Page 84 - Training 2019

INTRODUCTION:
Ribbon blade and ribbon blade holders are a relatively new concept in the advancement of
gravure printing. The idea is that instead of using a conventional width doctor blade, one
would now bolt in a ribbon blade holder and only use a narrow ribbon blade. This provides
the customer with many advantages including reduced costs.

HISTORY:
The first models used flat ribbon blades in varing thickness with the help of a narrower
strip to create the lamella effect. One of Barkev’s first products was the Chempress ribbon
system. The narrow strip that holds the ribbon was spot welded and tended to break off if
not handled with care. Replacing holders reduced the cost effectiveness. These holders
could also be rolled up for easy shipping, but if rolled up the wrong way, would damage
the holder. The next step was to introduce 10mm wide lamella ribbon blades.

ADVANCEMENTS IN THE PRODUCT:
With the newer systems on offer the holder is made from thicker stainless steel, has a 10
degree bend to improve blade wiping angle and the holding strip is rivited in place.
The whole system is more ridgid and stronger, being less suceptable to the issues of the
older system.

HOW DOES IT WORK:
If a 50mm wide blade is currently use, then this would be replaced with an FSD50 ribbon
blade holder which would be 45mm wide so that when the ribbon blade is inserted the
total height would be 50mm. If a customer has several machines with varying blade
widths, the ribbon blade holders would be different with only a single ribbon blade
required. This would reduce stock holding with large cost savings.

INSTALLATION OF RIBBON BLADE HOLDER:
First the original blade holder needs to be removed from the press and cleaned properly.
Then strip the blade holder completely and clean the inside of both parts and reassemble.
Insert the ribbon blade holder and take care to make sure it is level and straight with no
waves once it is bolted in. Tighten bolts from centre outwards. Once this is done the
ribbon blade can be inserted as per the video clip. Use a small piece of 40x40mm folded
fine cloth emery to force the ribbon blade in place.

VID-20181031-ribbo combined doctor
n bl.mp4 blade installation.mp4 Old ribbon blade holder system.mkv

RIBBON BLADE HOLDER TRAINING MANUAL 2
Updated - 24 June 2019