Drag-out (Gravure)

Doctor Blade Issues

C: Dirt or debris accumulated on the doctor blade

S: Keep the blade holder, back-up blade, and the cylinder surface clean.

C: A flat angle of the doctor blade can create too much contact area and promote drag out.

S: Ensure the blade is sharp, straight, and properly mounted, with an appropriate angle (around 30–45° as a baseline) and sufficient flexibility.

C: Doctor blade is curled

S: Align the doctor blade properly

C: Doctor blade is not setting correctly

S: Inspect blade holder alignment, clamp bolts and shim condition. Try a thinner flexible wiping blade, with a thicker support doctor blade

Ink Issues

C: Too low viscosity ink

S: Increase ink viscosity

C: Ink is too slow to dry

S: Add fast evaporating solvent

C: Impurities within the ink

S: Use ink filter, clean ink trays and equipment

Impression Roller Issues

C: Impression roller contamination or wet spots (oil/grease)

S: Clean impression roller and wipe covers regularly; inspect bearings.