Gravure printing or rotogravure printing as it is commonly known is one of the most popular forms of print for packaging.

Although not really a household name, gravure printing is one of the most widely used print techniques for high volume printing. Gift wrapping, magazines, wallpaper and packaging are all created using rotogravure printing.

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What is gravure printing?

Gravure printing or rotogravure is an intaglio printing process that uses rotary printing capable of producing continuous tone images.

Large copper plated steel cylinders are engraved with the chosen design using a laser or diamond tipped stylus. The engravings are referred to as &#;cells&#; and are etched in differing depths, with deeper cells providing more intense the colour.

A different cylinder is required for every colour used. The cylinders are then submerged partially in the ink fountain that on rotation fills the recessed cells. A blade wipes excess ink from the surface of the cylinder before the ink is transferred from the cells onto the printing material.

For even coverage, the printing material is fed between the impression cylinder and gravure cylinder. The material is effectively sandwiched with force to push the ink out of the cells to give the best finish. The print material is then dried before proceeding to the next colour cylinder.

Advantages of gravure printing

• Gravure printing is the only high speed and volume print process capable of printing continuous tone images
• As a direct print process gravure printing results in better ink laydown and more consistent print quality
• Printing times are extremely quick, with modern presses able to produce up to 14m of film per second.
• Gravure printing uses quick drying solvent based inks to help speed up the print process
• As the process is almost entirely automated the labour costs are relatively low
• Gravure cylinders are extremely durable, can be used for several print runs, as long as they are used regularly and can be maintained.

Disadvantages of gravure printing

• Origination costs (the initial cylinder set up costs) can be very high due to such long-term use as the cylinders last for millions of impressions
• Gravure printing is not as competitive on price than other printing methods, especially for shorter print runs from European suppliers.

What&#;s best for your business?

Gravure printing is widely regarded as the best print process for flexible packaging formats such as stand up pouches and quad seal bags and flat bottom bags, due to the fantastic and consistent print quality.

It is a decision for your business to decide whether investing in quality is worthwhile. In the wise words of Sir Henry Royce, &#;Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten &#;&#; here at Law Print we couldn&#;t agree more.

Are you looking at investing in quality printing for your product? Contact our team of packaging experts, they will be happy to help.

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A Short Overview On Pros And Cons of Gravure Printing

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Gravure printing, also known as rotogravure printing or simply gravure, is a high-quality printing process that is an industry favorite for prints for packaging. This popular printing method utilizes engraved cylinders to transfer ink onto the printing substrate. Gravure Printing is known for its ability to produce high-quality prints with excellent detail, sharpness, and color saturation.

Gravure printing is commonly used for magazines, catalogs, packaging, wallpaper, decorative laminates, and other applications that require precise and vibrant image reproduction. Engraved rotogravure cylinders in India are a critical component in the gravure printing process. These cylinders, typically made of copper or chrome-plated steel, are engraved with tiny cells or recessed areas that hold the ink.

Many printing cylinder manufacturers in India produce cylinders that meet the needs of large volumes of excellent-quality prints. If you are aiming for high-volume printing projects that demand exceptional quality gravure printing offers you a reliable and versatile solution. But like any printing method, gravure printing has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them-

Advantages or Pros of Gravure Printing

High-quality Printing

Gravure printing uses engraved cylinders in India that offer exceptional image reproduction and fine detail. It produces sharp and vibrant colors, making it suitable for high-end applications that require high print quality.

Consistency

Gravure printing maintains consistent quality throughout the print run. The engraved cylinders used in the process ensure uniform ink distribution, resulting in consistent color and image reproduction across all prints.

High-speed Production

Gravure printing is a fast process, particularly when used for long print runs. It can handle large printing volumes efficiently, making it ideal for mass production and high-speed printing requirements.Wide Range of Substrates

Gravure printing can be performed on a variety of substrates, including paper, plastic films, foils, and metallic surfaces. It offers versatility and can be used for diverse applications such as flexible packaging, labels, wallpapers, etc.

Special Effects and Finishes

Engraved rotogravure cylinders in India allow for the application of various special effects and finishes, such as metallic inks, embossing, varnishes, and coatings. This versatility enables the creation of visually appealing and customized printed materials.

Disadvantages or Cons of Gravure Printing

But like two sides of a coin, there are a few disadvantages also of this famous printing method.

High Initial Setup Cost

Gravure printing requires significant upfront investment in equipment and setup costs. The process involves the creation of engraved cylinders in India and the installation of complex printing presses, making it less cost-effective for small print runs.

Limited color control

While gravure printing produces high-quality images, it may have limitations in color control compared to other printing methods like offset or digital printing. Achieving specific color matching and color accuracy can be challenging in gravure printing.

Environmental concerns

Gravure printing generally involves the use of solvent-based inks, which can have environmental implications due to the release of volatile organic compounds. However, Printing cylinder manufacturers in India after research and advancements have developed more environmentally friendly water-based or UV-curable inks for gravure printing.

Longer production lead times

Due to the setup and preparation involved in gravure printing, production lead times are generally longer compared to other printing processes. This can be a drawback when quick turnaround times are required.

It is important to consider these advantages and disadvantages in the context of your specific printing requirements and budget.

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