The Mechanism of Whiskering in Gravure Printing.

This report summarizes an investigation into whiskering which is intended to explain the causes and mechanism of whiskering on commercial gravure presses equipped with electrostatic assist. Specifically, the following topics are treated: (1) A method of producing whiskers reliably under controlled laboratory conditions, (2) A study of the effects of various paper, ink, and press variables on laboratory whiskering, (3) Development and description of the mechanism is operative in press whiskering as well as the laboratory, (5) Discussion of the implications of these conclusions in future control of commercial whiskering. This description is concentrated on coated publication paper in the 50 to 70 pound basis weight range.