Gravure, also called rotogravure, is a high-volume printing process employing an ink transfer mechanism that is fundamentally different from that of relief printing. The printing surface is a polished metal cylinder covered with an array of tiny recesses, or cells (as many as 50,000 per sq in), that constitute the images to be printed. The cylinder, which can be 2.5 m (8 ft) or more in length, is partially immersed in a reservoir of solvent-based fluid ink. As the cylinder rotates, it is bathed in ink. A steel blade called a doctor blade running the entire length of the cylinder wipes the ink from the polished surface, leaving ink only in the cells. The ink is then transferred immediately to a moving web of paper forced against the cylinder under great pressure. A specialised form of Gravure printing, called Intaglio Printing, is used for currencies, bonds etc.

The expense of manufacturing a set of gravure cylinders has restricted its use to long-run jobs (millions of reproductions). Mass-circulation monthly magazines, mail-order catalogues, and packaging are natural markets for the process. Gravure is also used to reproduce a variety of textures and patterns on decorative materials. Most of the simulated wood grains on inexpensive furniture, for example, are printed by gravure.

Intaglio printing

This is a specialised process related to gravure that employs engraved rotary printing surfaces of steel to print currency, bonds, stock certificates, and high-quality business stationery. Ink is transferred from engraved recesses on the printing surface directly to sheets of paper transported through the press. Intaglio printing excels at reproducing artwork that consists of fine lines and small solid areas. It cannot be used to reproduce photographic images or to print large unbroken solids. The use of past ink and deeply recessed printing surfaces gives intaglio printing a distinctive raised texture. (Powdered resins can be heat-fused to freshly printed wet lithographic or letterpress inks to simulate this effect at far less expense, which is why "engraved" business cards and stationery are usually produced in this manner.)