The Benefits of Using Plastic and Composite Blades for Printing Rollers
Composite Blades for Printing Rollers, as the name implies, these materials are used for printing rollers, a critical component of a printing press. They offer a sharp edge but also wear more quickly, resulting in a need to stop the press in the middle of a run to change the blades. Plastic and composite blades are also less effective with certain inks, such as metallic inks and white flood coats, and may not be effective when used at full speed. Furthermore, they cannot withstand the wear and tear associated with fast-turning rollers and pressurized inks.
Polyurethane rollers are compatible with composite blades.
Unlike metal and plastic rollers, polyurethane can be molded to any shape and provide the same level of elasticity. In addition, the chemical makeup of polyurethane allows it to outlast many alternatives and prolong the life of rollers.
Polyurethane rollers are similar to rubber rollers, but there are differences. The polymer is usually produced in liquid form and is poured or transferred into a mold. The polymer is then cured and hardened to create an incredibly durable roller.
Because of their rigidity, urethane rollers are often used in assembly lines. They are a cost-effective alternative to metal rollers, which can become worn down in hot or cold conditions. In addition, they’re more durable than rubber rollers, which often cause downtime. Polyurethane rollers are compatible with plastic and composite blades.
They reduce ink exchange.
Plastic and composite printing rollers can be used for a variety of applications. These blades are more resistant to wear, are more hydrophilic, and reduce ink exchange. They also reduce ink exchange by up to 50%. As a result, the composite blade can be used for various applications.
Some plastic and composite blades have close-to-steel performance, making them safer to handle. They also tend not to become as sharp, but safety concerns need to be considered when handling them. Plastic blades also tend to reduce the risk of anilox roll scoring. These benefits are significant if you frequently change colors, such as in textile printing. Therefore, choosing the right type of blade is vital to improving the performance of your printing equipment.
They reduce wear
Steel and composite printing roller blades offer the same sharp cutting edge, but steel provides greater variety in material and tip configuration. Synthetic materials provide the same quality but can reduce the risk of damaging anilox. With the proper setup and installation, plastic and composite blades can improve the life of the printing roller. These materials are also available in containment blades and chamber systems. There are several benefits to choosing one type of material over the other.
As an alternative to metal, plastic and composite blades are available. Typically, synthetic resin solutions are filled with abrasion-resistant powders and processed to a strict, firmly adhering coating. As a bonus, they are significantly less expensive to manufacture than metal rollers. Combined with the other benefits, they can also reduce operating costs and environmental impact. For this reason, they are a popular choice for print-on-demand applications.
Compared to steel, plastic blades are safer. They don’t develop dangerous cutting edges that can injure printing press operators. This means less risk of lost-time accidents, medical bills, and labor replacement costs and can help cut down press downtime. Traditional plastic blades had to be made of heavy material to ensure rigidity, but they didn’t achieve an excellent area of contact with the anilox roll.
