Design and Technology – Materials processing in industry | e-Consult

Gravure Printing: This is a printing process where the image is etched into a metal cylinder. The cylinder is inked, and the ink is transferred to the substrate.

Materials: Typically used on flexible materials like plastic films, foils, and paper.

Print Quality: Excellent print quality, capable of producing detailed images and gradients.

Applications: Packaging (e.g., flexible packaging, labels), magazines, security printing.

Sublimation Printing: This process involves heating a special ink, which turns into a gas and is then transferred to the substrate. The gas solidifies, permanently bonding the image to the material.

Materials: Primarily used on polyester fabrics and other polymer-coated materials.

Print Quality: Good print quality, vibrant colours, and durable images.

Applications: Custom t-shirts, sportswear, promotional items, photographic prints on fabric.

Comparison: Both methods produce high-quality prints suitable for detailed images. Gravure is more versatile in terms of substrate types, while sublimation is specifically designed for polymer-coated materials. Gravure often offers greater durability for packaging, whereas sublimation excels in textile printing.