In the Groove

Dunnington cites need for improvement in the job planning process, where production parameters are sometimes entered manually many times over, and the approval process, which is burdened partly by the industry's reluctance to accept digital proofs.

"Color accuracy and fidelity of reproduction still guarantees that for long runs, gravure cannot be matched," sums up Share. "But as shorter runs become more in demand, quality alone will not take care of lost business. Speed and cost efficiencies are the only way gravure will recapture and increase its market share."