In the Groove

Chesnut believes polymeric sleeves will make it feasible for the small printer to engrave in-house—a trend he feels is opposite to what's happening in flexo, where high capital costs of quality digital platemaking are driving more work toward tradeshops.

Closing gravure gaps

Alongside gravure's heady digital leadership are areas where a little more homework is required. "Gravure has lent itself to becoming digital," states Marino. "Gravure presses need to catch up with the revolution happening in flexo with robotics, chambered doctor blades and laser-engraved anilox rolls."