How Do Plastic Composite Blades Work in a Printing Press?

A plastic composite blade is an important tool in a printing press. It provides consistent and reliable performance when applying ink or adhesives to various surfaces. The best part is that these tools can be customized to fit your needs. You can choose from a wide range of designs and colors. These tools are ideal for many industries, including printing, manufacturing, construction, food service, etc.

Squeegees with Different Profiles

Squeegees have different profiles to cater to different applications. They are used for various reasons and can change the results of a printing job. However, selecting the right squeegee is critical to ensuring quality prints.

The squeegee’s edge profile determines how much ink is deposited to the substrate. This profile is found in three general durometers. These include a soft blade, a hard blade, and composite plastic blades.

Soft squeegees transmit less force than hard ones. They also allow more ink to be laid down, which leads to a crisper, more pristine image.

Composite blades, on the other hand, benefit from a hard durometer. In addition to being softer, these blades are more solvent-resistant.

Doctor Blades

One of the most important things a converter must do is to choose the right doctor blade for its printing press. These versatile tools are available in various materials and feature a range of edges and holder styles.

As with any type of equipment, there are inherent challenges in working with doctor blades. But with proper care and maintenance, the result will be positive.

The right choice of material is essential to a blade’s lifespan and effectiveness. Choosing high-quality tool steel will reduce the risk of metal slivers. Higher-quality steel may also have added a wear-resistant coating.

The best way to select a doctor’s blade is to talk with the manufacturer. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the ideal solution.

Polyurethane Squeegees 

Polyurethane squeegees are used in many different industries and come in a wide variety of formulations. It would help if you learned how to choose the right polyurethane squeegees for your specific needs.

The hardness of the material determines the performance of a squeegee—a squeegee with a higher hardness deposits more ink than one with a lower hardness. You should consider the material’s properties if you are looking for the best squeegee for screen printing.

For example, some squeegees have a sharp edge, while others are rounded. When you apply ink to the blade, the squeegee’s edge can smear if it is not rounded.

Teflon Coated Rollers 

In the print shop, there are several different types of rollers used. The most common type is the path roller. These rollers move the paper along the path of a press. They typically have a non-stick coating, preventing abrasives’ build-up. However, these rollers can wear out, which can cause problems with your production.

The most effective way to keep your print quality high is to ensure that your press is maintained regularly. Keeping your rollers clean and free of dust and debris will minimize print problems, such as bad marks and smudges.

Proper Maintenance of a Squeegee

Proper maintenance of a squeegee in a printing press is crucial in ensuring quality prints. It is also important to avoid overusing ink and wasting ink. If you follow the following tips, you can keep your squeegee in good condition and save your company some money.

First, you must ensure that your squeegee is not nicked or swollen. This will waste ink and cause the edges of your print to blur. You should also avoid soaking the squeegee in chemicals. Instead, it would help if you used a cotton swab soaked in a solvent to clean the squeegee.