In an ink train, distributor rollers oscillate back and forth as they rotate to shear and smooth the ink. They take the thick, uneven ink supplied by the ductor roller and work it into a uniform, thin film before passing it down to the form rollers that actually ink the plate.
Heard on the job
We're getting heavy streaks on the solid blue areas because the middle distributor is pitted and needs replacing.
Insider tip
If the distributor rollers are set with too much pressure, they generate excessive friction and heat, which degrades the ink and damages the rubber.
Also heard as
- distributor roller