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 nonprinting areas are at
a constant, original level. Prior to printing, the entire
surface of the printing cylinder (both the printing
elements and the nonprinting elements) is inked and
a doctor blade removes the ink from the areas of the
nonimage 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.