Having a good scraper and using it correctly not only enhances the color brightness and saturation of printed ink but also reduces printing quality accidents.

The ink scraper’s role in gravure printing is to remove excess ink from the surface of the printing rollers, leaving only the ink in the roller mesh. All mesh parts should remain unscraped to ensure the entire print meets quality requirements. The proper choice and use of the ink scraper significantly improve the quality of printed products.

Selecting an Effective Squeegee

Choosing a suitable squeegee is essential due to the two types of gravure plates: engraving and electric engraving. During high-speed motor-driven operations, the scraper follows the machine’s rotation, necessitating elasticity for quick restoration to its original position. A lack of elasticity can lead to issues such as wire residue, squeegee powder, and interference with print colors. Optimal squeegee materials include C, Cr, Mn, and Si, with a thickness typically ranging from 0.1mm to 0.18mm. Incorrect thickness affects ink cleanliness, causing fogging and impacting print quality.

Scraper Hardness and Squeegee Tips

The hardness of the scraper influences printed material quality. While the doctor blade is iron, the electro-engraving plate is a chrome-plated copper cylinder. The hardness, generally within the range of 200HV to 300HV, prevents plate damage and ensures clean ink removal. Choosing a squeegee with a rounded tip is crucial to prevent harm to the printing plate and facilitate smooth ink scraping. A flat-tipped knife can cause plate damage, affect printing, and result in incomplete ink removal.

Squeegee Usage in the Printing Process

Inconsistent or varying color intensity is a common issue in color printing, especially with level versions like hanging screen versions. The angle of the squeegee in relation to the plate cylinder directly affects print quality. An angle between 35° and 45° is generally appropriate, with adjustments based on plate depth and machine speed. Proper adjustments ensure the doctor blade effectively removes excess ink, allowing even ink transfer to achieve high-quality prints.

Installing and Adjusting the Ink Scraper

When installing an ink scraper, a sub-blade is often used for support. This sub-blade, typically made of hardened steel, has a thickness ranging from 120mm to 150mm. Proper installation involves grinding the blade edge at a 25° oblique angle and adjusting the blade size based on the printing plate and roller dimensions. The doctor blade’s structure, including length and adjustments, is crucial for maintaining print quality.

Squeegee Pressure Impact

Pressure on the squeegee in gravure printing is essential for passing through the ink layer, ensuring contact with the plate roller and removing excess ink. Pressure adjustments should consider plate depth and graphic stack level. Excessive pressure can lead to over-cleaning and ink splashing, while inadequate pressure may result in printing faults. Proper pressure adjustment and use of a fan can prevent issues like ink accumulation and knife lines.

Maintaining the Ink Scraper

Over time, scraping knives may develop cracks or burrs, affecting their effectiveness. Grinding or replacing the knife resolves these issues. Scraper maintenance includes cleaning, classification, and lubrication. After use, blades are dried, placed in a plastic bag with a bit of oil, and stored in a ventilated dry place.

In conclusion, using the squeegee correctly is crucial for achieving high-quality prints. Improper usage can lead to significant quality issues.

About METAL Industrial

Nanjing Metal Industrial CO., Limited is a manufacturer of mechanical blades from China, producing blades and accessories for industries including metalworking, converting, food, and more. We have more than 15 years of experience in the manufacture and sales of industrial machine blades, machine parts, and regrinding services. We invite you to experience the superior quality of production.

72 Responses

  1. Impressive guide on choosing and maintaining doctor blades. It enhances understanding of its impact on print quality and operational efficiency! 🙂

  2. J’ai apprécié l’explication détaillée sur l’importance de l’angle du racloir dans le processus d’impression.

  3. Обучение. Краскопульт оказывает большое влияние на результаты печати.

  4. L’article explique clairement comment choisir la bonne lame de doctoring pour améliorer la qualité d’impression

  5. Это было полезно читать, и я хотел бы, чтобы это было объяснено для каждого метода печати чернильных лезвий скребка. Было бы здорово иметь такую возможность.

  6. O artigo oferece informações valiosas sobre a importância das lâminas de tinta na impressão de alta qualidade. Ótima leitura!

  7. La importancia de una buena instalación del raspador no puede subestimarse. ¡Gracias por compartir estos consejos útiles!

  8. As informações sobre ângulos de instalação são muito úteis para iniciantes na impressão. Excelente artigo!

  9. Die Erklärungen zur Einstellung des Drucks des Rakels sind besonders nützlich für ein gleichmäßiges Druckbild.

  10. Une lecture essentielle pour tous les professionnels de l’impression qui souhaitent réduire les accidents de qualité

  11. インクスクレーパーの選び方が印刷の結果に与える影響についての説明が興味深いです。

  12. Обсуждение совместимости скребков с различными типами чернил помогло мне лучше понять процесс.

  13. 인쇄 품질을 높이기 위해 스크레이퍼의 경도를 조절하는 것이 중요하다는 점이 인상적입니다.

  14. The article highlights the critical role of ink scrapers in gravure printing, ensuring high-quality results. Very informative!

  15. 인쇄 과정에서 스크레이퍼의 각도가 품질에 미치는 영향에 대한 정보가 흥미롭습니다.

  16. 스크레이퍼의 설치 방법에 대한 자세한 설명이 매우 유용했습니다. 실무에 큰 도움이 될 것 같습니다.

  17. L’article fournit des conseils pratiques sur l’entretien des lames de raclage, un vrai plus pour prolonger leur durée de vie.

  18. Las recomendaciones sobre la presión del raspador son clave para evitar errores en la impresión. ¡Gran artículo!

  19. A relação entre a pressão da lâmina e a qualidade da impressão é fascinante. Obrigado por compartilhar!

  20. I appreciate the detailed explanation of squeegee materials and their impact on print quality. Great insights!

  21. 印刷工程におけるスクレーパーの役割がよく理解できました。とても参考になります!

  22. The tips on adjusting the angle of the squeegee for optimal ink transfer are incredibly useful for printers.

  23. Я никогда не думал, что такой простой инструмент, как скребок, может так сильно повлиять на конечный результат.

  24. Understanding the importance of scraper hardness in preventing plate damage is crucial for maintaining print quality.

  25. A manutenção adequada das lâminas é essencial para garantir impressões perfeitas. Adorei as dicas!

  26. The maintenance tips for ink scrapers, including cleaning and lubrication, are essential for long-term performance.

  27. Информация о том, как изменять давление скребка в зависимости от типа печати, была очень полезной!

  28. La elección de materiales adecuados para el raspador puede marcar la diferencia en la calidad de impresión. ¡Muy informativo!

  29. I learned that the angle of the squeegee is crucial for achieving consistent ink transfer during printing.

  30. Le tecniche di installazione e regolazione della lama sono essenziali per mantenere la qualità di stampa.

  31. The discussion on pressure adjustments for squeegees provides valuable guidance for achieving consistent print quality.

  32. L’articolo fornisce ottimi suggerimenti per migliorare la pulizia dell’inchiostro e la qualità della stampa.

  33. The importance of selecting the right ink scraper cannot be overstated; it directly impacts print quality and color vibrancy.

  34. Excellent tips on selecting and maintaining squeegees for gravure printing! This will definitely enhance print quality.

  35. 스크레이퍼의 유지 관리 방법이 잘 설명되어 있어, 앞으로 더 효과적으로 사용할 수 있을 것 같습니다.

  36. The maintenance tips for ink scrapers are very helpful; proper care can extend their lifespan significantly.

  37. スクレーパーの角度調整に関する情報が、印刷の精度向上に役立ちそうです。

  38. Правильный выбор материала для скребков действительно может существенно повлиять на качество печати.

  39. A escolha correta da lâmina de tinta é fundamental para evitar problemas na impressão. Informações muito úteis!

  40. È interessante notare come l’angolo della spatola influisca direttamente sulla qualità della stampa.

  41. Understanding scraper hardness is key to preventing damage to printing plates and ensuring clean ink removal.

  42. The article effectively emphasizes the need for proper installation and adjustment of ink scrapers to avoid quality issues.

  43. L’articolo sottolinea l’importanza della lama per inchiostro nella stampa rotativa per ottenere risultati di alta qualità.

  44. インクの種類によってスクレーパーの交換タイミングが変わるとは知らなかったです。非常にためになります!

  45. I appreciate the detailed explanation of squeegee materials; it helps in making informed choices for better prints.

  46. Dicas excelentes sobre como escolher e manter as espátulas para impressão em gravura! Isso com certeza melhorará a qualidade da impressão.

  47. The impact of scraper thickness on ink cleanliness is an eye-opener; it’s crucial for achieving high-quality prints.

  48. The insights on installing and adjusting ink scrapers are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their printing process.

  49. La limpieza y el mantenimiento del raspador son esenciales para mantener la calidad de impresión. ¡Aprecio los detalles!

  50. This article offers valuable insights into optimizing print quality with the correct use of ink scrapers. Essential read for print professionals!

  51. Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I’m
    inspired! Extremely helpful information specifically the remaining section :
    ) I deal with such information much. I used to
    be seeking this certain info for a very lengthy time.

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