Gravure Printing: Printing Techniques Explained

08 Jul.,2024

 

Gravure Printing: Printing Techniques Explained

Despite the advent of digital printing technologies, gravure printing continues to hold a significant place in the printing industry. The process's ability to produce high-quality, consistent prints over long print runs makes it a valuable tool for many printers. However, the industry is also facing challenges, such as the need for more environmentally friendly processes and materials.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Gravure Printing Machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

One of the key trends in the gravure printing industry is the development of more sustainable processes and materials. This includes the use of water-based inks, which have a lower environmental impact than traditional solvent-based inks. There is also a growing interest in the use of renewable materials, such as bioplastics, in the gravure printing process.

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements are playing a key role in the future of gravure printing. One of the key developments is the use of laser engraving technology, which allows for more precise and efficient engraving of the cylinders. This not only improves the quality of the prints but also reduces the production time and cost.

Another key development is the use of digital technology in the gravure printing process. This includes the use of digital imaging systems for the preparation of the images, as well as digital control systems for the printing process. These technologies allow for greater precision and control, improving the quality and consistency of the prints.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a key concern for the gravure printing industry. The traditional gravure printing process uses solvent-based inks, which contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to the environment. There is therefore a growing interest in the development of more sustainable processes and materials.

One of the key developments in this area is the use of water-based inks, which have a lower environmental impact than traditional solvent-based inks. There is also a growing interest in the use of renewable materials, such as bioplastics, in the gravure printing process. These materials are derived from renewable resources, such as plants, making them a more sustainable choice.

Market Trends

The gravure printing market is influenced by a variety of factors, including technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and market demand. Despite the challenges, the market for gravure printing is expected to continue to grow, driven by the demand for high-quality print products.

One of the key trends in the market is the increasing demand for personalized print products. This is driving the development of new technologies and processes that allow for greater customization and personalization in the gravure printing process. Another key trend is the increasing demand for sustainable print products, which is driving the development of more environmentally friendly processes and materials.

Rotogravure or Flexography Printing? Flexo Printing Sleeves


Picking sides in this case won&#;t be easy and straightforward!!!

Both Flexographic and Rotogravure printing technologies are well established in their own stature and have their fair shares of advantages and disadvantages.

Want more information on Laser Cardboard Cutter For Sale? Feel free to contact us.

Let&#;s try and understand the principle of Rotogravure and Flexographic Printing Technology!

Gravure Printing is a type of intaglio printing process; i.e., it involves engraving the image onto an image carrier. In rotogravure printing the image is acid-etched on the surface of a metal cylinder&#;one cylinder for each color&#;in a pattern of cells. The cells are recessed into the cylinder, unlike relief printing or letterpress where the printing image is raised, or like offset printing, in which the image is level with the plate. The cylinder is etched with cells of different depths. These cells hold the ink that is transferred to the substrate. The dimensions of the cells must be precise because the deeper cells produce more intensive color than shallow cells.

The cells are filled with ink, and the non-printing portions of the plate or cylinder are wiped or scraped free of ink through the doctor blade. Then paper or another substrate is pressed against the inked cylinder on a rotary press, and the image is transferred directly to the medium, unlike in offset printing, which uses an interim cylinder. The engraved cylinder sits partially immersed in the ink fountain, where it picks up ink to fill its recessed cells on each rotation of the press.

Flexographic printing uses a plate with a raised surface (relief printing) and fast drying fluid inks to print directly onto the print material. The plates are made of rubber or photosensitive polymeric material called photo polymer and are attached to a drum on rotary printing equipment. Flexography prints from a flexible printing plate that is wrapped around a rotating cylinder. The plate is usually attached to the cylinder with double-sided sticky tape.

For a convertor to choose between rotogravure and flexographic printing process several parameters like quality of print; cost efficiency w.r.t. short/ long run; cylinder/ plate costs; maintenance costs among several others.

Rotogravure technology produces exceptionally high quality results rapidly while flexographic process poses sporadic print quality limitations in terms of insufficient uniformity of print production. Flexographic printing scores an edge for short-run jobs whereas rotogravure is preferred for longer runs. Printing-press cost works out to be considerably higher in rotogravure printing as compared to flexographic printing. Although the operating costs (utilities and overhead) are slightly higher in rotogravure when compared to flexographic printing. Rotogravure Printing does not support as much versatility in printing mediums as flexographic. Due to plate elasticity and tolerances reproducibility is somewhat dependent on pre-press conditions and operator&#;s skill in the case of flexographic printing, while rotogravure printing ensures excellent reproducibility that remains independent of the skillset of the operator.

Much of Americas is using flexographic printing while rotogravure technology is also picking up of late. In Europe the trend and predilection is again tilted towards flexographic printing although rotogravure printing is not far behind. In the entire Asia Pacific Rotogravure technology calls the shots.

As stated in the beginning of this blog, the choice of printing technology to be deployed rests upon the priorities of the convertor therefore neither does rotogravure win nor does flexography lose. Given the popularity of both technologies in varied circumstances, India&#;s largest fully integrated multinational flexible packaging materials and Solution Company Uflex manufactures both Rotogravure and Flexographic presses. Earlier last year, Uflex shook hands with Italian Firm Comiflex SRL to manufacture gearless C.I. Flexo Printing Machines under a Technology Transfer Agreement. The Engineering Business is in the process of completing its first 1.3 meter web, 8 color, central drum CI Flexo Printing Machine here in Noida designed to operate at a speed of 400 meters per minute. The first machine will be installed at the Converting Business of UFlex and once it is tested for various performance parameters, other bespoke machines will be manufactured for domestic and export markets.

For more Packaging Stamping Machine For Saleinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.