moirePatterns in Electronic Engraving for Gravure

Electromechanically driven diamond stylus engraving machines have largely replaced etching methods in the imaging of gravure cylinders. As a consequence, traditional screen angling methods to minimize moireand color shifts in gravure printing cannot be utilized. The pseudo screen angling techniques currently being used on electromechanical engravers are reviewed in this paper. Finally it is shown that if the pitch of the engraving head when advanced along the cylinder axis can be controlled, the moirepattern can be made very small and undetectable.