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Hybrid Engraving System

A new enhancement for gravure

Some image data engraved using traditional engraving, such as fine linework, does not produce the results needed for high-quality printing. Using the tranScribe system already provides superior linework quality. However, typically tranScribe is a second cut for linework, after the initial traditional engraving for CT (continuous tone) work; and productivity suffers.

Now, Ohio Gravure Technologies introduces the solution: the Hybrid Engraving System is the best of both worlds -- traditional engraving for CT and high resolution engraving for linework -- in a single pass.* Increase quality without reducing productivity.

security printingThe new Hybrid Engraving is of special interest to the security printing and anti-counterfeit market. Stamps, currency, and more have special requirements, such as extremely fine detail. Adding conductive lines to currency to thwart counterfeiters is used today. Engraving those very fine lines is what our Hybrid Engraving excels at.

Available only from Ohio GT, and only on the Gravostar Spectrum engraver. Requires Collage 4.0

Samples - LineWork

This web graphic contains text set in Arial, in 10 point, 7 point and 4 point, with a copyright symbol at the end:

sample

While 4 pt type doesn't work on the web, it is sometimes used on printed pieces. In our Print Test Image, we set text from 12 point to 4 point. Below are pictures of a 4 point © symbol engraved at 70 µm depth. On the left is a photo of the engraving; on the right is a photo of the print.

traditional engraving

hybrid engraving

Note: Additional engraved and printed samples can be found in a PDF document. Download from the link, above right.

hybrid engraving toneworkSamples - ToneWork

The image at right is a photograph of engraved tonework from the Print Test Image (see below). The photograph shows the clean edge in the 25% tone area. Hybrid engraving uses optimize

d cell placement to produce the best results, on curves and on edges.

Print Test Image

The test image we used:

hybrid print test image

The red circles indicate locations for the copyright symbol and for the tonework edge shown above. To see a pdf of the the original artwork, click the image or the link above right. This image was engraved with traditional EM engraving and then with the Hybrid Engraving System.

* Note

To combine CT and LW engraving in a single pass requires the use of Selective Area Hybrid. Learn more »

Interested?

For more information about the GS Spectrum, the 12k Vision 4 head, or Ohio's Hybrid engraving, please contact us.