heliogravure process

Heliogravure is a photomechanical printing process, essentially a form of photogravure. This intaglio printing method involves creating an image using depressions on a printing plate. The process, pioneered by Karl Klič in 1878, uses a copper plate etched with ferric chloride. The depth of these etched cells, or recesses, determines the amount of ink they hold, allowing for tonal gradations in the final print.

In gravure printing, ink is applied to the plate, and the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the recessed areas. Paper is then pressed against the plate, absorbing the ink from these depressions. This method is ideal for high-quality reproduction of images and continuous-tone copy, making it suitable for long print runs of magazines, catalogs, and art prints.123