Sügavtrüki

Sügavtrüki, also known as gravure printing, is an intaglio printing process. In this method, the image is etched or engraved into the surface of a printing plate, creating recessed cells that hold the ink. The plate, typically a cylinder, is then coated with ink, and a squeegee is used to wipe away excess ink from the non-image areas. As the substrate, usually paper or plastic film, passes over the inked cylinder, the recessed cells transfer the ink to the substrate, forming the printed image.

The depth of the cells directly corresponds to the amount of ink they hold, which in turn determines the tonal value of the printed area. Deeper cells hold more ink and produce darker tones, while shallower cells hold less ink and result in lighter tones. This characteristic makes sügavtrüki particularly well-suited for printing continuous-tone images, such as photographs and detailed illustrations, and for achieving high-quality results in publications like magazines, catalogs, and packaging.

Sügavtrüki is a high-volume printing technique, often used for long print runs due to the durability of the engraved cylinders. The process can be adapted for various ink types and substrates, including inks for flexible packaging and specialized coatings. While the initial setup costs for engraving the cylinders can be high, the per-unit cost for large print quantities is generally competitive. The precision and consistency of ink transfer contribute to the sharp detail and rich color reproduction characteristic of sügavtrüki prints.