Definition
A metering blade that scrapes excess ink off an anilox roll, leaving ink only in the engraved cells.
Applications
- Chambered doctor blade systems
- High-coverage white
- Fine process printing
Benefits
- Stabilizes ink volume
- Reduces spitting/streaks
- Improves dot consistency
Industry Examples
- Medical: improved barcode/UDI legibility on device packaging.
- Industrial: consistent dense blacks for strong contrast on bulk wraps.
- Electronics: ensures consistent conductive ink laydown for printed static-dissipative layers in specialty ESD films.
FAQ
Q: What causes blade lines?
A: Wear, debris, or incorrect blade angle/pressure.
Q: How often replace blades?
A: Based on wear and print quality; preventive schedules reduce downtime.