Sügavtrükis

Sügavtrükis, also known as intaglio printing, is an image transferring process where the image is etched or engraved into a printing plate. The ink is then applied to the plate, filling the recessed areas, and the excess ink is wiped from the surface. Paper is then pressed against the plate, and the ink from the recessed areas is transferred to the paper.

There are several forms of sügavtrükis. Copperplate engraving is one of the oldest methods, where a design is incised into a copper plate with a sharp tool called a burin. Mezzotint is another technique that creates tonal effects by roughening a copper plate, then gradually scraping away the roughened areas to create lighter tones. Aquatint involves adding a granular texture to the plate, often using resin powder, to create tonal areas. Etching uses acid to bite into the plate, creating the recessed areas.

Sügavtrükis is known for producing prints with fine detail and rich tonal gradations. It was historically used for printing fine art, maps, and currency. Modern applications include photogravure, which uses photographic processes to create the image on the plate, and rotogravure, a high-speed industrial process used for printing magazines, packaging, and postage stamps. The depth of the engraved lines or areas directly influences the amount of ink held and thus the darkness of the printed mark.