Changing out your doctor blades is just another part of being a printer. By now, you probably know that many different blade materials are on the market. While they can all provide a sharp edge and clean wipe, some materials are better suited for specific applications. One of those that you should think about using is composite.
Why Should You Think About Changing Your Blade Material?
Something that people have started regularly using for their presses is a composite blade. You may have also heard of them as plastic blades. These are becoming a standard tool for printers because they are safer for the people who try to change them. They will also stay sharp longer, so you don’t have to worry about changing them as often. These benefits have encouraged many printers to make the switch and are persuasive if you are thinking about changing materials.
When Should You Use Composite?
The best time to go composite is when you have a long printing job, and metal blades just aren’t cutting it. Composite offers enough flexibility while maintaining a sharp edge, so you don’t have to worry about changing your blades during the job. For instance, if you have to print a large amount of preliminary structural design plans, you should try composite so you don’t have to worry about stopping your press midway through a job.
Another time to swap to composite is when you need prints that are sharper and cleaner than you get with metal. Again, the benefits of plastic can help you achieve these high-quality prints. After all, the flexibility of the composite allows you to perform a clean wipe. Trying to make these high-quality prints with metal blades will result in less than desirable results.
Plastic blades offer several key benefits that have made them attractive to printers. So join their ranks and think about swapping to composite. The next time you face a lengthy printing job or require a perfect quality is the ideal time to make the change.
