Rotogravure Printing by Schattdecor
One partner. One standard of quality.
Schattdecor stands for the highest quality gravure printing – and for digital printing as a reliable complement. Large print runs, maximum cost-effectiveness in mass production, and consistent results throughout the entire print run: this is where gravure printing truly shines. Our systems produce brilliant print images with the same, consistently high quality at each of our locations worldwide.
We support customer projects from concept to completion. Let’s discuss your project.
From printed paper to the finished surface
Rotogravure printing is the foundation for high-quality decor prints – the first step on the path to the finished surface. Depending on the application, these prints are then further processed into impregnated or finished surfaces.
Impregnation
Using an immersion method, the printed decor paper is coated with melamine resin. The result: robust, durable surfaces for furniture, countertops, interior finishes, and flooring.
Coating
Our finish foils and thermoplastic foils (PP-based) are given a fine lacquer coating. This creates a variety of visual and tactile effects – for innovative, durable surfaces.
Advantages of rotogravure printing
- Consistently high print quality with brilliant colors and sharp print images
- High color stability—lightfastness of ≥6 on the Blue Wool Scale
- Low-viscosity, eco-friendly, solvent-free, water-based inks
- Metallic effect inks with high gloss are possible—such as mother-of-pearl, copper, silver, or gold
Rotogravure printing “Made by Schattdecor”
Consistent base quality
With our “Made by Schattdecor” seal of quality, we guarantee consistent high quality – at every one of our locations worldwide. This is made possible by standardized production facilities and uniform workflows.
Color consistency throughout the entire print run
We continuously refine our colors in collaboration with our partners. We guarantee high consistency in delivery and between batches – reproducible from laboratory sampling through to mass production. The print results are stable in the melamine bath and thermally resistant, even during pressing at temperatures exceeding 200 °C.
Nahtlose Weiterverarbeitung
Im Tiefdruck hergestellte Dekordrucke sind vollständig kompatibel mit den Standardprozessen unserer Kunden aus der Holzwerkstoff- und Möbelindustrie.
Servicelevel von A bis Z
Beratung, Dekorentwicklung und Qualitätssicherung: Ein fester Ansprechpartner begleitet Sie über den gesamten Projektverlauf.
From furniture to flooring
We print on paper as well as on thermoplastic substrates such as PP, PVC, and PET. Our printed products are used to finish wood-based substrates such as particleboard, HDF, and MDF panels, as well as laminates.
Our surfaces can be found all over the world: They cover kitchen countertops, bathrooms, bedrooms, office furniture, doors, and floors – and play an important role in Caravan interior design as well as in public spaces.
Why Schattdecor?
Expertise throughout the entire process chain.
From paper to printing to the finished surface – we understand every step and take a holistic approach to your project.
Reliable recommendations.
We advise you on the printing process that truly suits your project.
State-of-the-art technology.
We continuously update our machinery, drawing on process expertise that has grown over decades – to ensure consistently high quality and service you can count on.
Global availability.
We ensure short lead times and an attractive time-to-market.
Responsibility for tomorrow.
With solvent-free, water-based inks and a continuous focus on resource conservation, we’re making rotogravure printing more sustainable.
Trust that has grown in the industry.
Schattdecor has been supporting customers in the wood-based materials, furniture, and interior design industries with rotogravure printing projects for over 40 years – from initial samples to ongoing collections.
Your contact for personalized consultation
MARKUS HÖHN
Executive Sales Director of Printed Surfaces
+49 8031 275 203
m.hoehn@schattdecor.de
DIETER SCHUCKMANN
Head of Sales Impregnation
+49 8031 275 2288
d.schuckmann@schattdecor.de
KLAUS MÜLLER
Executive Sales Director of Processed Surfaces
+49 8031 275 2004
k.mueller@schattdecor.de
Frequently Asked Questions about rotogravure printing.
At Schattdecor, how does rotogravure printing work in detail?
A feed roller applies the ink to the printing cylinder, fills the cells, and removes air bubbles. A doctor blade scrapes off excess ink before a press roller presses the continuous paper against the cylinder – this transfers the ink from the cells onto the paper. The paper web then passes through the heated drying section. Each color is applied in a separate printing unit; after the last inking unit, we wind the printed paper onto a paper core. Depending on the design, we use up to four cylinders.
What paper widths and types does Schattdecor process in rotogravure printing?
As standard, we produce in widths of up to 2,250 mm and with paper weights ranging from 50 to 77 g/m². We use standard printing base papers as well as recycled and CO₂-optimized paper types.
What are the minimum order quantities for rotogravure printing?
The minimum order quantity for rotogravure printing is 1 metric ton – depending on the paper basis weight, this corresponds to approximately 14,000 to 20,000 m².
What inks does Schattdecor use in gravure printing?
For each printing unit, we use up to four water-based inks – organic RGB inks as well as optional specialty inks such as opaque white or metallic effect inks, such as pearlescent. We continuously refine our printing inks in collaboration with our partner Arcolor.
At what speed does Schattdecor print using rotary gravure?
Our production lines achieve speeds of up to 420 m/min in gravure printing.
What cylinder circumferences does Schattdecor use in rotary gravure printing?
As standard, we work with cylinder circumferences of 1,300 mm, 1,306 mm, and 1,399 mm.
What substrates does Schattdecor print on using rotary gravure printing?
In addition to decor paper, we also use rotogravure printing on thermoplastic substrates such as PP, PVC, and PET.
Can I switch between rotogravure and digital printing if my order volume changes?
Yes. At Schattdecor, both processes are equally viable options that can be combined throughout the entire product lifecycle – from small runs using digital printing to large-scale industrial production using rotogravure printing
What sets Schattdecor apart from other providers in gravure printing?
Standardized production facilities and workflows at all locations guarantee the same, consistently high quality standard worldwide. This is supported by a broad team of experts – ranging from application engineering to impregnation and decor development – as well as strong partners such as Arcolor and Kingdecor.