Lithography vs. Gravure — What's the Difference?

Suited for small to medium print volumes.

A high-volume printing method using engraved cylinders.

Flexible in changing images between print runs.

Uses direct ink transfer for durability.

A printing process using a flat surface where ink adheres only to the design areas.

Ideal for long, consistent print runs.

Involves a chemical process to separate oily and watery substances.

Higher initial setup costs but economical for large quantities.

Known for excellent color control.

Characterized by its ability to print fine detail and deep colors.

Lithography (from Ancient Greek λίθος, lithos 'stone', and γράφειν, graphein 'to write') is a method of printing originally based on the immiscibility of oil and water. The printing is from a stone (lithographic limestone) or a metal plate with a smooth surface.

Short for photogravure

A printing process in which the image to be printed is rendered on a flat surface, as on sheet zinc or aluminum, and treated to retain ink while the nonimage areas are treated to repel ink.

A method of printing with etched plates or cylinders; intaglio printing.

The process of printing an image by drawing the image with a water-repellent material onto a hard, flat surface (typically metal), then copying the surface by applying water and ink (or the equivalent) to it and pressing another material against it.

Photogravure.

The art or process of putting designs or writing, with a greasy material, on stone, and of producing printed impressions therefrom. The process depends, in the main, upon the antipathy between grease and water, which prevents a printing ink containing oil from adhering to wetted parts of the stone not covered by the design. See Lithographic limestone, under Lithographic.

A plate used in the process of gravure.

A printing process for reproducing images, using any flat surface, such as a metal plate, in a manner similar to lithography{1}.

A reproduction produced by gravure.

The process of producing patterns on semiconductor crystals by exposing photosensitive coatings on a matrix, such as silicon, to light patterns in the form desired for the circuit, and subsequently treating (e.g., chemically) the patterns thus formed in such a way as to create integrated semiconductor circuits with the desired properties. This is the principle method (1990's) to create the high-density integrated circuits used in the digital computers on which you are reading this.

A type of intaglio printing process, in which an image is engraved onto a rotating copper cylinder.

A method of planographic printing from a metal or stone surface

(Japan) A style of Japanese softcore; glamour photography.

The act of making a lithographic print

A printing process that uses an etched or engraved plate; the plate is smeared with ink and wiped clean, then the ink left in the recesses makes the print

A printing plate used in the process of gravure

An intaglio print produced by gravure

Intaglio printing

Lithography is a printing process where ink adheres only to designated image areas on a flat printing plate.

Lithography uses a chemical process to repel ink from non-image areas, whereas gravure involves filling engraved areas with ink for transfer.

Products such as magazines, large catalogs, and high-volume packaging materials are typically produced using gravure.

Lithography is more cost-effective for small to medium print runs.

Setup costs for lithography are generally lower compared to the high initial costs associated with preparing engraved cylinders for gravure.

Gravure typically offers faster processing speeds for long runs due to the continuous nature of the engraved cylinder.

Gravure is a printing technique that uses engraved cylinders to produce high-quality prints, especially suitable for long runs.

Yes, gravure can print on a variety of substrates including paper, cardboard, and plastic films.

An artist might choose lithography for its ability to produce flexible, high-quality color prints in limited editions.

Its excellent color control and the quality of detail it can reproduce make lithography suitable for fine art prints.

Yes, digital lithography combines traditional techniques with digital technology, allowing for variable data printing and shorter setup times.

Publishers often choose lithography for its flexibility in print runs and superior color and detail control, which are crucial for book production.

Gravure prints are generally more durable due to the deeper ink penetration and robust printing process.

While gravure printing is efficient, the use of solvents and inks may raise environmental concerns; however, advancements in eco-friendly technologies are improving its sustainability.

The main disadvantage of gravure is its higher initial cost and less flexibility in changing print designs frequently.