The Key Role of Doctor Blades in Printing and Coating: Material Selection and Matching with Working Speed

 

    In modern printing and coating processes, doctor blades play a crucial role as essential tools. They are used to control the amount of ink, coating, or ink on the substrate, ensuring consistent print quality and coating effectiveness. However, selecting the right doctor blade material and matching it with the working speed presents certain challenges. This article will introduce common doctor blade materials, parameters, and how to choose the suitable material according to the working speed, providing readers with a better understanding of the importance of doctor blades and the selection principles.

    The choice of doctor blade material is critical for its performance and durability. Common doctor blade materials include SK4, C100, 20C/20CA, and stainless steel. SK4 doctor blades are the most common choice, being economical and suitable for general inks and coatings. C100 doctor blades exhibit excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance, making them suitable for handling corrosive coatings and solvents. 20C/20CA doctor blades are specifically designed for special effect inks, offering superior hardness and wear resistance. On the other hand, stainless steel doctor blades possess anti-oxidation and corrosion resistance properties, making them ideal for long-term use and special environments.

    Doctor blade parameters refer to critical indicators such as size, hardness, edge width, and thickness. Hardness is an important factor in doctor blade wear resistance and ink scraping effect, commonly measured in HV or N/mm values. The width and thickness of the doctor blade determine its scraping effect, while edge width and thickness directly impact the coating amount and quality. Different doctor blade lengths and surface qualities also influence the blade's lifespan and stability.

    Different working speeds have an impact on the selection of doctor blade material. Lower working speeds typically call for SK4 doctor blades, suitable for general printing and coating applications. As the working speed increases, C100 doctor blades can better handle high-speed coating processes. For even higher printing and coating speeds, 20C/20CA doctor blades and stainless steel doctor blades are preferred choices due to their increased hardness and wear resistance, making them suitable for high-speed working environments.

    Doctor blades are indispensable key components in printing and coating processes, making material selection and parameter settings crucial. When selecting doctor blade materials, it is essential to consider the characteristics of the coating material, working speed, and environmental requirements. SK4, C100, 20C/20CA, and stainless steel are common doctor blade materials, each with unique advantages and applicable ranges. Furthermore, setting appropriate doctor blade parameters ensures the stability and consistency of coating and printing quality. By comprehensively considering material selection and working speed, one can maximize the performance and lifespan of doctor blades, leading to outstanding results in printing and coating processes.

    If you have any questions about doctor blade, JCTPRINT can provide you with professional answers for free.