scraper

printing

Also known as: doctor blade

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A scraper is a machine used for moving earth over short distances, commonly employed in highway construction. It features a wagon with a bladed gate that scrapes earth as the machine moves forward, loading the material into the wagon. Once filled, the gate closes, and the material is transported for disposal.1

In printing, a scraper, also known as a doctor blade, is a crucial component in rotogravure printing. This thin, soft steel blade moves across the printing cylinder, wiping away excess ink. This ensures that only the ink within the engraved cells of the cylinder is transferred to the paper, allowing for precise control over print density and rich color reproduction.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

printing
Rotogravure
…blade of soft steel, the scraper, or doctor blade, which moves slowly to and fro lengthwise. By rubbing against the cylinder with a precisely regulated degree of pressure, it causes the excess ink to drop off before the cylinder moves over the paper.
Read More
…blade of soft steel, the scraper, or doctor blade, which moves slowly to and fro lengthwise. By rubbing against the cylinder with a precisely regulated degree of pressure, it causes the excess ink to drop off before the cylinder moves over the paper.
Read More