SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department held its 22nd annual Gravure Day last week with several guest speakers and a field trip to WRE/Colortech of Berkeley. Graphic Communication Professor Malcolm Keif kicked off the day with remarks that emphasized the importance of gravure education at Cal Poly. “Gravure printing remains the premier method of print reproduction and will continue to play a primary role at Cal Poly,” Keif said. Henry Evans, technical service manager for St. Mary’s Sales Co. gave a presentation titled “Striving for the Perfect Substrate,” in which he discussed important characteristics in the production of supercalendered papers for gravure retail inserts. He described the investment required to start up a paper machine and discussed the supercalendering process. Evans concluded his presentation by describing how paper companies use creative forestry management techniques, as well as reuse their effluent treatment systems byproducts in a beneficial way, reducing the impact of papermaking on the environment. Jack Robinson of Cerutti North America,addressed several important aspects of gravure printing for packaging. Robinson discussed market trends in flexible packaging, including shorter runs, variation in lamination capabilities, smaller repeat cylinders, and changes in web widths. Robinson also described press innovations that are making gravure increasingly more cost-effective. Among these improvements are alloy printing sleeves, two-position carts, on-press wash-up systems, and presetting of doctor blades and impression cylinders. Marcel Verdooner, a friend of Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department, provided a perspective on gravure history and discussed how gravure arrived in the United States. He showed numerous samples of exceptional printing from eras past. Concetta Rini of Quebecor World spoke on “The Unlimited Opportunities for Success in the Gravure Industry.” She described the key traits of becoming a leader in the gravure business. To cap off Gravure Day, 33 students took a field trip to WRE/Colortech to see the trade engraver’s facility. “It was exactly what we learned in class,” said senior Jacob Ellis. “The field trip helped provide a context for the plating and engraving processes we have learned about.” Graphic Communication Department Head Harvey Levenson said, “This year’s Gravure Day was exceptional, confirming the importance Cal Poly places on gravure education.” For more Gravure Day information and pictures, go online to http://www.calpoly.edu/~mkeif/gravure/gravure_day_03-04.htm