Gravure Doctor Blade Setup and Inspection Log

Inspection log for recording gravure or flexo doctor blade setup details, including blade type, angle, extension, and pressure, to help prevent streaking, hazing, and premature blade or cylinder wear.

Inspection Details

• Press and job identification recorded
  Document press number, job number, substrate, ink set, and date/time of inspection.
• Inspector name and shift recorded
  Enter the name of the person completing the inspection and the shift or crew.
• Inspection completed at startup or changeover
  Confirm when the inspection was performed.
• Reference SOP or setup sheet available
  Verify the current setup sheet, SOP, or approved blade specification is available at the press.

Blade Identification and Installation

• Blade type matches approved specification
  Confirm blade material and style match the job requirement.
• Blade orientation and bevel direction correct
  Verify the blade is installed in the correct orientation for the press direction and chamber design.
• Blade edge condition acceptable
  Check for nicks, burrs, scoring, or visible damage on the working edge.
• Blade seating and clamp engagement secure
  Confirm the blade is fully seated and clamped evenly with no visible gaps or uneven engagement.

Setup Measurements

• Blade angle
  Measure the installed blade angle relative to the cylinder or web path.
• Blade extension
  Measure the exposed blade extension from the holder or clamp.
• Blade pressure
  Record the applied blade pressure or chamber pressure setting used during setup.
• Blade contact is even across the cylinder width
  Verify contact appears uniform with no chatter, skipping, or uneven loading across the blade.

Chamber, Cylinder, and Ink Condition

• Chamber seals and end seals intact
  Verify seals are seated properly and show no leaks, tears, or excessive wear.
• Cylinder surface free of visible scoring or contamination
  Inspect the cylinder surface for scoring, dried ink, debris, or other contamination that could affect blade wear or print quality.
• Ink viscosity or condition within job specification
  Confirm ink condition is within the approved range for the job and press setup.
• No visible streaking, hazing, or chatter at startup
  Observe the first output for streaks, hazing, chatter, or other metering defects after setup.

Corrective Actions and Release

• Deficiencies documented
  Record any non-conformance, defect, or setup issue found during inspection.
• Corrective action completed and verified
  Confirm any required adjustment, replacement, or cleanup has been completed and rechecked.
• Press released for production
  Authorize the press to continue running after setup verification and corrective actions, if any.
• Inspector signature
  Signature of the inspector verifying the setup and inspection results.