Choosing the Optimal Scraping Blade for Your Application
Doctoring is the act of cleaning, scraping, and removing stock accumulation or buildup from a roll surface. It is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and product quality.
Doctor blades, also known as roll cleaning blades, scraper blades, flaker blades, or knives, are an integral part of a roll cleaning system. These blades are any material in stick form that is run against the roll surface, keeping it clean and clear of contaminants. Kadant manufactures a wide range of scraper blades designed by the Kadant research and development team. These blades use a variety of composite, metal, and advanced nanotechnology-enhanced materials to comply with the specific needs of various industries.
When choosing the most appropriate scraper blade for your operations, it is important to consider a multitude of factors, such as application, operating conditions (including temperature and speed), and roll material or surface. In applications with softer, polyurethane rolls, Kadant recommends polymeric blades to avoid causing damage to the roll, such as the VeriTek™ roll cleaning blade. Whereas, in applications featuring harder rolls, this allows for more aggressive cleaning. In these circumstances, a glass and carbon hybrid blade or metal blade could be used.
It is also advisable to consider what exactly is being removed from the roll when choosing the most appropriate scraper blade. If the manufacturing process involves food products, it is important to consider options which are suitable for the safe removal of contaminants where food products are involved.
Kadant manufactures a range of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) International food safe certified scraper blades which are designed specifically to provide continuous roll and belt cleaning solutions within food processing industries.
In other circumstances where the manufacturing process requires the handling of more aggressive materials such as chemicals, this would also influence the blade chosen for cleaning. A more arduous and resistant blade would be recommended for extreme conditions to withstand harsh chemical exposure while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
To learn more about range of doctor and roll cleaning blades, and how to choose the ideal scraper blade for your requirements, contact your local Kadant expert.
