Sentio Print and Multimedia offers Gravure Printing in our portfolio of printed projects.
What is Gravure Printing?
Gravure, also called rotogravure, is a high-volume printing process employing an ink transfer mechanism that is fundamentally different from that of relief printing. The printing surface is a polished metal cylinder covered with an array of tiny recesses, or cells (as many as 50,000 per sq in), that constitute the images to be printed. The cylinder, which can be 2.5 m (8 ft) or more in length, is partially immersed in a reservoir of solvent-based fluid ink. As the cylinder rotates, it is bathed in ink. A steel blade called a doctor blade running the entire length of the cylinder wipes the ink from the polished surface, leaving ink only in the cells. The ink is then transferred immediately to a moving web of paper forced against the cylinder under great pressure. A specialised form of Gravure printing, called Intaglio Printing, is used for currencies, bonds etc.
The expense of manufacturing a set of gravure cylinders has restricted its use to long-run jobs (millions of reproductions).
What is Gravure Printing use for?
- Mass-circulation monthly magazines, mail-order catalogues,
- packaging are natural markets for the process.
- Reproduction of a variety of textures and patterns on decorative materials.
- Most of the simulated wood grains on inexpensive furniture, for example, are printed by gravure.
If you have a project that suits gravure printing then please do give us call
