On this occasion, from Inelme we would like to present one of the most important pieces in the graphic industry sector and, more specifically, in the flexography sector: the doctor blade chamber. The doctor blade chamber is the result of the evolution of the flexographic inking system composed of rubber and anilox rollers working in contact to dose the ink delivered by the latter. The replacement of the pressure roller (rubber) by a system, first with a single blade and later with a double blade in a closed chamber, represented a great advance for the quality of flexographic prints.
What it is and why it is important in flexography
Made of different materials, aluminum, stainless steel or carbon fiber, its main objective is to regulate the amount of ink delivered by the anilox, achieving uniform colors at any printing speed, as well as offering the possibility of very low contributions, compared to the previous system, essential in color selection printing. The doctor blade chamber is mainly composed of three essential elements: the body, made of different materials, the blades, one for entry and one for exit, made of steel or plastic, and the side shutters, which keep the ink inside the chamber and are mainly made of foam or rubber depending on the needs (printing speed or duration of the job to be printed). The foam ones are especially indicated for short runs, while the rubber ones for long runs.
Benefits of having a scraper camera
The most important advantage of using a doctor blade chamber on flexographic printing units is the uniform filling of the cavities of the ceramic anilox roll, as it makes for exceptional prints and eliminates the problem of color creep by increasing the printing speed of older rubber pressure roll printing systems that allow more ink to pass through with increasing speed.
What to consider when choosing a scraper camera?
• Easy to change the blades. Since they need to be replaced from time to time, whether they are made of steel or plastic, this is a very important factor. It is essential that it is not necessary to use tools but levers that, with a simple hand movement, allow the blades to be released, changed and locked. • Strength and lightness. It is essential that a doctor blade chamber is very resistant to bending to avoid defects in the ink supply in the central area of the anilox. Light to facilitate handling, normally made of aluminum, it is important to pay attention to the anodizing applied to avoid corrosion. • Hermetic closure. These chambers have a hermetic closure system on the sides called shutters, which prevents ink leaks and are preferably made of elastomer resistant to the chemicals in the ink to be used. • Easy to assemble and disassemble. The doctor blade chamber must be able to be quickly assembled and disassembled from the printing unit (as with the blades, it is important that no tools are required) and it is advisable that it can be placed in a vertical position with a simple 90° turn to allow the blades to be changed when mounted on the printing unit. Are you interested in finding out more about the doctor blade chamber? Contact Inelme and its professionals will answer all your questions. You can find them on the phone number +34 961 47 10 85 and by email at inelme@inelme.com.
