Steel doctor blades are manufactured with sharp edges for effective metering and, as a result, are a common cause of pressroom injuries. Steel blades need to be handled cautiously when being installed and removed from the press to avoid contact with their edges. Worn steel blades in particular have been honed through contact with the anilox, leaving a razor-sharp edge and posing the greatest risk for injury.
Non-metallic doctor blades offer a viable option for precise metering but with substantially less risk of injury. The physical properties of plastic and composite blades make them much safer to handle than steel. At the same time, non-metallic blades can increase blade life due to a lower coefficient of friction and provide the same metering performance characteristics as steel. Fewer injuries mean less lost work time and lower costs.
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