Ductor

nounStandard termPrinting

A roller that transfers ink or water from a fountain to the distribution rollers.

A specialized oscillating roller in a printing press that swings back and forth between the fountain roller and the main distribution train. It picks up a measured stripe of ink or dampening solution and passes it into the system. Adjusting its dwell time controls the exact volume of ink reaching the printing plate.

Heard on the job

The ductor roller is bouncing too much at high speed and throwing ink across the guard.

Also heard as

  • ductor roller