The basic principle of gravure printing is simple. The distinctive feature of gravure printing is that the printing elements are recessed on the surface of the printing cylinder. The non-printing areas are at a constant, original level. Prior to printing, the entire surface of the printing cylinder (both the printing elements and the non-printing elements) is inked and a doctor blade removes the ink from the areas of the
non-image elements, so only ink remains in the cells. Ink is then transferred onto the surface of the substrate from the cells as a consequence of high
pressure and the adhesive force between the ink and
the substrate.