The Science of Doctor Blades

Blade wave

Cause: There are two types of blade wave: the first is caused by dirty clamp surfaces in the blade clamp or a wavy clamp assembly; and the second is the result of uneven wear along the blade tip, caused by excessive pressure, bad or dirty blade clamp surfaces, or by uneven ink distribution in the chamber, said Ritz. There are other causes of blade wave, said Wilkinson, including use of improper blade material, incorrect alignment of the blade or chamber, improper or lack of ink filtration, and abrasive ink pigments.