Rotocalcografia: stampa di periodici e film plastici // Daniele Cogo

Summary

Rotogravure printing, utilizing rotary machines, serves two main purposes: historically for high-volume periodical printing and currently for flexible packaging materials. The process involves a copper-covered metal roller that transfers ink onto various substrates, preserving ink brightness due to the smooth surfaces of packaging. A hallmark of rotogravure is the consistent halftone pattern, especially noticeable in lighter areas, along with the fine text details achieved through engraved cells. This technique is vital in modern packaging, gift wrap, and wallpaper, highlighting its adaptability and relevance in today’s printing industry.

Takeaways

• 📰 The rotogravure printing process uses rotary machines and is primarily utilized in two fields: high-volume periodical printing and flexible packaging.
• 🎨 The first application involves printing large volumes of newspapers, catalogs, and low-weight paper products.
• 📦 The second and now primary application is the printing on plastic films, aluminum, or nylon for flexible food packaging.
• 🎁 Other applications include producing wrapping paper and wallpaper, highlighting the versatility of rotogravure printing.
• 🖌️ The printing process allows for a wide variety of inks, which are selected based on the type of support being printed on.
• 🔄 The printing procedure involves a roller that picks up ink from a tank and deposits it directly onto the printing substrate.
• 🔍 The metal printing roller is coated with a layer of copper, which is engraved with the image to be printed.
• 📏 The engraved areas vary in depth and size, allowing for different tones in the printed image.
• 🧼 Excess ink is removed from the engraved roller using a device, ensuring a clean transfer of ink onto the substrate.
• 🌟 The smooth, non-porous surface of packaging materials helps maintain the ink's brilliance, resulting in a high-quality print.

Q & A

What are the two main applications of rotogravure printing?

The two main applications of rotogravure printing are historical high-volume printing of periodicals and inserts for newspapers, as well as modern printing on plastic films, aluminum, or nylon for flexible food packaging and other flexible material applications.

What type of paper is typically used in rotogravure printing?

Rotogravure printing generally uses low-weight paper, suitable for high-volume printing.

How does the rotogravure printing process work?

In rotogravure printing, a roller picks up ink from a trough and deposits it directly onto the printing substrate. The metal roller is covered with a layer of copper, which is engraved with the image to be printed.

What determines the depth and size of the cells on the printing roller?

The depth and size of the cells on the printing roller vary based on the tones of the image being printed.

How is excess ink removed during the printing process?

Excess ink is removed from the roller using a blade, ensuring that only the ink in the engraved cells is transferred to the substrate.

What characteristic of packaging materials helps maintain ink brilliance?

The perfectly smooth and non-porous surface of packaging materials helps maintain the brilliance of the ink during the printing process.

What visual feature distinguishes rotogravure printing?

A distinguishing feature of rotogravure printing is the regularity of the half-tone pattern, especially visible in the lighter areas of the printed material.

Are the text areas in rotogravure printing also reticulated?

Yes, the text areas are also reticulated due to the use of cells for ink application.

What types of inks are used in rotogravure printing?

A wide variety of inks can be used in rotogravure printing, chosen based on the type of substrate being printed.

Why is rotogravure printing suitable for flexible packaging?

Rotogravure printing is suitable for flexible packaging because it can print on various flexible materials and delivers high-quality images with vibrant colors.