Precision Equipment
The µStar MicroEngraving System is an example of the precision equipment we manufacture.
Engraving a cylinder for gravure printing requires precision when cutting the cells. The size, shape, and placement of cells is critical to production of quality results. The ability to stop and restart engraving at an exact cell is required.
Cells sizes are measured in microns. How big is a micron? Special systems on the Gravostar measure cell size during engraving to maintain consistency.
Cell depth varies according to the application, with typical publication screens of 175 lines per inch requiring depths of 35 µto 43µ. For coating applications, cells up to 275µ are needed.
For printed electronics and other specialty work, cells (also called features) as small as 2.5µ are engraved.
Printed electronics also calls for special cell patterns quite different from the nested diamond-shaped cells used in traditional gravure printing for packaging. Cell shapes such as circles and lozenges, among others, have been used.
Daetwyler R&D has manufactured cylinders for a wide variety of applications. The one thing they all have in common is a need for precision.