The development process of gravure printing can be traced back several centuries, and its technology continues to evolve, becoming an indispensable part of the modern printing industry. The following is the main development process of gravure printing:
Around 1460, the Italian M. Finigueira invented the engraved metal intaglio printing method. This is the origin of gravure printing technology, originally meaning "carving". It involves manually carving metal plates, painting colors on the concave areas, then covering them with paper and applying pressure to obtain exquisite printed products.
In the mid-15th century, the production of gravure printing plates was mainly done by hand, using carving knives to cut text and images on copper or steel plates.
At the beginning of the 17th century, chemical etching method began to be used for gravure production. This method involves coating a layer of acid resistant and corrosion-resistant wax on the surface of the copper sheet, and then using a steel needle to draw graphics and text, causing the wax layer on the line part to be damaged, thus forming concave marks in the next corrosion process.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the invention and application of multiple technologies brought about significant changes to the intaglio printing process. For example, potassium dichromate was discovered to have photosensitivity in 1782, photographic technology was invented in 1839, and the carbon paper transfer method was introduced in 1864.
1878: Photogravure technology was born and officially put into production in Vienna in 1890. This technology uses photography to produce film and uses carbon paper as an intermediate, greatly improving the quality and speed of plate making.
Mid-20th century: Electronic engraving intaglio technology began to rise. The electronic engraving machine uses a scanning head and a computer-controlled diamond engraving knife to carve ink holes for graphics and text on a drum. These holes are in the shape of an inverted pyramid, with varying sizes and depths. The printing quality of this technology is no less than that of photographic etching intaglio, and it is easy to operate, with short plate making time and no waste liquid treatment issues.
Modern gravure printing machines: With the continuous advancement of technology, modern gravure printing machines have the characteristics of high speed, multi-color, high degree of automation, online, wide width, and water-based. They can handle various printing materials such as paper, film, aluminum foil, etc., and are widely used in packaging, art printing, anti-counterfeiting printing and other fields.
In recent years, the gravure printing industry has increasingly focused on environmental protection and sustainable development. Some companies are starting to try using more environmentally friendly inks and sheets to reduce their impact on the environment. Meanwhile, with the development of digital technology, the plate making process of gravure printing has become more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Affected by environmental policies in various countries, water-based ink is now being used in gravure printing. For example, the gravure water-based ink produced by Zhongzhixing Color can already be used on gravure printing machines, and the printing effect is not inferior to oil-based ink. Welcome to consult