An Investigation into Ink Transfer in Rotogravure Printing

This paper describes an investigation into the ink transfer characteristics in rotogravure printing. Analysis of sequential copies was used to optimise the number of samples used in experiments. No cyclical frequencies were detected in the printed colour. Extensive monitoring of the printing press was carried out to evaluate the natural fluctuations on the press parameters and printed product. An orthogonal array experimental programme was performed to determine the effect of process parameters on the ink transfer characteristics from the cylinder to the substrate. The results highlight the significant non-linear variation in colour with respect to changes in ink viscosity and the change in colour with the doctor blade angle.