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Esterlam Provides Clear Solutions

Respected Throughout the World

Based in the United Kingdom, Esterlam are global leaders providing clear solutions for today's demanding flexo, gravure and screen applications.

Doctor Blades can be used to print/coat paper, films such as PET, BOPP, PVC, etc, and foils used in packaging, labelling, publication, corrugated products and displays, metal decoration and printed electronics.

We are extremely proud to have developed the original synthetic Doctor Blades over 30 years ago. We are the past, we are the present and we are the future.

Clear Proven Results

Use Esterlam's superior Doctor Blades and you'll quickly see why our products are world leaders. As specialist manufacturers, Esterlam's fully researched and manufactured Doctor Blades are in a class of their own - nothing even comes close. Our range has been consistently proven to not only improve and increase productivity, but also deliver a safer working environment.


The Leading Edge

From our pioneering synthetic blades of the 1970's to the advanced proprietary compounds and modern production techniques employed today, Esterlam's name is synonymous with the industry's leading edge developments. Why we're proud to be different:

  • Less dot gain
  • Longer blade life
  • Improved safety
  • Less abrasive
  • Lower blade pressures
  • Instant start-up
  • Direct replacement for steel
  • Esterlam's knowledge, expertise and technology are second to none

We guarantee that the quality of performance you demand is not only matched but exceeded. We are more than just Doctor Blades - we are the future of Doctor Blades.

What Our Customers Say...

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Your Questions Answered

YES. As printing technology has advanced, so to have Esterlam doctor blades creating significant advantages over steel in today’s modern printing environment. Longer life, less roller wear and operator safety all add to improving productivity when using Esterlam blades. Consistent high quality performance in all areas of flexo printing and gravure coating has lead to many leading corporations worldwide changing to the Esterlam blades. Further evidence can be seen in an FQC project carried out by the FTA in the USA, which tested the Esterlam synthetic doctor blade against carbon and stainless steel to see the effect of doctor blade material on dot gain. The report summary showed that the Esterlam blades actually caused less dot gain than steel. A full copy of the report is available from the FTA or Esterlam can give further details on request.

YES, they are designed to run with less pressure plus having special self-lubricating characteristics, Esterlam doctor blades last significantly longer than steel in all ink formulation. Longer life means less blade changes, less machine stoppages and therefore increased productivity.

YES, they eliminate rusting and corrosion problems in water-based systems and have helped eliminate ‘ink spitting’ when used with UV inks.

YES, considerably safer. Esterlam doctor blades do not develop the razor sharp edges of steel and glassfibre blades and are therefore much safer to use. However care should be taken when handling any doctor blade material so as to protect both the operator and the blade edge.

YES. Esterlam blades are fully compatible with both ceramic and chrome rollers. In both cases blade and roller life is increased compared to using hard abrasive steel.

It is not possible to give exact blade pressures, as these will vary from press to press. However our experience has shown that Esterlam blades required less pressure than steel. Reductions normally vary between 10-30%, which again helps to reduce wear to the roller and give extended blade life.

YES. The high quality precision engineered profiles require minimal running-in time allow printers to immediately reach full production speeds and match precisely customer specifications. That means less material wastage and increased press productivity.

YES. Esterlam blades are successfully run on all major machine makes and models without the need for press modifications. All we recommend is that you reduce pressure compared to that use with the old steel blade.

YES. Esterlam blades are very cost effective. You will use less of them saving you money, changing them less often which saves you time, your aniloxes will remain in better condition and your operators will have a safer working environment.