Gravure Inks

Gravure is a printing method in which an image is applied to a printing substrate by use of a metal plate mounted on a cylinder. Unlike other processes, gravure uses a depressed or sunken surface for the desired image. The image to be reproduced is etched into the metal plate, sometimes with the use of a laser. The metal plate is bathed in ink during the process and then wiped clean before application to the substrate. Gravure’s strength is that its process can produce high-quality runs rapidly, but the costs are higher than other printing methods.

One of the major applications for fluorescent gravure inks is in the printing of light boards and cartons. Other applications include; commercial printing of magazines, postcards, corrugated (cardboard) for product packaging, food packaging, wallpaper, wrapping paper, furniture laminates and panelling.

The choice of which Sterling colour series to used is governed by the solvent system in your ink formulation and the etch depth of the gravure cylinder.

The Sterling Colour 210 Series can be used in both solvent and water based applications, whereas the Sterling Colour 410 Series is best suited in oxygenated-solvent types. The Sterling Colour 916 Series can be used in some aliphatic solvent based inks, where formaldehyde-free pigments are required. The Sterling Colour 650 and 850 Series can also be used in certain water and solvent based applications. Starting formulations are available upon request.