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Rotogravure printing
Also known as: gravure printing, rotogravure, roto printing
Rotogravure transfers ink from cells engraved into a metal cylinder, giving sharp, consistent print for long flexible packaging runs.
Rotogravure printing is an intaglio process: the image is engraved as tiny cells into a copper-plated steel cylinder, a doctor blade wipes away excess ink, and the ink left in the cells transfers to the film.
Why brands choose it
Gravure delivers crisp micro-text, rich saturated colour, smooth photographic gradients and excellent repeatability between orders. Cylinders are very durable, and at high press speeds the unit cost becomes low on long runs. It is a common choice for coffee, confectionery and frozen food packs, often reverse printed and then laminated.
Trade-offs
Each colour needs its own engraved cylinder, so start-up costs are high and artwork changes mean re-engraving. For short runs or frequently changing designs, flexo or digital printing is often more economical.
Inline camera systems monitor registration and colour during the run, and a retained sample from the previous order serves as the colour reference for repeats.
Tip
Share your annual volume and how often artwork changes, and clarify cylinder ownership and storage terms at the quotation stage.
Frequently asked
Why is gravure so expensive to start?
Every colour requires a separately engraved metal cylinder. That one-off cost is spread over the run, so it pays off mainly on long, repeat jobs.
Does gravure give better quality than flexo?
It generally gives sharper fine detail and smoother gradients, though modern flexo comes close on many designs.
Related terms
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