Chambered doctor blades in the flexo industry came into vogue about 10 or 12 years ago, spurred by the need to control VOC's in solvent based inks. This also coincided with the development and acceptance of the laser engraved ceramic anilox rolls. The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has undertaken the task of analyzing several factors and paradigms with respect to chambered doctor blade systems. Variables tested included blade materials and metering angles. Constants in the trials included air loaded doctor blade systems with constant blade pressure, cyan waterbased ink, laser engraved ceramic anilox roll, high gloss paper stock, and constant web press speed. Output measurements included dot gain, solid ink density, and print contrast. For result of the trials watch future issues of FLEXO.

Source: FLEXO, January 1998, pages 56-58.
Author: Nick Bruno