3 or 4-layer laminates: which is the best choice for your print shop?
In the printing industry, every detail makes a difference. Choosing the right blanket has a direct impact on productivity, print quality and the durability of machine components. Among the most common technical decisions is the debate between 3- or 4-ply blankets.
Dugraf, a reference in high-performance solutions for offset printing, brings to the discussion technical data and arguments that prove: the Duradot 628 3-ply blanket is a smart, efficient and safe choice - even compared to the traditional concept of 4-ply blankets.
Understanding the function of the blanket
The blanket acts as an intermediary between the printing plate and the substrate (paper, cardboard, metal, etc.), transferring the image with fidelity and precision. Its composition directly influences aspects such as:
Ink transfer
Contact with uneven substrates
Shock and vibration absorption
Machine set-up time
Wear and dent resistance
The myth of the 4 layers
For a long time, it was believed that 4-layer blankets offered greater strength and durability. However, technological advances have enabled the creation of highly optimized 3-ply blankets, such as Duradot 628, which deliver equivalent - or even superior - performance to traditional 4-ply.
Duradot 628: 3-layer technology that delivers more
Duradot 628 is a hybrid blanket developed for demanding applications where productivity and quality must go hand in hand. Its highly optimized 3-layer composition guarantees the ideal balance between strength and flexibility.
Technical specifications:
Color: Dark blue
Thickness: 1.96 mm (±0.008")
Total hardness: ~78 Shore A
Layers: 3
Composition: NBR rubber
Compatibility: UV and conventional inks
Roughness (Ra): 0.9 µm
Main benefits:
Better contact with uneven substrates
Shorter set-up time on the machine
High resilience to kneading
Longer service life in demanding environments
Precise and uniform ink transfer
Conclusion: less can be more
Contrary to what many people think, a 3-ply blanket is not synonymous with fragility. With advanced technology, such as that applied to Duradot 628, it overcomes all operational challenges, delivering:
Print quality
Machine productivity
Versatility for different substrates
Lower operating costs with adjustments and rework
Dugraf: your partner in printing technology
With more than 27 years' experience in supplying high-performance graphic supplies, Dugraf combines innovation and specialized technical advice to deliver solutions that really make a difference.
Would you like to test Duradot 628 in your operation?
Schedule a free technical visit and take a closer look at the performance of this blanket that is redefining standards in the printing market.
