In today’s fast-moving modern world, information spreads faster than ever before with the help of technology and media. Yet, before the digital era, printing played a very important role in the communication of culture and information. From ancient stone carvings to bamboo slips, from silk to the invention of paper, human civilization has been in ceaseless pursuit of the best way to record and transmit knowledge.
Zhongjia Packaging is a leading fabricant d'emballages flexibles sur mesure with factory direct pricing and small-batch customization. One of the most advanced printing technologies in the packaging industry we apply in Zhongjia is gravure printing. Let’s explore below exactly what gravure printing is and why it matters in modern flexible packaging production.
What Is Gravure Printing?
Gravure printing-also referred to as rotogravure a superior printing process whereby ink is transferred from the engraved cells on a metal cylinder onto a substrate, which may be plastic film, paper, or foil.
- Simpler to understand: think of it like a process involving minute grooves on some surface, which are to be ink-filled. When a sheet of paper or any film is pressed on it, the ink in those grooves transfers to the surface to give a well-defined image with a lot of detail. The pattern remains permanently on the material after drying.
It is the principle whereby ink is retained in recessed rather than raised areas that makes gravure printing different from other methods, such as offset or flexographic printing.
How Does Gravure Printing Work?
Cylinder Engraving:
The design is engraved onto a metal cylinder through precise laser or electronic engraving, reaching resolutions of over 2160 PPI for sharp image reproduction.
Ink Application:
Each cylinder corresponds to a specific color (usually in CMYK system Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). The engraved cells are filled with ink.
Excess Ink Removal:
The doctor blade wipes away excess ink from the cylinder surface, leaving ink in the engraved areas only.
Image Transfer:
Substrate, such as plastic film or paper, is pressed on to the rotating cylinder and ink is transferred to create a printed image.
Drying:
The film then passes through a hot-air drying system where the ink is set.
Lamination and Bag Making:
After printing, several film layers are laminated together for strength and barrier performance; after which, they are slit and converted into pouch or roll films, ready for packaging production.
Why Gravure Printing is Ideal for Flexible Packaging
High Precision
Gravure printing provides a fine and photorealistic image, consistent in color, which makes packaging designs vivid and lifelike.
Excellent Durability
The printed finish is abrasion-resistant, moisture-proof, and chemical-resistant; it’s ideal for the packaging of food, beverage, and daily chemical products.
Cost-Effective for Large Runs
Gravure printing provides a competitive unit cost for factory wholesale or orders with large-volume production.
Compatible with Various Materials
Apply to various packaging materials such as PET, BOPP, CPP, and aluminum foil to flexibly meet various packaging needs.
Vibrant Colors
By utilizing the CMYK overlay system, thousands of custom colors are achievable to meet unique brand visual design needs.
Zhongjia Packaging: Your Custom Flexible Packaging Partner
Established as a professional manufacturer of all kinds of custom flexible packaging, Zhongjia Packaging combines advanced gravure printing technology with over 40 years of experience to serve clients with high-quality products.
Our services include:
- Small-batch customization to meet the needs of new product or brand trial sales
- Factory direct wholesale pricing, best for large-volume orders
- Full-process service: design consultation, printing, laminating, and bag making.
Whether the packaging of foodstuffs and snacks, pharmaceutical products, or personal care goods, we can provide the ideal packaging solutions to make your products stand out on the shelf.
Conclusion
Gravure printing is not just a printing method; it’s part of the basic process in making flexible packaging of high quality, durable, and visually attractive. With this technology, Zhongjia Packaging continuously provides premium custom packaging solutions to brands, making product value clear and appealing to consumers.
To find out more about how gravure printing can improve product packaging, get in touch with us today for a free consultation and quote.