Corrugated Converters Blog Series Part 2 “Necessity Is the Mother of Ink Delivery Innovation

The first blog post in our Corrugated Converters at the Crossroads series looked at how new consumer buying behaviors are changing what is expected of corrugated packaging printers. Converters are being asked to step up their game, and how they do it will define their future.

But how can they get the most innovation bang for their buck? Ink delivery system innovations are a good place to start. Adding ease, automation and better control over the application of ink will improve press efficiency and enhance graphics quality.

Doctor blade chamber systems

Once made of aluminum, chambers are now constructed from strong polymer and composite materials which resist pitting and corroding and maintain their strength without warping or twisting. Newer models have simplified loading and mounting designs that allow for easier installation and consistent blade contact angles with minimal pressure. Also, the new equipment is engineered to accommodate multiple blade thicknesses without modifications or shim stock, so printers are not limited to only the doctor blade materials that the chamber will hold.

Doctor blade materials

UHMW is the longstanding traditional blade material used in corrugated applications. But as the demand for higher quality graphics creeps into the market (and anilox line screens rise), the blade material can’t effectively control the volume of ink delivered to the plate. As the blade edge wears, its contact area quickly becomes too large to effectively meter the roll – ink film thickness grows, ink mileage declines and blade wear accelerates, all driving the price of the box up.

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