Stainless steel chamber systems in corrugated post-print: A smart, sustainable investment
In corrugated post-print and pre-print flexographic production, chambered doctor blade systems are critical for balancing print quality, uptime, and cost efficiency.
Choosing stainless steel chambers can save you 25% on lifecycle costs
For many years, alternative chamber materials such as composite designs have been widely used. However, when viewed over the full lifecycle of a printing press, stainless steel chambers increasingly prove to be the smarter investment.
Our data show that flexo printers can achieve up to 25% lower lifecycle costs compared to composite alternatives — while also benefiting from higher robustness and full recyclability at end-of-life.
The true cost of a chamber system
When comparing chamber systems, the purchase price is only the beginning. The real cost accumulates over time through:
- Replacement frequency
- Maintenance requirements
- Downtime losses
- Consumables and cleaning routines
- End-of-life handling and recycling
Composite chambers may look lightweight and competitive at the start. But in daily production, their shorter lifespan, time- and cost-intense maintenance needs, and limited recyclability often add up to significantly higher costs.
Stainless steel chambers, by contrast, demonstrate stable performance and minimal wear, leading to fewer unplanned stops, easier maintenance, and a longer usable life.
Robustness in demanding corrugated environments
Corrugated post-print is tough on equipment:
- Large sheet sizes with printing widths of 2.5 m and beyond require stable chamber setups for precise doctoring results
- High ink volumes and frequent job changes demand quick, reliable cleaning.
- Operators rely on chambers that are corrosion-resistant and straightforward to maintain
Stainless steel provides the structural strength to meet these demands. Unlike composites, a chamber system made of stainless steel does not suffer from micro-cracks, delamination or distortion under mechanical stress.
Especially the use of sharp spatulas or screwdrivers during cleaning can scratch the chamber. On a stainless steel surface, scratches can be simply polished and do not impede the chamber's function or durability. With a composite chamber, scratches can damage the protective epoxy surface, leaving a weak spot where corrosion could occur, which tends to cause ink residue to accumulate more heavily (get deeper insights about structural limitations of composite chambers here).
Sustainability that delivers value
Sustainability is no longer optional — it is a measurable expectation from brand owners and supply chains. Stainless steel offers clear, practical advantages:
- 100% recyclable: steel re-enters the material cycle at end-of-life.
- Less waste: fewer discarded chambers and lower disposal volumes.
- Reduced ink and substrate waste: stable, consistent chamber performance means fewer leakage and rejects.
- In case of repair: No unnecessary shipments, as stainless steel can be repaired in-house instead of shipping back to the manufacturer or other specialists for composite
Choosing stainless steel not only strengthens environmental credentials, but also aligns sustainability with profitability.
Practical benefits for operators
Beyond numbers, operators notice immediate improvements in their daily routines. Stainless steel chambers are easy to clean and less prone to handling damage.
In systems like AkeBoose’s NOVA XLS, these advantages are reinforced through:
- Asymmetric chamber design prevents back-doctoring and ensures smooth ink flow.
- Low-pressure doctoring minimizes wear on doctor blades and end seals.
- Anti-vibration suspension guarantees stable operation, even on uneven corrugated substrates.
- Tool-free blade and seal handling for fast, safe changeovers.
These features translate into shorter wash-ups, fewer unplanned stops, and consistent print quality — every day.
Conclusion
When evaluating chamber systems, the discussion must move beyond purchase price. Stainless steel chamber systems from AkeBoose already have the edge in terms of purchase price compared to composite systems on the market. On top of that, over the lifecycle of a flexo press, stainless steel chambers provide a proven combination of robustness and sustainability, and up to 25% lower costs compared to composite alternatives.
For printers and converters, this means fewer disruptions, more predictable results, and a more sustainable operation.
Contact our sales team for an individual consultation
to explore how stainless steel chamber systems can benefit your pressroom.
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