If you are in the rotogravure printing industry, then the rotogravure cylinder engraving process is something you should know. Engraving technology is increasingly gaining popularity in the printing industry. Rotogravure cylinder engraving service is the most common, and there are many people offering it.

But if you are not careful or understand the process, there are high chances of getting low-quality engraving services. That’s why it is important to understand the process to enable you to select the services. If you also want to get into this industry, we have provided you with tips on the steps that make the whole process. Check out the following:

Preparation of the Machine

The most important thing here is the engraving machine. You need to have the right machine for the rotogravure cylinder engraving. There are a number of things that makes an ideal machine for a specific cylinder. First, it must have a size that will accommodate the cylinder. This is crucial because a too small or too large machine may not help at all. The second thing you need a machine is the right engraving power that meets the needs of the customers.

Preparing the Cylinder

The preparation of the cylinder is also very crucial for proper engraving. If the cylinder was engraved before, then you must get rid of the previously engraved layer. Then you will need to add another copper layer to the rotogravure cylinder for engraving. Make sure that the cylinder is also cleaned thoroughly to help get rid of dust and dirt.

Put The Cylinder In Engraving Machine

With the cylinder ready for engraving, put it in the cylinder machine as recommended by the manufacturer. The designs might vary, and thus the instruction can vary from one machine to the other. The cylinder should be firmly in place before you can start engraving.

Engraving Stage

This is the most important stage. There are several things that you need to put into consideration when engraving. First is the amount of engraving power that you will need for the rotogravure cylinder. This is all about the depth and the size of the etchings that are needed. The next thing should be an image to be engraved. It is usually provided by the customer and can be designed by the engraver. Whichever the cases, it must be properly done to produce the desired printing. Then you can start engraving.

Chrome Plating

The chrome layer is electroplated in the engraved rotogravure cylinder to protect the engraved layer from wear. It is a hard protective layer that helps to keep the engraved image in perfect condition for a longer time hence a longer use. It is usually the last stage of the rotogravure cylinder engraving process.