Paul Sharkey

Much research and development has gone into the design of modern doctor blades and systems, and knowing what is needed is the most important factor in choosing the correct blade. AUTOMATION. SIMPLICITY. PARTNERSHIP. These three elements are important to the converter involved in any aspect of the printing process, and doctor blades are no exception. "Fundamentally, the job of the printing doctor blade has not changed over the years. A doctor blade must remove excess ink from the ink transfer process without causing other problems," said Paul Sharkey, president, FLXON Inc. "What has changed is that more and more printers realize the doctor blade

The gravure industry spent years just watching flexo improve and promote itself as the printing process of choice. Now, gravure printers and suppliers are preparing to market their process back into the spotlight. GRAVURE'S GOT IT all: unsurpassed quality, affordability, and a committed and passionate industry. So, why is it such an unsung process? There are several theories, but flexo leads the list of culprits. For the past few decades, flexo has successfully worked to upgrade its quality and reliability, and the industry hasn't kept its advances secret. Flexo suppliers dominate the advertising in trade magazines, some of which focus solely on

Plastic and composite doctor blades come up sharp in safety and wear, but steel's metering edge may be tough to beat. By Susan Friedman "Plastics make it possible," a recent American Plastics Council ad campaign trumpets. In the doctor blade arena, plastic and composite blades have offered an alternative to steel for over 20 years. Here's a review of what these materials make possible on-press, most notably, safety perks and wear resistance. Meter credos Supplier perspectives on blade metering capability leave plastics, in particular, a bit behind. Mark Hahn, director of sales and marketing for AAA Press International, Arlington Heights, IL, states in customer