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Benton Graphics, Inc.
The Doctor Blade Specialists

The Ultimeter™ doctor blade

The longer-life Ultimeter™ doctor blade, made from Microloy™ steel was developed to deliver high performance without the high price. Testing has shown that conventional doctor blade steels wear out as much as 57% faster than Ultimeter™. Microloy™ steel, used in all Ultimeter™ blades, is custom engineered specifically for higher wear resistance and better performance. This is achieved by using raw material with carefully controlled micro-alloying, ultraclean chemistry and ultrafine grain size. The increased wear resistance provides for longer press runs and less ink contamination. From precision rolling to the unique heat treating, Microloy™ steel is exclusive to Ultimeter™ doctor blades. Unlike other doctor blades, with Ultimeter™ you won't pay a high price for high performance.

Steel Doctor Blades

Benton Graphics has been making steel doctor blades for over 20 years. We begin by using only the finest steel available. This steel is then subjected to a stringent set of quality standards to ensure that the best blades possible can be produced. Only then does the material get the OK for production. The resulting doctor blades are some of the finest available for the Gravure, Flexo, and Pad Printing industries. We offer several different types of steels to best suit your application. We offer white (or bright) carbon steel, stainless steel, the specialty alloy GET, Gold Steel Alloy, and our own specialty steel, Microloy™.

Doctor Blade Materials

Doctor Blades may be one of the least costly items of a press run, but if not working properly it can turn into one of the most expensive items. That is why at Benton Graphics we take raw material specifications very seriously. While some other blade manufactures may offer "off" grades of material, we elect not to since our reputation rides on every one of the steel doctor blades or plastic doctor blades we manufacture.

ULTIMETER
New alloy developed by Benton Graphics. Tests have shown up to 57% longer blade life when compared to conventional carbon steels. This material has an ultra clean, ultra fine-grain structure.
Available in .006", .008", and .010" thick and up to 3" wide.
GSA (Golden Steel Alloy)
This tool steel alloy is one of the most expensive materials used for doctor blades. However, it is a problem solver when the metering substance or the roller is extremely abrasive.
Available in .006" and .008".
WCS (Bright or White Carbon Steel) / BCS (Blue Carbon Steel)
This hardened and tempered product with a Rockwell C hardness of around 52, is the material used in most of the doctor blades available today. This steel can be used with most inks, including solvent, water and UV based. It has a pH operating range between 6 and 10.
Available in all popular sizes.
Stainless Steel: S/S4
A hardened and tempered product that is about the same hardness as our two carbon steels. Offers high level of corrosion resistance.
Offered in .006", .008" and .010".
GET Ultra Fine Grained Steel
GET is a specially processed alloy that has a finer grain structure than the regular carbon steel. GET's structure results in a tougher material without increasing the hardness. GET is very effective in water based Gravure.
POLYESTER / MYLAR
Dupont Mylar® is a tough, strong, and reasonably priced material typically used in the Flexographic industry as a seal or containment blade for enclosed chambers. A single bevel blade is also available for Doctoring applications.
Available in .0075", .014" and .020".
UHMW Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene
This material has both the highest abrasion resistance and highest impact strength of any plastic. UHMW's molecular structure gives it a high level of chemical resistance. Its low stiffness requires using a much thicker blade than with steel. Used in Corrugated printing and Flexographic printing with a coarse line count Anilox roll and low press speeds. A stepped or lamella style doctor blade is also available in UHMW.
Available in .020" - .090".
ACETAL
Acetal is among the strongest and stiffest of all thermoplastics. It also has a high degree of thermal stability, resistance to strong alkaline environments, and high solvent resistance. It provides good metering for solid and line work for Flexographic applications.
Available in .030" and .040".

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