In the Groove

"The laser is being touted as the next savior for gravure because of its engraving speed," reflects Dunnington. "In truth, on an eight-color job one laser would be up against two or three electromechanical engravers. The difference in turnaround time for the total job is two to three hours, which may be lost during the longer zinc plating process. The capital and operating costs simply do not justify the small benefit a laser offers today."