Rotogravure is a high-speed printing technology with a wide range of applications. It works with any material and produces high-quality graphics that transmit complicated and detailed images and blends in up to 9 colors.
Unlike traditional flexographic printing which relied on rubber plates, Rotogravure relies on metal cylinders that contain engraved images. It used a different cylinder for each color used on the standup pouches manufactured using Rotogravure printing. This type of printing is very common in the food and beverage packaging industry particularly in the manufacturing of standup pouches, quad seal bags, flat bottom bags, and more.
How does Rotogravure printing works?
Rotogravure printing is commonly used to print on thin, flexible materials such as film roll stock, standup pouches, and more. A laser or diamond-tipped stylus is used to engrave the finalized design onto large copper-plated steel cylinders. The engravings are called ‘cells,’ and they are etched in various depths, with deeper cells generating more intense color.
Every color to be printed requires the usage of a separate cylinder. The cylinders are then partially buried in an ink fountain, which rotates and fills the recessed cells. Before the ink is transmitted from the cells to the printing material, a blade removes surplus ink off the cylinder’s surface.
The printing material is supplied between the impression and gravure cylinders for equal coverage. To achieve the best finish, the material is efficiently sandwiched with force to push the ink out of the cells. After that, the print material is dried before moving on to the next color cylinder.
Benefits of Rotogravure printing for manufacturing standup pouches:
- Cost-effective printing in large volumes
- It is possible to use a wider range of material structures with unique finishes
- Highest printing quality achievable, with more detail and color fidelity
- Extraordinarily fast turnaround times
- Rotogravure printing uses solvent-based inks that dry quickly to assist speed up the printing process
- The labor costs are cheap because the process is virtually automated
- Gravure cylinders are exceptionally long-lasting and can be used for multiple print runs if used regularly and properly maintained
- Ability to support complex artworks and customized designs
Because of technological improvements, Rotogravure printing has become more affordable, making it the best option for printing on quad seal bags, standup pouches, flat bottom bags, etc.
It can also be used for fulfilling packaging requirements for:
- Cold cuts and cured sausages
- Sauces and liquids
- Fish and shellfish
- Cheese and yogurt
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dry foods
- Coffee, tea, and cocoa
- Confectionary and bakery products
- Nuts, pickles, and condiments
- Ready meals
- Diet and nutrition supplements
- Pet food
- Chemical and biological products
- Personal care and hygiene
- Etc.
Are you seeking eye-catching, eco-friendly, and unique packaging for your products that will set you apart from the competition? Get in touch with Pouchwale, a subsidiary of Manish Enterprises, an industry leader offering flexible and custom packaging solutions.