Printing / Pulp & Paper

The fibrous nature of paper product can create problems of abrasion, this coupled with chemical additives can cause severe problems on many contact surfaces. Rolls are typically coated with wear resistant materials to combat this effect. As well as rolls, doctor blades, knives and guides all suffer from abrasion. Coatings are also used for ink retention, release qualities and to provide a friction drive.

Tungsten Carbide roll ground to mirror finish

Printing process in operation

Anilox rolls for example utilise the unique properties of plasma sprayed chrome oxide. The dark colour and high density of this deposit allows it to be laser engraved. The coating also improves the wear performance of the roll. Tungsten Carbide is used as an alternative to hard chrome due to it’s speed of deposition and it being kinder to the environment.