How often do you try a sample, hoping for instant success, only to be met with trial and error? It’s rare to find the perfect fit on the first attempt. This is especially true with doctor blades. Like other parts of the printing process, investing a little time and effort in a doctor blade trial versus sampling will improve your odds of finding the best blade for your application.
Understanding the Key Differences between Sampling vs Trialing
When testing a new doctor blade, you have two options: sampling or running a trial. The key difference lies in the level of communication and collaboration with your supplier. While both approaches involve trying a new blade, a trial dramatically increases your likelihood of success.
Sampling
Requesting a sample is often the default option for many companies. Typically, you fill out a request form on the supplier’s website, wait for the blades to arrive, and eventually install them in your press. If you’re lucky, the new doctor blades work well, and you proceed to place an order. However, for most companies, the process is less straightforward. Sampling often requires multiple rounds to find a blade that works, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. You may need to experiment with different blade materials, thicknesses, or tips, hoping to stumble upon the right combination. This trial-and-error approach relies heavily on persistence and a bit of luck.
Trialing
A doctor blade trial, on the other hand, involves a more systematic and collaborative approach. By engaging with your supplier and providing key details about your process, you significantly increase the odds of finding the right blade quickly. The trial process allows the supplier to tailor their recommendations to your specific needs and guide you through a structured evaluation.
The TruPoint Doctor Blade Trial Process
When conducting a doctor blade trial with Flexo Concepts the process typically involves these three key steps:
1. Initiation of the Trial
The process begins when you request a trial from your doctor blade supplier. At this stage, the supplier will gather critical information about your press and application, including:
- Dimensions
- Machine Make & Model
- Chamber/Blade Holder Type
- Ink and Anilox Details
- Challenges
Based on this information, your supplier will recommend specific TruPoint doctor blades and provide the necessary samples for a production run.
2. Production Run
During the production run, the pressroom operator will initiate the trial by installing and running the doctor blades. Your suppliers’ support team is actively involved and available if any questions arise. They can help:
- Verify the information gathered during the trial setup.
- Confirm correct blade installation.
- Check chamber or blade holder alignment.
- Ensure light blade pressure is applied.
- Assist with any necessary adjustments.
The pressroom operators should document the results and note any challenges faced during the trial.
3. Feedback and Recommendations
- After completing the analysis, we encourage you to provide feedback to the supplier and confirm whether the blades met expectations.
- Did they last as long as the incumbent blade (number of days, number of linear feet or meters)?
- Was the metering quality sufficient to produce an acceptable finished product?
- Analyze any abnormalities.
- Recommend any adjustments, such as a different material, thickness, or tip configurations
With all the relevant data in hand, your supplier can recommend a high-performance doctor blade that maximizes press efficiency and resolves any issues.
Why Choose a Trial Over Sampling?
Sampling can work if you’re willing to spend time and resources on multiple attempts to find the right product. However, conducting a doctor blade trial is a faster, more efficient path to success. By investing time upfront to collaborate with your supplier, you can save significant time and money in the long run and ensure your press runs at peak performance.
In short, the extra effort involved in a trial is well worth the payoff. Choose a doctor blade trial for a streamlined, data-driven approach to finding the best printing solution for your application.
