Gravure is a high-speed printing process usually based on roll-to-roll mechanics. There are three basic gravure markets — publication, packaging, and product (or specialty). Publication gravure is an exceptionally high speed, four-color process printing method, the primary function of which is the reproduction of text and pictures. The substrate printed is a very thin, generally low-basis weight paper. The primary end products include catalogues, magazines and newspaper inserts. Packaging gravure is a somewhat slower variation of the process using the same mechanics but not based solely on four-color work. The substrate range is also much wider — including film and foil as well as paperboard and paper label. Spot colors and coatings are often included. In packaging, the ultimate printed product is a package, in which the printing not only decorates the product but may also serve a functional purpose, such as a barrier. Product printing, like packaging, is relatively low speed. Substrates range from plastics to metals to paper. The end products include floor coverings, swimming pool liners, postage stamps, and wood grain materials for furniture or wall covering. The process is based on printing from a recessed image that is engraved or etched into a metal cylinder. The cylinder is placed into a pan containing the ink. Excess ink is removed by use of a metal or plastic blade, and the ink left in the cells is then transferred to the substrate. In recent years, there have been many pressures for changing the process. Some of these changes are being government regulation driven and some are cost driven. Print quality in gravure is quite high, and the challenge has been to respond to the need for change without loss of quality. Another area of challenge is the recent upsurge in Flexo print volume. As Flexo print quality has improved, and improved markedly, many jobs previously printed gravure have moved to Flexo. This is primarily a cost function when quality is perceived as equal or mutually satisfactory. As changes in gravure have occurred, the inks have had to evolve as well. We are, therefore, seeing many changes in the solvents, resins, and additives used for gravure. In gravure, whether publication or packaging, the amount of ink transferred to the substrate depends on the cell volumes and configurations, the substrate used, and the ink formulation. The actual print strength obtained depends on the colorant, the ratio of colorant to vehicle, and the viscosity of the applied material. The gravure system of using an engraved cylinder and wiping off excess ink gives very high print quality and positive control over the process. The process lends itself to long runs, but cylinder costs can be high.