finishing-and-treatment-manufacturing-processes > Gravure

Gravure printing, also known as Roto or Rotogravure, is an intaglio printing technique which transfers ink onto the paper using an engraved cylinder.

For Gravure printing, the cylinder is covered with ink. The ink fills the engraved areas of the cylinder and a doctor blade removes any excess ink from the cylinder, leaving ink in the engraved areas only. The ink in the engraved areas is then transferred onto the paper. This process is repeated for each colour required, as only one colour ink can be applied per roller.

Gravure is typically used for high volume applications, including the printing of gift wrapping, wallpaper, magazines and packaging. It is a high-speed printing process that can achieve printing speeds of up to 14m per second. Additionally, the process is highly automated, which reduces running costs. However, the initial setup costs of the printing cylinders can be quite high, which is why the process is typically aimed at high volume applications.

For high quantity, high quality print runs, Gravure is likely to be the best option. However, due to high initial setup costs, it can be more expensive that alternative methods, particularly at lower volumes.