syväpainos

Syväpainos is a Finnish term that translates to "deep impression" or "gravure printing." It refers to an intaglio printing process where the image to be printed is etched or engraved into the surface of a printing plate, creating recessed cells that hold the ink. This differs from relief printing where the image is raised, or planographic printing where the image is flat.

In gravure printing, the plate is typically made of metal, often copper, and the recessed areas are etched to varying depths. Deeper cells hold more ink and produce darker tones, while shallower cells hold less ink and produce lighter tones. After the plate is inked, a doctor blade scrapes away any excess ink from the surface, leaving ink only within the recessed cells. The paper is then pressed against the inked plate, transferring the ink from the cells to the paper.

Gravure printing is known for its ability to produce high-quality images with smooth tonal gradations and fine detail, making it suitable for long-run printing of publications such as magazines, catalogs, and packaging. The process can achieve very high print speeds and consistent quality throughout the print run. However, the initial setup costs for gravure printing can be significant due to the specialized equipment and the preparation of the engraved cylinders.