Discussion on the future of packaging gravure

At the end of 2001, Flexo and Gravure International Press invited ten well-known industry experts to present their opinions on the prospects of packaging gravure. Among them are rollers, printers and related association members. The topics discussed were divided into six, and the opinions expressed were summarized as follows:

I. What is the prospect of gravure soft packaging in 2002?

Representatives of the European Gravure Association (ERA) believe that from the grand occasion of the European Food Fair, the flexible packaging of food is in a good situation and it is also very beneficial to gravure printed flexible packaging. In particular, those large brand-name, quality-conscious brand-name food flexible packaging still favor gravure printing. Daetwyler (the company that produces the gravure cylinder polishing machine) stands for: Wherever high-quality printing is required (this is also a market trend), gravure printing is used.

Representatives of the American Gravure Association (GAA) are still optimistic that soft packaging is an area in which gravure has grown. According to the reflections of our customers (manufacturers of rolling stocks), the roller manufacturing business of the company in 2000 was very good, similar in year 01, and there was a moderate growth in 2002.

Representatives of W&H and Schiavi (representation of gravure equipment manufacturers in Germany and Italy respectively) are optimistic about the export market of gravure printing equipment (such as Eastern Europe and some Asian countries, while developed countries such as Western Europe require high-efficiency equipment. This is also their technological transformation. aims.)

2. In recent years, packaging gravure has given up a significant market share to flexo printing. What do you think are the prerequisites for stopping this trend?

This may be the question readers most want to know. However, judging from the opinions of the delegates, there does not seem to be any need to take measures to stop it. Please read:

The representative of the HELL company spoke very humorously: "Big fish do not necessarily eat small fish, but fast fish only eat slow fish." This is also true in the printing industry. In recent years, Flexo has made many improvements. In addition, marketing planning and effective industry association support have won some market share. In contrast, gravure printing is relatively good, but only a few large manufacturers produce the relevant equipment and are relatively conservative. However, this trend seems to have stopped. Gravure printing is a mature technology. Some technological innovations are less dazzling, but after all, they are not stagnant. In contrast, flexo may have reached certain limits in certain aspects. We have seen the case of returning to gravure by flexo printing.

Readers should not mistakenly believe that HELL is specialized in the production of gravure cylinder equipment. In fact, since the drupa 2000, flexographic research has also been conducted, comparing the shortcomings between the two, and also began to provide equipment for flexo printing. The representative’s speech was based on an objective market survey.

Representative of the European Gravure Association: Although the share of flexo printing has increased in recent years, the gravure industry in Europe still maintains a stable market share of 20% for many years. Most of the growth in flexo printing was due to the frequent replacement of packaging designs and the increase in short batches. This trend has been eased from the results of our market research. In particular, the brand-name products still have a gravure stamp on the packaging quality.

American Gravure Association Representative: There are many printing house owners who have two kinds of graphic arts. Honestly they say: Flexographic printing does not necessarily have an advantage in cost, and in addition, the quality and stability of the gravure wins. So why take flexo? Just because of the customer's designation, as to why the customer makes this choice, it is often just a past impression of gravure.

Italian Schiavi company representatives: In recent years, there have also been many improvements in gravure printing equipment, such as on-board cleaning systems, improved ergonomics and environmental protection requirements, and more efficient register control, which will increase the popularity of gravure printing.

The German Saueressig company representative even more straightforwardly said: In the high-quality field, flexo printing does not necessarily have a price advantage, and the gravure printing adopts the simplification technology, in the cost and delivery time, have created a recapture market for the gravure. condition.

Representatives of Aabach Imaging Systems pointed out that revolutionary measures for the direct engraving of synthetic compound cylinders may win market share for gravure printing.

3. How do you look at the reputation of packaging gravure? If you want to reactivate, where should your focus be?

There are many similar answers to the second question in the answer. They are of good quality, reliable, and stable. Only in recent years, marketing and public relations activities are insufficient. New and improved propaganda and service work should be strengthened to reverse the old concept of “expensive and inconvenient”. There are new methods and new improvements. German W&H specializes in how to improve the economic benefits of gravure printing for short-length jobs and explains existing measures, such as the introduction of automatic ink control, automatic cleaning of inking systems, and the Ecoplus system for building blocks to adapt to rapid revival and shorten preparation time. At the same time, it is also possible to add or reduce printing units, etc., at full speed.

4. Due to improvements in the quality of flexo printing in recent years, the cost of making plates has also increased. Do you see the trend of returning gravure?

It is a consensus that the cost of flexo platemaking will increase as its quality increases. The representative of W&H also pointed out that flexographic CTP technology and continuous gapless printing all make the economic benefit gap between flexo and gravure significantly narrow, and sometimes even disappear. Not only in terms of long-term tasks, but also in the medium and short-term printing services.

Saueressig representatives also believe that due to the technical improvement of gravure cylinders, such as steel cores and engraving processes, the cost is almost the same as flexo platemaking (seamless and continuous), while gravure printing is inherently seamless. Continuous, long service life.

Representatives of Janoschka also believe that: In terms of high quality, the cost difference of soft gravure does not constitute a threat to gravure. He also believes that the quality of flexo is no better than gravure.

Representatives of the American Gravure Association also answered this question affirmatively, and said that some flexographic companies have seen gravure printing, some major printers are no longer fascinated by flexo printing, and managers have discovered that the so-called flexographic printing Economic advantages are not so real.

Representatives from Auroras also said that in terms of high-quality printing, flexographic platemaking costs have no obvious advantages compared with gravure, and the association often receives advice in this regard. Do not forget that gravure printing is used in printing forces and stability. Really have their strengths.

5. Electric carving is still an overwhelming advantage in gravure printing. Does any other technology such as laser direct engraving have the opportunity to enter this market? Do you have anything wrong or derogatory?

The representative of the American Apocryphal Association believes that laser engraving is technically feasible and now depends on its economic feasibility. The adoption of any new technology must consider its economic benefits. Do not abandon the original technology and just improve on it. The adoption of this new technology is the fastest. Laser engraving only finds a material that replaces copper and chromium, instead of immediately abandoning the original basic investment, it will have a huge impact. The speed at which the pendulum swings back toward the gravure will also increase.

Haier's representative revealed that the HelioFlexo F2000 has been introduced for laser engraving of laser engraving systems. The success of the gravure laser engraving system, as the representative of the American Concave Association said, is to seek alternative materials for copper. Haier is actively studying.

Representatives of Daetwyler Company pointed out that although the electric engraving gravure cylinder has been popular for many years, it is not perfect (the width and depth of the cell are somewhat inconsistent). If laser engraving is used, the geometry of the cell can be adapted to the requirements of different substrates. Preparation is of great benefit. In addition, the text is more razor sharp, the speed of plate making is quickened, waste is reduced, the level is better, the consumption of ink is reduced, and ink is less in the network. The adoption of a digital workflow can improve the consistency of plate making.

6. What is the opinion of the sleeve type in the gravure printing plate?

The use of sleeve-type gravure can reduce the handling costs and reduce the plate-making cost, which is favorable for accepting short-term tasks. This is a common view and will not be repeated. The Auspicious Association of Europe also awarded the Innovation Award in 2001. However, it is still not widely used in applications. The representative of Aabach pointed out that the popularity of the sleeve version requires the standardization of the mandrel, but the current size of the roller is various, which hinders the popularity of the sleeve version.

Haier's representative: There are no problems with the Helioklischograph electric engraving machine for carving telescopic gravure. It has been more than ten years old. However, there are not many customers who use the sleeve version. The advantages of its rationality and economy are undeniable, but there are some problems in the general or work procedures. It is estimated that there will be no significant increase in its application in the next few years.

Is gravure the giant of sleep or a toothless paper tiger? After reading the above discussion, make your own answer. For giants who are still asleep, it is time to wake up.