Gravure Inks

Rotogravure printing requires a relatively low viscosity liquid ink that readily flows into and out of the cells.

Sheetfed intaglio printing for currency and postage stamp printing requires a stiffer ink. Gravure inks must be non-abrasive and free from grit.

Abrasive particles wear the doctor blade and the printing cylinder. Gravure inks require a volatile solvent that is easily dried by evaporation.

Ink viscosity must be checked periodically at press side because of the volatile solvents. Modern presses are equipped with automatic viscosity controls.

Gravure can use strong solvents since the inks are not exposed to rubber rollers. Gravure inks are less pigmented, since the gravure cylinder delivers a thicker ink film than other processes.

The thicker ink film in shadow areas contributes to the gloss and is characteristic of the “gravure quality”