F.A.Q.
How do I order my Doctor Blades?
If you are a new customer, please have the following information ready when you call.
Width x Length x Thickness - Tip Type Bevel (if any) Material.
If you need help please view or download our Doctor Blade Ordering handout to explain each item above. Once you place an order for this item it will be given a part number that you can use in the future.
If you are a regular customer call, e-mail or fax your order using the part number assigned to the description of the blade. If you need a list of your part numbers please ask and one will be forwarded to you.
Can I have my blades sooner than your normal lead time?
Yes. How much sooner depends on the complexity of your blade, our production schedule, and our finished product inventory. In most cases we can ship a partial order or offer an alternative product to keep your presses running. We understand your schedule can change and we'll go the extra step to keep you supplied. Please understand that we are a manufacturer not a distributor. Depending on our prodution schedule you may be required to agree to air shipments to receive product sooner than our normal lead times.
Our normal lead times for cut-to-length and coil product is 2 weeks.
Our normal lead time for bonded blades, type F is 3 weeks.
You are welcome to take advantage of our free finished inventory service. We can keep blades stocked, pre-packaged and ready for shipment with a simple signed agreement. We can help you determine the right amount and type based on your order history.
What's the difference between Blue Carbon Steel and Bright Carbon Steel?
The bluing is a very light oxide coating that gives the steel its blue appearance. The color of the steel has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the quality of the material(cleanliness, camber, microstructure). The reason that we carry the blue was to stand out from our competition when the company first started.
How long should a doctor blade last?
The answer to this could be hours to weeks depending on the press operations. The following are different variables that affect how long a blade would last: printing process, type of blade and material, the condition of the press, inks, rolls, substrates, solvent used and how the blade is set along with the pressure applied.
What are the proper contact angles for my application?
We have found from evaluating thousands of used blades over the years that an improper contact angle is a common problem. The contact angle can vastly affect print quality and blade life. We invite you to send a few used blades back to us for evaluation. The contact angles for a properly running blade usually fall into the following ranges:
Publication gravure 50 to 70 degrees Flexo 28 to 35 degrees
Packaging gravure 40 to 55 degrees
What Doctor Blade should I use for my application?
Let us help you configure the best blade for your application. Call our tech support department and we will help you navigate through the specifications and options.
800-223-0093 ext. 137 TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Anthony Tomaro atomaro@bentongraphics.com
