Printing

Rotogravure Printing

Rotogravure is an intaglio printing method in which the image is carried in tiny cells on the cylinder surface. The depth and width of the cells determine how much ink is transferred. Deep cells produce dark tones and shallow cells produce light tones, giving transitions close to photographic quality.

How does the process work?

• Artwork preparation: The high-resolution design is separated into its colours and prepared for printing.
• Cylinder engraving: Cells are engraved on the cylinder surface for each colour.
• Inking: The rotating cylinder picks up ink; a doctor blade wipes the excess from the surface, leaving ink only in the cells.
• Transfer: The impression roller presses the film against the cylinder and the ink in the cells passes onto the film.
• Drying: The film passes through a drying unit before moving on to the next colour.

Advantages

Rotogravure printing reproduces fine details, text and tonal transitions sharply. Thanks to the durability of the cylinders, colour consistency is maintained from the first metre to the last on long runs.

Because each colour requires its own cylinder, set-up cost and time must be factored into planning. The method therefore stands out particularly for products that are ordered regularly, whose design stays unchanged for a long time and where visual quality matters.