The Packaging gravure printing roller is a core component for achieving high-quality printing of products such as flexible packaging, labels, and decorative materials.

Core Structure and Material

It primarily consists of the following layers:

Structural layer	Main materials	Thickness	Function
Base Materials	Seamless steel pipe	20-30mm	Undertake a core supporting role, ensuring roller stability and rigidity under high-speed rotation
Nickel plating layer	Nickel	1-2 μm	As the base layer, it enhances the bonding strength between the substrate and the subsequent copper layer, and prevents the copper layer from peeling off
Copper layer	Cooper	80-320 μm	The carrier layer for engraving work. The exquisite patterns of the plate roller are formed into countless tiny pits (screen dots) on this layer through electronic engraving or laser engraving technology
Chrome plating	Chromium	7-10 μm	A hard chromium coating is applied to the surface of the engraved copper layer, increasing the surface hardness of the plate roller to HRC 58-62. This effectively resists blade wear and enhances the printing durability of the plate roller to the level of millions of impressions

Different Carving Techniques and Trends

*Electro-mechanical Engraving (EME): This is a mature traditional craft that employs a precision diamond engraving needle to mechanically carve out mesh holes on a copper layer.

*Laser Engraving (LE): This is a more forward-looking technology that utilizes high-energy laser beams to directly vaporize the copper layer to form mesh holes. Compared to electronic engraving, laser engraving has obvious advantages:

I.Higher precision: It can engrave finer and more complex-shaped mesh holes

II.The depth of the screen dot can be significantly reduced while achieving the same printing effect.

III. More environmentally friendly. Due to the shallower mesh, the required plating thicknesses of copper and chromium can be reduced respectively, significantly reducing the amount of heavy metals used and the energy consumption and pollution during the electroplating process, thereby aiding the packaging industry in achieving the goal of green manufacturing

Diversified Functions of Packaging Gravure Printing

1. Tactile Effects:

*3D structuring: By deeply engraving the plate roller (with a mesh depth of up to 80-180μm), a paint layer with a distinct thickness can be printed on the packaging material, forming text or patterns with a three-dimensional tactile sensation.

*Braille embossing: It is possible to print Braille on packaging such as pharmaceuticals, providing information for visually impaired individuals.

2.Visual Effects: Holographic/dynamic effect.