Details:
Summary:
Gravure is the simplest of the printing processes and provides very good end results. However, its use has been confined to larger circulations in publication printing and longer runs in packaging work. The limiting factor on the shorter run is always centered around the cost of the gravure cylinder itself rather than the machines and substrates used for printing. Our company has looked at alternative methods of producing gravure cylinders with limited amount of research into the basic problem. With the advancement of new technologies, it was decided some four years ago to look at the situation in depth, and our initial approach was to consider the problems which were constantly raised as reasons for not using gravure, a viable printing method. The main objections, including cost, speed, quality, repeatability, and some possible solutions are discussed. (author, abridged)