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Can titanium in ink score gravure cylinders

We have recently had three failures of gravure cylinders.The problem starts with a hairline score and within the space of 8 to 10 revolutions of the cylinder the chrome has gone and the copper beneath is scored leaving an exposed band 5mm wide, this being about the amount the doctor moves across the cylinder. We postulate that titanium in the ink could be responsible, we know this gives us excessive wear and to that end our engraver puts extra chrome on our cylinders. But we and they have never seen anything like this before. Has anyone else?, or does anyone have an explanation please. This has obviously caused us considerable down time so any help would be most gratefully received.

John Carr
- Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
2003

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Does it always score in the same place and does it occur with other, non-titanium containing inks? If it doesn't occur with other inks, it may well be the titanium and if it occurs all over the plate it may be the ink. However, if it only occurs at one spot with all inks, it is probably the scraper. This further information may be helpful in getting a response

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003

All inks involved contain titanium, damage occurs at various places on the cylinders but always within 30 cm of the end of the cylinder.

John Carr
- UK
2003