Using end seals for your doctor blades can help prevent leaks, ink spills, and other unwanted situations. This is especially true if you use doctor blades for inkjet printing.
Durability
Choosing the right end seals for your doctor blade chamber can be important in ensuring that your printing press stays in top condition. The right seals can help keep the ink from leaking out of the chamber, saving printers thousands of dollars in wasted ink. Choosing the right material is also important. Choosing the wrong material can lead to unnecessary downtime and print defects.
Traditional doctor blade assembly end seals are made from rubber or compressible foam. Both of these materials can wear out quickly. They are also susceptible to mechanical drag from the anilox roller, which can wear them out faster.
One way to prevent premature seal wear is to use a more durable material. For example, using an abrasion-resistant end seal, can help keep the doctor’s blade from wearing out.
Ink Leaks
Choosing the best doctor blade material is an important part of printing process optimization. The correct material will help to ensure quality inks and keep your customers happy. The wrong material may cause unnecessary downtime and cost you money.
When choosing a doctor’s blade material, consider the thickness of the blade. Thin blades are less flexible and allow for more ink leakage. Also, choose a blade material with a fine microstructure. This will help slow down the doctor’s blade’s wear and tear.
There are many different types of materials available. The best option is to work with a printing process supplier with extensive cross-disciplinary industry knowledge. This allows them to draw on a pool of high-quality raw materials. They can also offer a complimentary doctor blade analysis to help identify misaligned chambers or excessive doctor blade wear.
Foam Seals
Using foam seals on doctor blades is a smart move. Not only do they prevent leaks, but they also prevent excessive doctor blade wear. The right combination of materials can produce a seal that performs at the highest level. It’s common for operators to replace seals when setting up a new job.
Many materials could be used to create a seal, including foam, rubber, and felt. The material type depends on the application and the temperature at which the molding is performed.
The best way to find the best seal for your press is to consult an expert. While some operators may need to be aware of the available options, others might be surprised by their choice.
Pre-Soaked Felt Seals
Choosing the proper seal for your enclosed-chamber doctor blade system is crucial to ensuring proper doctor blade seating and preventing leaks. If you need help with how to select the right seal, a provider can help. They can also help solve any problems that may arise.
First, decide whether you want to use felt or rubber seals. Felt seals are made to last longer than rubber seals. They are also compatible with all types of inks. You may need to use a food-grade lubricant if you use solvent inks.
Felt seals should be left out for at least 24 hours to saturate. If they have not been drained after this time, they will dry out and may deteriorate. Felt seals should be stored in an air-tight container.
