TruPoint® doctor blades are a critical corrugated press supply, engineered to control ink, protect anilox rolls, and improve print quality on corrugated flexo presses.
What are corrugated press supplies?
Corrugated press supplies are the consumables and components used to operate a corrugated flexographic printing press, including doctor blades, inks, printing plates, and anilox-related components. These supplies directly impact print quality, press uptime, operator safety, and total operating cost. Doctor blades are one of the most critical corrugated press supplies because they control ink metering and consistency on the anilox roll.
- Great for moderate to mid-level graphics.
- The perfect fit if blade life is your top priority.
- The safest doctor blade available in the market
Thickness:
1mm, 1.6mm, 2mm
Width:
25.4mm - 50.8mm
Format:
Rolls & Cut-to-Length
Profile:
Bevel: 30°, 45°
Choosing the Right Corrugated Doctor Blade
Corrugated printers typically choose between UHMW and EDGE doctor blades based on graphic requirements, press conditions, and whether they are replacing steel blades.
The configurations shown for each product is our recommendation for this market and application. Additional configurations are available for some materials including alternate widths, thicknesses, and profiles beyond the recommended options listed above.
Corrugated Press Supplies & Doctor Blades – Frequently Asked Questions
What are corrugated press supplies?
Corrugated press supplies are the consumable materials and components used to operate corrugated flexographic printing presses, including doctor blades, inks, printing plates, and anilox-related components. These supplies directly affect print quality, press efficiency, and operating cost.
Are doctor blades considered corrugated press supplies?
Yes. Doctor blades are one of the most critical corrugated press supplies because they meter ink on the anilox roll, control ink film thickness, and maintain consistent print quality during corrugated printing runs.
Why are doctor blades important in corrugated flexographic printing?
Doctor blades control how much ink remains on the anilox roll before transfer to the printing plate. In corrugated flexographic printing, proper blade selection helps reduce streaking, prevent ink buildup, protect anilox rolls, and improve color consistency on corrugated board.
How often should corrugated press supplies like doctor blades be replaced?
Doctor blades are consumable corrugated press supplies and should be replaced when the wiping edge degrades or metering becomes inconsistent. Replacement frequency depends on press speed, ink type, anilox configuration, and blade material.
What is the difference between polymer and steel doctor blades for corrugated presses?
Polymer doctor blades provide consistent ink metering while reducing anilox wear and improving operator safety. Steel doctor blades offer high stiffness but can increase anilox wear and pose greater safety risks. Many corrugated printers now use polymer blades as a safer alternative to steel.
Can polymer doctor blades replace steel blades in corrugated printing?
Yes. In most corrugated printing applications, premium polymer doctor blades can replace steel blades while maintaining print quality, reducing downtime, and improving pressroom safety.
Do corrugated press supplies affect print quality?
Absolutely. Corrugated press supplies such as doctor blades, inks, and printing plates play a direct role in ink transfer, color consistency, and graphic quality. Using the right supplies helps prevent defects like streaking, ink spitting, and uneven coverage.
What corrugated press supplies impact anilox roll life?
Doctor blades have the greatest impact on anilox roll life. Non-abrasive polymer blades help protect the engraved surface of the anilox roll, reducing scoring and extending roll lifespan compared to steel blades.
Are doctor blades a recurring operating cost in corrugated printing?
Yes. Doctor blades are recurring corrugated press supplies that must be replaced regularly. Choosing longer-lasting blades can reduce total operating cost by minimizing downtime, waste, and frequent changeovers.
What type of doctor blade is best for corrugated printing?
The best doctor blade for corrugated printing depends on ink volume, graphic requirements, and press conditions. UHMW polymer blades are suitable for standard corrugated graphics, while premium polymer blades like TruPoint® EDGE are ideal for higher-performance corrugated applications.
How do corrugated press supplies affect press uptime?
Reliable corrugated press supplies reduce unplanned downtime. Consistent doctor blades minimize frequent adjustments, blade changes, and cleanup, helping presses run longer between maintenance intervals.
Are corrugated press supplies different for high-graphic corrugated printing?
Yes. High-graphic corrugated printing typically requires higher-performance press supplies, including stiffer doctor blades, cleaner metering, and tighter control over ink transfer to maintain graphic detail.
How can corrugated printers reduce waste using the right press supplies?
Using the correct corrugated press supplies helps control ink usage, prevent excessive ink buildup, and reduce reprints. High-quality doctor blades improve metering consistency, which lowers ink waste and cleanup time.
Do corrugated press supplies impact operator safety?
Yes. Safer corrugated press supplies, such as polymer doctor blades, reduce the risk of cuts and injuries compared to steel blades, improving overall pressroom safety.
Can I trial different corrugated press supplies before standardizing?
Yes. Flexo Concepts offers free trials of TruPoint® doctor blades so corrugated printers can evaluate performance, safety, and print quality before standardizing across presses.
Why is blade consistency important in corrugated press operations?
Consistent doctor blades maintain a stable wiping edge throughout the run, ensuring uniform ink transfer. This consistency is essential for maintaining print quality on long corrugated production runs.