What Are the Advantages of Composite Printing Press Blades? Composite printing press blades tend to be less abrasive than traditional blades. This is advantageous for two main reasons: less wear on the roll surface and reduced “plugging up” with contaminants and particles. These benefits, combined with a lower cost of ownership, can make these printing press blades an intelligent choice for any business.
Less abrasive blades
The abrasiveness of a printing blade largely depends on the design and geometry of the cylinder it is attached to. Less abrasive blades are less likely to wear out the roll surface. The printing blade must be angled and have the minimum contact pressure possible. A blade should fit tightly without leaving waves or causing wear. It should be able to wipe out the roll without causing excessive ink to be applied to the roll.
These blades are usually carbon or stainless steel and feature a reduced edge for longer service life. They are commonly used on the containment side of a doctor-enclosed blade system. Plastic blades are less corrosive and offer less wear on the roll surface than steel.
Remove the need for adhesives.
The composite printing blades are made of steel composition. Therefore, the length, width, and thickness of the support bar 64 depend on the printing press size. The blade is attached to the body 100 by two screws through threaded mounting holes 105 and 107 in the support bar 64. Each segment is 53/4 inches long, 11/4 inches wide, and made of hardened spring steel. The number of segments depends on the number of ink key adjusters on the press.
A composite printing press blade has individual segments attached to a lower support bar and an upper blade cover plate. The leading ends of each segment extend beyond the top edges of the support bar and the cleaning plate to allow flexible adjustment of the gap between the blade and the first ink pickup roller. Moreover, each segment is smoothly machined so that it slides smoothly against the surrounding parts. The adhesive is breathable, which is advantageous for bonding textile linings and non-woven fabrics.
Reduced “plugging up”
A composite printing press blade helps improve the quality of finished products by reducing the risk of “plugging up” with particles and other contaminants. This problem is caused by coating particles and contaminants on the roll surface, which eventually clog the fibers of the working surface. By reducing “plugging up,” composite doctor blades can reduce abrasion. And because composite blades are made of composite material, they are more durable.
The composite blades have a leading beveled edge 14 and are held against a rotating papermaking roll. The blades’ leading edges remove particles and contaminants from the surface of the roll.
Longer life
If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting printing press blade, consider the benefits of Composite. These materials are lighter, more durable, and last much longer than traditional carbon steel. Composites also have greater tensile strength. And thanks to their unique design, composite printing press blades have more than twice the life of traditional carbon steel blades. That’s an incredible benefit, especially if you’re in the business of making high-quality printed materials.
As for the material used to make composite blades, the best ones are.025 or less and resistant to corrosion. They’re also structurally rigid, which helps them meter ink more evenly across the anilox roll, reducing damage to the machine’s rolls. Finally, composites are more affordable than their metal counterparts. Fortunately, they’re an excellent option for your press.
Reduced cost
A composite printing press blade holder is a low-cost solution for manufacturers. The material is less expensive and has several advantages, including reduced maintenance and replacement costs. Composite printing press blades also reduce the cost of ownership because they do not need to be replaced as often and do not scratch the surface of the roller. They are also rigid and light, so they require less load energy. Compared to metal printing press blades, which are heavy and need more energy for installation and replacement, composite printing press blades have a lower cost of ownership.
A three-way collaboration between UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center and Oak Ridge National Laboratory will develop a rapid 3-D printing solution for large segmented wind-farm blade molds. The company will also collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop a containerized 3D printing robot to produce wind blades. While this collaboration is still in the early stages, the company’s technology will be developed further, and the costs will be significantly reduced in the future.