Seals and blades attuned to the print environment of flexible packaging production
In flexible packaging printing, there is a great variety of different settings regarding ink type, substrate, printing speed and job size. High-resolution printing at high speeds on CI presses stresses the end seals and doctor blades to a different extent than inline printing on bag making machines, for example.
We carefully look at the individual application environment to identify the appropriate end seal and doctor blade solution. Whether your goal is to maximize durability for large print volumes or to achieve clean and leak-proof printing with water-based inks, our portfolio of high-performance end seal and doctor blade materials holds a suitable solution.
Press brands for which we supply compatible high-performance end seals and doctor blades include for example Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), Uteco, Comexi, Soma, Bobst, Allstein and much more. AGSflexo seals and blades qualify as alternative to the machine manufacturer's parts.
Performance boost for flexo printing units
Well-matched doctor blades and end seals improve the performance of flexographic printing units and thus enable you to make your flexible packaging printing process more efficient. Potential for optimization include:
Best practice end seals for flexible packaging
For all ink types
coatSEAL AIR80
coatSEAL AIR80 foam seals perform very well with solvent based inks, which are widely used in flexible packaging. They are also a feasible option for water-based and UV inks.
Thanks to their extremely high restoring force, the seals withstand compression and distortion and show a good chemical resistance.
coatSEAL AIR80 end seals can handle all printing speeds. To increase sealing function and lifetime for speeds above 400 m/min, we can put a PTFE layer on the seal top, which is in contact with the anilox roller.
For high printing speeds and elevated pressure
coatSEAL Flexi-LF
coatSEAL Flexi-LF is an extra long-lasting end seal especially for high-speed flexible packaging printing, even beyond 400m/min.
The special low-friction insert at the seal top makes the seal extra wear-resistant and reduces the risk of ink deposits that could cause leaks. The dimensionally stable and ink-repellent foam seal body fits perfectly into the chamber contour.
coatSEAL Flexi-LF end seals are primarily suitable for solvent-based and water-borne inks. While they show their particular strengths at printing speeds of 400 m/min or more, they can be used for lower speeds if a particularly long seal lifespan is desired. Flexi-LF seals are also a durable option for printing units that operate at elevated pressure.
For ultimate lifetime
coatSEAL Universal
coatSEAL Universal molded rubber end seals reliably seal the flexo chamber system thanks to the 3D shape of the seal and offer high mileage for large volume production of flexible packaging.
We produce rubber end seals from different rubber materials to ensure their optimum performance, even with harsh solvents or detergents like ethyacetate or toluene.
The use of coatSEAL Universal allows achieving more printed meters per seal set, fewer machine stops for setup and avoiding expensive ink losses involving time-consuming cleaning.
First choice for water-borne and UV
coatSEAL Longlife
coatSEAL Longlife end seal offer reliable sealing and extended lifetime in packaging printing with water-borne and UV inks.
They are made of different felt types, which are treated with a special food-safe, ink-repelling impregnation. The impregnation enhances the sealing performance and wear-resistance and facilitates the cleaning of the sealing area.
To get the most out of coatSEAL Longlife impregnated felt end seals, they need to be installed carefully - have a look at our video tutorial that guides you through the process.
For extra stability
coatSEAL Flexi NW
coatSEAL Flexi NW end seals play their strengths in chamber system setups that require high material stability, e.g. when the end seal has a small thickness or a large contact surface with the anilox roller.
The stable foam material makes sure that the seal stays safely in place for a reliable sealing of the chamber. It is best used with printing speeds of up to 400 m/min and works with solvent, UV as well as water based printing inks.
For easy applications
coatSEAL LD40
coatSEAL LD40 foam end seals are multi-purpose. The material is flexible and shows good resistance against standard printing inks and cleaning agents used in flexible packaging.
LD40 end seals run best at moderate printing speeds up to 300 m/min, when the mechanical wear on the seal is not too heavy.
They are also an economic choice for short print runs or small volume production, which involves frequent ink and seal changes.
Best practice doctor blades for flexible packaging
For solvent and UV inks
steelBLADE C
steelBLADE C carbon steel doctor blades are the most popular blade material for continuously high print results in flexible packaging printing with solvent-based or UV inks.
Thanks to its fine microstructure, the blade wipes the ink evenly throughout its service life.
steelBLADE C blades can be used both as active working blade as well as sealing blade and is available with different profiles: lamella, bevel or round tip.
For water-based inks
steelBLADE S
steelBLADE S stainless steel doctor blades are corrosion-resistant and therefore ideal for applying water-based printing inks, which are increasingly used in the production of flexible packaging.
The fine steel alloy is smooth to the anilox roller, offering very good lifetime combined with high quality doctoring results.
steelBLADE S blades qualify both for use as working and containment blade. They can be ground either with lamella, bevel our round tip.
For white and metallic inks
steelBLADE T
steelBLADE T tool steel doctor blades are made for abrasive inks like white or spot colors.
The special hardened alloy is very wear-resistant against the rough ink pigments and is at the same time flexible enough to not excessively wear the anilox roller.
We recommend using steelBLADE T doctor blades in the printing units intended for white or spot colors in combination with carbon or stainless steel blades for the process colors.
This way, the doctor blades run evenly on all printing units and the machine can print for longer before the doctor blades need to be changed again.
For leak-proof sealing
polyBLADE S
polyBLADE S plastic blades can be used as sealing blade in the chamber system and are an effective and inexpensive alternative to steel.
Due to its material elasticity, the flexible blade keeps optimum contact with the anilox roller and prevents leakage from back-doctoring.
polyBLADE S polyester blades are available with straight or bevel profile at the blade tip.
For extra work-safety at large widths
polyBLADE P
polyBLADE P plastic blades minimize blade-change related press downtime and injury risk in printing of paper packaging or tissue with water-based inks.
The strong material gives a thorough ink wipe throughout the print job without risking corrosion. Plus, plastic doctor blades don't get as sharp as steel after use, which makes them a safer option, especially for the typically large printing widths in tissue or pre-printing of corrugated liners.
polyBLADE P doctor blades come with a bevel for use as working blade and a straight edge for use as containment blade.
Bring down your set-up times with pre-cut doctor blades
Reducing set-up times including doctor blade changes to a minimum is key to increase productivity and efficiency in flexible packaging printing.
In addition to delivery by the meter in rolls, our doctor blades are also available ready-cut to any desired length, rolled up in a dispenser box. You can simply pull out the pre-cut blades, which are fixed to each other with a tape, one by one from the box.
That saves you time and material waste.