Fluid Movements

The viability of reverse-angle doctoring for gravure harbors a lengthy history of healthy debate and rigorous testing—two practices likely to endure for a bit longer.

"In gravure, attempts to use a reverse angle in lieu of a trailing doctor blade have been made since the '50s," says Allison, who explains the first reverse angle efforts were thwarted by lines of engraving across gravure's smooth cylinder face, such as the first line of a column of type. These jammed the thin tip of the reverse angle doctor blade and destroyed the blade, the cylinder, or both.