Factory Visit Learning, Color Print Cylinders

Yesterday, I visited the factory with Charles and spent some time in the printing section. During the visit, I learned how color print cylinders are actually used in gravure printing. I saw that in gravure printing, each color has its own separate cylinder . A print cylinder is not just a normal roller; the design for each color is laser-engraved into the metal surface as microscopic cells , which hold the ink. Charles explained that the artwork is first separated by colors, and then each color is engraved on its own metal cylinder . During printing, every cylinder transfers only its specific color onto the film. This is why gravure printing achieves very consistent color accuracy and sharp details over long production runs. I also learned that the cylinder size is linked to the pouch dimensions , and after engraving, the cylinder is chrome-plated to improve durability and allow it to be reused for future repeat orders. If the artwork changes, a new cylinder is required.

Seeing this process on the factory floor made it clear that color cylinders are the core of print quality and consistency in pouch packaging.