Doctor blade scoring on anilox rolls is caused by the harder metal edge of a steel blade cutting into the softer chrome or ceramic coating of the anilox roll surface. The scoring appears as fine, parallel lines running across the roll face. Once scored, the damaged cells can no longer hold their calibrated ink volume, causing inconsistent ink metering, streaks, and color variation in print.
Scoring is accelerated by excessive blade pressure, incorrect blade angle, blade debris contamination, and worn or chipped blade tips. A heavily scored anilox roll requires professional laser engraving or replacement — an expensive repair that often costs more than the total blade budget for an entire year.
TruPoint polymer doctor blades prevent scoring because the polymer material is softer than the anilox roll surface. The blade cleans the roll without cutting into it — even under normal pressure variations and misalignment that would score a steel blade.
