Flexo Concepts refines its MicroTip doctor blade technology

Kevin McLaughlin, CEO of the US-based company, said, “We now have a much smoother tip. One problem which many converters may have is what is called the start-up lines. When you put a new blade in you may have lighter or dark lines which after five minutes go away. With this high-quality polish, we have eliminated that problem.”

Flexo Concepts is also targeting the corrugation market in India with its polymer-based doctor blades, which according to McLaughlin is still using rubber-based doctor blades. “When a corrugation player is buying a seven-colour high-quality press, the quality of the print and the box has to be so much significant that it is able to attract the customer’s attraction. Rubber rolls do not give you that control over the amount of ink transferred to the plate.”

The roller-based inking system will be replaced by chambered doctor blades. “Flexo Concept’s polymer-based doctor blades are soft, thick material which is safe to handle, doesn’t score the anilox rolls, and is highly resistant to stress cracks and chips.”

Flexo Concepts will align with New Delhi-based Capital Graphic Supplies (CGS) to distribute its doctor blades. Arun Gandhi, managing director, CGS, said, “We already have Tresu as our partners for offset doctor blades. Tresu chambers can also use Flexo’s doctor blade. The corrugated market is a growing one, and predictable ink density and colour control are becoming essential to ensure manufacturers’ brand consistency. Hence, we are hopeful, we will be able to create a niche for Flexo Concepts doctor blades in India.”