The principle of Rotogravure print is a type of intaglio printing process. The image is acid-engraved onto the surface of a metal cylinder by a pattern of cells (or called “dots”). One cylinder is etched one color with cells of different depths. The deeper cells hold more ink and transfer image with more intensive color than shallow cells. The non-printing portion is scrap off ink by a doctor blade from ink tray and printing portion with cells in full of ink transfers to substrates (medium) by impression cylinder. This is what rotogravure printing works. The skills of printing operator and the quality of plates are two critical factors influenced how good the printing outcome is and they can’t be apart from each in printing process.

Rotogravure printing plates are made of image-etched cylinders. The surface of plates is inevitable to oxidize causing image faded when air and humidity are two mediums to make it happen naturally. The shelf life of plates is limited to plate’s stored condition and doing maintenance is required afterwards. For regularly repeated order of printing job, the related plate cost after the trial order is on vendor’s account, and vice versa, for rarely repeated order of printing job, the remaking plates is expended on buyer’s account.