Squeegee and Floodcoaters

How do you know which model you need?

Advice on Squeegee and Floodcoater

Squeegee and Floodcoater profiles

Besides the squeegee rubber, which is subject to wear and tear, are also the aluminum squeegee and floodcoater profiles standard equipment for the screenprinting press.

In this article we will explain the different types, the durabilty and maintenance, compatibilty, and specifics which you need to pay attention to when ordering.

Different types

The squeegees and floodcoaters are available in two types. The first is type A, which is mountable in a 30 mm square squeegee bar. This handy type is applicable for a printing width of up to 1.2 meters. Is the span larger then a type B is generally used. This will be mounted on a square floodbar of 40 mm. A diagram of the different squeegees and floodcoaters are found below.

Ordering Squeegees and Floodcoaters?

When ordering squeegees and floodcoaters it is of the utmost importance to be clear of which type is needed. Type A or B. Next to that is it crucial to be sure of the required length as the profiles are made to order. In essence every length is available upto a maximum of 6 meters. This is another crucial point of interest. How to determine the length of the new squeegee or floodcoater?

For the squeegee this is simple. The length of this will coincide with the length of the aluminium profile (+/- 2 mm). It is usually 50 to 80 mm wider than the print image, and preferably smaller than the printed material. Be aware that by determining the length of the squeegee the rubber squeegee strip being placed in the aluminium profile on both ends is provided with rounded off corners.

The standard Viprotech floodcoater comes with 20 mm wings at both ends in order to keep the ink better within the printing area. Especially with the up and down moving squeegee carriage, such as the Vipromat series, is this important to keep the ink from running behind the floodcoater or to the sides of the printing image. To determine the length of the floodcoater it is vital to only measure the straigth edge. The wings are added at no extra cost.

Ideally the lenght of squeegee and floodcoater will be the same.

Durability and Maintenance

Squeegees and floodcoater can be used for a long time, as long as the are maintained properly. Practically this means that they are cleaned after each use, and placed horizontally on their backs.

Viprotech Floodcoater Protection

Despite the hard anodized surface area, the edge which touches the screen mesh is extremely vulnerable. Therefore, make sure that after its use the floodcoater is placed in such a fashion that it rests on its wings, and the vulnerable edge is pointing upwards. Even better will be to order a rubber protection strip, and to place this over the long edge after cleaning. This will ensure the maximum protection for the floodcoater.

If it does happen that the edge gets burred you can try to remove this with either a small file, a whetstone and / or some fine grained sandpaper. Unfortunately is this isn’t always successful.

Because of the friction with the mesh after a while the hardened surface of the floodcoater will wear off and expose the softer aluminium. The rounded edge will wear flat which will make the edge more vulnarable to damage causing a higher risk of damage to the mesh. This will be a good time to replace the floodcoater.

Compatibility

Most machine manufacturers use a squeegee and floodcoater profile that only fits their machines. It is therefore important to check if the squeegee you order from a different supplier other than the original manufacturer fits your machine as far as mounting, and hight.

Viprotech squeegee and floodcoaters can be mounted without any problems on any square 30 mm squeegee bar (type A), and on a square 40 mm squeegee bar (type B). Here fore they are exchangeable with e.g. Svecia squeegees and floodcoaters. You will find a schematic of the different types below.

 

TIP: Order your floodcoater protection rubber now for a 20% discount!

If you have any further questions regarding this article please contact us.