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Rotogravure Printing: A Complete Guide

16 November, 2023

Rotogravure Printing: A Complete Guide

Gravure printing is a printing technique used in the production of high quality and durable images on a variety of materials, including paper, plastic and metal. In this article, we will delve into the gravure printing technique, exploring its history, process and applications.

What is gravure printing?

Gravure printing, also known as rotogravure, is a printing technique in which an image is engraved onto a surface, usually a copper or steel cylinder, through a series of small raised dots. These dots allow the ink to transfer to the desired surface, creating a precise, high-quality image.

History of rotogravure

The process dates back to the 19th century, when it was first used to print banknotes in France. Since then, the technique has evolved and has been used in a wide range of applications, including the printing of magazines, catalogues, packaging, wallpaper and labels.

Gravure printing process

The printing process is complex and requires specialised equipment. The process begins with the preparation of an engraving cylinder, into which the image is engraved using a high-precision engraving tool. Once the image has been engraved, a layer of ink is applied to the cylinder and the excess ink is removed using a scraper. The cylinder is then pressed against the desired surface, transferring the ink and creating the desired image.

Advantages of gravure printing

Gravure printing has many advantages, including:

High image quality: The technique allows accurate and detailed images to be printed with vibrant colours and subtle tones.
Durability: These prints are water and abrasion resistant, making them ideal for labels and packaging.
Ability to print large quantities: Gravure printing is ideal for printing large quantities of material efficiently.
Ability to print on a wide range of surfaces: Gravure printing can be used on a wide variety of materials, from paper and cardboard to plastic and metal.

Gravure printing applications

Gravure printing is used in a wide variety of applications, including:

Labels and packaging: The print is ideal for printing high quality, durable labels and packaging.
Wallpaper: This printing process is used to print high quality, detailed wallpaper designs.
Magazines and catalogues: Gravure printing technique is used to print high quality magazines and catalogues with vibrant and detailed images.

How to choose the best printing technique?

When choosing the right printing technique for a project, it is important to consider several factors, such as the type of material, the number of prints and the desired image quality. Gravure printing is ideal for projects that require high image quality and durability, such as labels and packaging. However, for smaller projects with fewer prints, such as business cards, digital printing may be more suitable.

How much does gravure printing cost?

The cost of printing can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of prints, the size of the project and the complexity of the image. In general, gravure printing can be more expensive than other printing techniques, such as digital printing or screen printing. However, for projects that require high image quality and durability, the investment can be worthwhile.

What to do to get the best results in gravure printing?

To get the best results in gravure printing, it is important to work with an experienced print provider and to use high-resolution images. In addition, it is important to consider the choice of colours and ensure that they are compatible with the gravure printing technique.

Conclusion

In summary, gravure printing is a high-quality, durable printing technique used in a variety of applications, from labels and packaging to wallpaper and magazines. Although it can be more expensive than other printing techniques, the image quality and durability make it worth the investment in suitable projects.

FAQs

What materials can be printed with gravure printing?

It can be used on a wide variety of materials, from paper and cardboard to plastic and metal.

What is the difference between gravure printing and screen printing?

Gravure printing uses raised dots to transfer ink, whereas screen printing uses a mesh to transfer the ink.

Is gravure printing suitable for projects with a limited number of prints??

It is ideal for projects that require high image quality and durability, but may not be the best choice for smaller projects with fewer prints.

What is the rotogravure printing process?

The rotogravure printing process involves engraving an image onto a copper or steel cylinder, applying ink and transferring the image to the desired surface.