When it comes to rotogravure printing, a doctor blade is essential for quality production. As they remove the excess ink from non-engraved parts of the image, they help make sure that what you are printing maintains quality and perfection. There are multiple types of doctor blades, from plastic to metal, and some have more advantages than others. Here are a couple of blades to consider:
Polymer Blades
There are specially formulated blades of polymer that offer great advantages during production. This material gives you a very small and precise tip that wears slowly over time. Not only is the wear slower than normal doctor blades, but it is also more even and balanced throughout its life. This will help achieve a fine contact area and be more effective over time.
Steel Blades
Steel doctor blades are generally the preferred option when producing graphics that are high quality. While some people believe that steel can be less advantageous because of the shorter lifespan, this can be greatly outweighed by the fact that they are so precise when using them in production. When using doctor blades for production, it is important to understand that there is a fine contact area for the blade to be effective, which can easily be achieved with steel blades.
As you have seen above, steel and metal blades are often what people like to purchase when dealing with high-quality production. Polymer or plastic blades are more flexible and can be used for mass production. When considering which blade to buy, it is important to first consider what you need most for your application. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider the steel blade or a plastic polymer blade. If in doubt, definitely consider reaching out to a professional who may be able to guide you in your decision.