Offset Blanket Testing

Offset blankets can very is many ways: Surface, Construction, and in theirInteraction with inks.

In a standard blanket evaluation, we look at the following:

1. The SURFACE of the blanket
   1. Is it “cast”?
   2. Is it “buffed” and the degree to which it has been buffed?
   3. The thickness of the facing layer and its impact of dot fidelity
2. The CONSTRUCTION of the blanket
   1. Is it convention or compressible?
   2. The characteristics of the compressible layer, size of cells
3. The INK SETTING RATE of the surface
   1. How does this blanket interact with the inks being used?
   2. Dot gain potential
   3. Picking potential
   4. Other tack-related issues

The NPA Blanket Stability Tests measures the actual printing forces change in the printing tack of ink on the blanket. This information is useful in evaluating dot gain issues, picking etc.
This test, together with the use of photo microscopy, we can assist our clients choosing the best blanket for their printing system.