Tiaano Platinized Titanium Anodes properly applies chromium deposits which protect the engraving and improves the performance through several press runs without contaminating the bath. Plating of fine chromium structure over rotogravure cylinders / rollers protects the engraved copper deposits and the cylinder from wear caused by paper and grit abrasion under normal conditions during press runs of any length. Thus enabling the cylinder to print in clearer, sharper lines for the long run with greater corrosion resistance.

Plating anodes using high-temperature electrolysis offers two additional ecological benefits: Considerably longer life span based on better durability. Sparing use of platinum (which is made resistant to corrosion through high-temperature electrolysis). Re-platinization of the base substrate means that any existing platinum can be refurbished and reused, saving costs.

What is Gravure Cylinder Plating / Rotogravure Cylinder Plating?

The present invention provides a copper plating method and apparatus for a gravure cylinder in which copper plating with more uniform thickness can be provided over a full length of a gravure cylinder without causing defects such as rashes and pits irrespective of a size of the gravure cylinder, concentration of a copper plating solution can be managed automatically, a consumption amount of an additive is reduced to make it possible to perform a plating treatment within a short period of time, a power supply cost is reduced, and handling is easy with excellent visibility. A gravure cylinder in a hollow cylindrical shape is held at both ends in a longitudinal direction. The gravure cylinder is accommodated in a plating bath filled with a copper plating solution. The gravure cylinder is energized so that the gravure cylinder functions as a cathode while being rotated at a predetermined speed. A pair of anode (platinum Plated Titanium Anode) chambers in a long box shape, in which insoluble anodes (platinum Plated Titanium Anode) are provided upright slidably to both sides of the gravure cylinder in the plating bath and energized so as to function as an anode, are brought close to both side surfaces of the gravure cylinder at a predetermined interval. Copper plating is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder.

Gravure printing is widely used for printing magazines, catalogues, stamps, packaging, wallpapers or decorative papers for the furniture industry as well as elaborate artistic publications. The gravure cylinder used for this method consists of a steel core which is coated with copper. To increase the wear resistance, a chrome layer is subsequently applied. For both electroplating processes, given tolerances must be controlled to ensure print quality meets quality standards.

As an engraving material, copper is comparatively “soft”. To increase the hardness, additives are added to the electroplating bath. By nature, chromium is a hard metal with a fine grain structure. This makes it ideal for protecting the engraved copper deposits applied to gravure cylinders. During press runs of any length hard chromium protects the cylinder from wear caused by paper and grit abrasion and, under normal conditions, enables the cylinder to print in clearer, sharper lines for the entire run.

Types of Anodes for Gravure Plating Anode:-
  • ➦  Platinized / Platinised Titanium Mesh Basket Anode
  • ➦  Platinized / Platinised Titanium Expanded Mesh Anode
  • ➦  Platinized / Platinised Titanium Curved Mesh Anode
  • ➦  Platinum Plated Custom Made Anodes
Advantages of Platinized Anodes in gravure / Rotogravure Cylinders Plating:-
  • ➦  Long life, dimensionally stable and easily fabricated into required shape: Titanium anodes are dimensionally stable throughout their operating life and can easily be manufactured.
  • ➦  Homogeneous and long-lasting active surface: Platinised titanium anodes operated correctly, remain deposit free and therefore perform constantly well throughout the whole anode life.
  • ➦  Energy savings with shaped anodes and small anode/cathode distances: Platinised titanium anodes can provide energy savings both in heating and cooling which, in turn, allows the plating chemistry to be easier to manage and maintain.
  • ➦  Reduced environmental burden and reduced maintenance: No chemical cleaning or brushing of passivated areas is necessary. Reduced resistance losses and subsequent need for cooling allow for easier maintenance and control of the plating chemistry.
  • ➦  Mesh anodes provide excellent throwing and can be used at high current densities: An expanded mesh has edges evenly distributed across the anode surface and mesh structure allows good solution movement and electrolyte exchange and plating with high current densities.
  • ➦  Easier handling and replating: Anode can be easily removed and / or replaced whenever necessary. This often allows a re-use of expensive anode materials and designs, and reduces operational costs.