A Steel Vest for Your Cylinder: How Chrome Plating Extends Printing Life?

We put so much effort into it: we made the steel body, coated it with copper, smoothed it, and expertly engraved it. So, how do we protect this delicate work of art from the abrasive environment of the printing machine? The answer is simple: with chrome plating.

No matter how hard the copper is, it cannot withstand the constant contact of the doctor blade during printing for a long time. It wears out over time, and the delicate cells of the gravure get damaged. Chrome, on the other hand, is a steel vest worn by your cylinder against this abrasion.

What are the Benefits? First and foremost, it extends the life of the cylinder many times over. A cylinder that would wear out after a few hundred thousand prints can last for millions of prints with chrome plating. This means lower cylinder costs and more work. Chrome protects the delicate details of the gravure like armor.

If you want to protect your investment and use it for a longer time, chrome plating is not an option; it is a necessity.