Constant control of the pulsating ink flow allows Uteco's new VG chamber doctor blade fill the cells of an anilox sleeve homogeneously and uniformly, "giving perfect printing results" on the entire width of the plate, according to the company.
The patent pending VG blade features ink drains with variable geometry help to damp down the pressure that builds up inside the chamber due to pulsating ink flow. This is said to guarantee a perfectly stable doctor blade group as well as constant contact pressure between the blades and the anilox sleeve, "despite the variations which could occur with regard to ink viscosity and type of inks".
Uteco says the unit can be easily retrofitted in place of existing doctor blades, is maintenance-free and "drastically reduces the downtime when cleaning the plates".
