Stainless steel strip for doctor blades
Metering blades for gravure and flexographic printing.
Doctor blades for printing
The doctor blade wipes excess ink from the printing cylinder. It is an extremely thin, perfectly straight blade that works in continuous contact with the cylinder.
A doctor blade works in continuous contact with the cylinder: even slight camber or thickness variation along the length causes uneven wiping and print defects. 3S supplies thin stainless strip with uniform thickness, tight tolerances to EN or ASTM and attention to edge straightness, verified by 100% dimensional control. The uniform surface of the 2R/BA finish, or the work-hardened 2H condition chosen for the required elasticity, provides a consistent base for subsequent edge processing. The strip is available in precise widths and on long-length spools. A 3.1 certificate is available on request, and every batch is traceable.
Where it is used
- Gravure printing
- Flexography
- Continuous coating and varnishing
Recommended grades
Supply
| Parameter | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical grades | AISI 301 and AISI 304 work-hardened | Other grades on request |
| Thickness | Annealed 0.05 – 0.70 mm Work-hardened 0.05 – 2.50 mm | Thin gauges for this application |
| Width | 3 – 1250 mm | Typical: 10 – 100 mm |
| Finishes | Annealed 2R / BA • Work‑hardened 2H | Calibrated mechanical properties |
| Formats | Strip • Narrow strips • Spools • Sheets | Sheets cut to size up to 1000 mm |
| Spools | From 15 kg to 1500 kg | ID 50–400 mm • traverse or parallel winding |
Tolerances according to EN ISO 9445 or customer specification. 3.1 certificates on request.
Frequently asked questions
Request a quoteWhy is strip straightness critical for doctor blades?
Do you supply strip with the edge already profiled?
How can I get a quote?
Tell us the alloy, finish, thickness, width, edge and format (strip/narrow strip/spool) and we will send you a quick quotation.