Cylinder engraving is one of the fast-growing technologies in gravure printing. With the engraving of the gravure technology, it has become easy to print even the most complex images. But how this technique work? Well, this guide has everything you need to know about cylinder engraving.
What Is Cylinder Engraving?
Cylinder engraving is simply the engraving of the print image on the gravure cylinder. The method makes use of the engraving machine, which uses a laser beam to engrave the surface of the cylinder. There are so many types of laser engraving machines that you can select from. Check out https://www.laserengravingmanufacturers.com/ for some of the best engraving machines in the market.
The Process Of Cylinder Engraving
The process of laser engraving is pretty straightforward, but you need to have the right skills to do. But there are the main steps that you need to follow to ensure you have gotten the expected results. Here are the steps that make the process:
The Image
The first thing that you need to consider is the image to be printed. This is where the printing job should start. Check all the requirement and whether your printing plant can handle. Check the colors needed and the overall complexity of the image. It is the image features that will dictate most of what you will need going forward.
Selecting the Cylinder
The first step is to select the right gravure cylinder to engrave. This is because there are various sizes available depending on the task. This should be the first thing to get right. Make sure that you have checked your printing and get the correct cylinder. The diameter and the length of the cylinder are some of the key things you need to consider.
Engraving Machine
With all the images and the cylinder needs sorted, the next thing you need to consider is the engraving machine. You can go for the laser or electronic engraving machine. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. So, select carefully depending on the engraving needs. There are so many types that can suit your needs but select the best.
Cylinder Engraving Stage
With everything ready, you can start engraving. Make sure that the engraving machine is properly set to produce the beam strength and so on. After cylinder engraving, you need to have the cylinder coated to protect the engraving. Chrome layer is the most recommended.