Syväpainatustekniikat

Syväpainatustekniikat, known in English as gravure printing, represent a category of intaglio printing processes where the image is transferred from a recessed area on the printing plate onto the substrate. This technique is characterized by its ability to produce high-quality, continuous-tone images, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring fine detail and rich tonal gradations.

The core principle of gravure printing involves creating an engraved cylinder or plate. The image to be printed is etched or engraved into the surface of the printing cylinder, forming tiny cells or wells. These cells hold the ink. During the printing process, the entire surface of the cylinder is coated with ink. A doctor blade then scrapes off the excess ink from the non-image areas, leaving ink only within the engraved cells. When the substrate, such as paper or plastic film, is pressed against the inked cylinder, the ink from the cells is transferred to the substrate through capillary action and pressure.

The depth and shape of the engraved cells determine the amount of ink transferred and, consequently, the tone or color intensity. Deeper cells hold more ink and produce darker tones, while shallower cells hold less ink and result in lighter tones. This variable ink-carrying capacity allows for the faithful reproduction of photographic images and subtle color variations.

Syväpainatustekniikat are widely used in commercial printing for producing magazines, catalogs, packaging, and decorative laminates. They are also employed in specialized applications like printing decorative films, wallpaper, and security documents. The high initial cost of preparing the engraved cylinders is offset by their long durability and the efficiency of the printing process for large production runs, making gravure printing an economically viable choice for mass-market publications and products.