Many different metal doctor blades are on the market, making it difficult to choose the right one for your business. Here are some of the benefits of the different metals and what they should be used for.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is used to make the most basic metal blades. This has a very bright appearance and is for use in gravure and flexographic applications. These blades are available from 6 to 10 millimeters in many different shapes.
Carbon Steel With Blue Oxide
Carbon steel that has been coated with a layer of blue oxide is great if you need help identifying the sharp edge. It can be used in any application. This material is available in thicknesses of 4 to 20 millimeters and almost any shape.
Enhanced Carbon Steel
This blade is carbon steel that has an enhanced chemical composition and added chromium. The result is a longer-lasting blade. Additionally, the chromium makes the steel more resistant to corrosion if you are using water-based ink. Like regular steel, it has a bright appearance and is for use in gravure and flexographic applications. It is typically available in 8 millimeters of thickness with many shape options.
Low-Friction Coated Carbon Steel
This type of blade has basic carbon steel that has been coated with a low-friction metallic layer for difficult gravure and flexographic jobs. However, it is not recommended for use in flexographic containment applications. Instead, it is the most beneficial in the engraving and printing business to reduce streaking and haze associated with chrome gravure cylinders. It is typically available in 8 millimeters with a specific shape.
With so many blades available, it can be hard to choose the one you need. By learning more about the different materials and what they should be used for, you can get a better idea of which one would work for you.
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