What is Rotogravure Printing? A Simple Guide

Rotogravure is a famous printing method. It's a high speed and high volume printing method that is known for delivering exceptional results. It is known for producing detailed and vibrant printing results. 

Rotogravure uses engraved metal cylindrical plates to transfer ink onto the material. It works perfectly well on mylar bags and produces exceptionally vibrant and photographic quality images. It produces consistent printing results making it ideal for large print runs. 

How Does the Rotogravure Printing Process Work?

This printing process takes place on a large and continuous press. Let’s take a look at how Rotogravure printing works on mylar bags:

• First of all the design is laser etched into the heavy chrome plated steel cylinder. High powered lasers or diamond tools carve millions of small, microscopic “cells” into a copper coated steel cylinder. These deep cells hold enough ink to produce dark tones. On the other hand, shallow cells hold lighter shades. 

• The engraved cylinder starts to rotate. The tiny etched cells start to fill up immediately as the cylinder rolls through.

• Then a flexible steel blade presses against the rotating cylinder. It scrapes the surface clean. The ink remains inside the recessed cells. 

• Then the mylar film is passed between the inked cylinder and an impression roller. The immense pressure pushes the ink out and onto the mylar film

• The printed mylar film is then passed through a drying oven to evaporate the water or solvent in the ink. The mylar film has to undergo a series of units like these for each color. 

• The final printed film is laminated with a barrier layer and cut into pouch shapes. 

Why Does the Rotogravure Printing Process Stand Out?

Here is why the Rotogravure printing process stands out:

• It helps create continuous tone images and offers smooth gradients, sharp text, and deep shadows. Overall it offers unmatched image quality.

• It helps prevent color drift and maintain consistency across all runs. 

• This printing process works at a very high speed and uses fast drying inks which makes it cost effective for large print runs.

• It offers excellent ink adhesion which makes it excellent for complex and laminated flexible packaging like Mylar bags. 

Final Thoughts

The Rotogravure printing method is an excellent way to improve packaging operations and has earned its reputation as a premier printing technique. It can easily produce high quality, consistent results over large print runs. It is an ideal choice for brands looking for ways to create visually striking and durable prints on mylar packaging. It continues to play an important role in the world of premium packaging and helps improve customer satisfaction. It makes the product packaging look attractive on retail shelves. 

At Print247, we help you harness the full potential of rotogravure printing. Reach out to us to create packaging that reflects your brand values and improve consumer experience. Create packaging that helps you build brand loyalty through consistent and sharp printed graphics. Let’s make visually appealing Mylar packaging.