--- title: How GTT Technology Improves Efficiency and Reduces Consumption description: Discover how Apex GTT anilox technology improves ink and coating transfer, enhances film uniformity, reduces material consumption, and boosts efficiency. image: https://blog.apexinternational.com/hubfs/Better%20Ink%20and%20Coating%20Transfer.png --- [![Apex International Logo.png](https://blog.apexinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apex_3DLogo_FC-2.png?width=756&height=384&name=Apex_3DLogo_FC-2.png "Apex International Logo.png")](http://www.aianilox.com) - Products - [Anilox Rolls](https://apexinternational.com/anilox) - [GTT Laser Engraved Anilox Rolls](https://apexinternational.com/product/gtt-laser-engraved-anilox-rolls/) - [UltraCell Laser Engraved Anilox Rolls](https://apexinternational.com/product/ultracell-laser-engraved-anilox-rolls/) - [Mechanically Engraved Anilox Rolls](https://apexinternational.com/product/mechanically-engraved-anilox-rolls/) - [Apex HD Sleeve](https://apexinternational.com/product/apex-hd-sleeve/) - [Embossing Rolls](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/) - [Home & Furniture](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/home-furniture/) - [Coating](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/coating/) - [Auto & Fashion](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/auto-fashion/) - [Nonwovens](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/nonwovens/) - [Plastics](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/plastics/) - [Glass](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/glass/) - [Tissue](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/tissue/) - [Metal](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/metal/) - [Paper](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/paper/) - [Rotary Screen Printing](https://apexinternational.com/rotary-screen-printing/) - [Gravure Printing](https://apexinternational.com/gravure-printing/) - [Glue & Doctor Rolls](https://apexinternational.com/product/accora-glue-doctor-rolls/) - [Anilox Volume Inspection](https://apexinternational.com/anilox-volume-inspection/) - Markets - [Corrugated](https://apexinternational.com/industry/corrugated/) - [Flexo & Wide Web](https://apexinternational.com/industry/flexo/) - [Label & Narrow Web](https://apexinternational.com/industry/label/) - [Coating & Offset](https://apexinternational.com/industry/offset/) - [Embossing](https://apexinternational.com/embossing/) - [Rotary Screen Printing](https://apexinternational.com/rotary-screen-printing/) - [Gravure Printing](https://apexinternational.com/gravure-printing/) - Resources - [Apex Academy](https://blog.apexinternational.com/academy) - [FlexoKITE](https://apexinternational.com/flexokite/) - [Calculators](https://apexinternational.com/apex-anilox-calculators/) - [Trade Show Schedule](https://apexinternational.com/tradeshow-schedule/) - [Quality Assurance and Warranty](https://apexinternational.com/quality-control/) - Company - [History](https://apexinternational.com/history/) - [Production Locations](https://apexinternational.com/production-locations/) - [Memberships](https://apexinternational.com/memberships/) - [Press Releases](https://blog.apexinternational.com/apex-press-releases-us) - [Careers](https://apexinternational.com/careers/) - [Contact Us](https://apexinternational.com/contact-us/) Search - [![](https://apexinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/flags/us.png)English](https://blog.apexinternational.com/apex-anilox-news) - [![](https://apexinternational.com/wp-content/plugins/sitepress-multilingual-cms/res/flags/de.png)Deutsch](https://blog.apexinternational.com/apex-anilox-news-de) - [![](https://apexinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/flags/pt-pt.png)Português](https://blog.apexinternational.com/apex-anilox-news-pt) ## Apex Academy # How GTT Technology Improves Efficiency and Reduces Consumption By Apex International ![](https://blog.apexinternational.com/hubfs/Better%20Ink%20and%20Coating%20Transfer.png) In today's printing and coating industries, manufacturers face a common challenge: achieving consistent quality while controlling material consumption and production costs. Whether the application involves printing inks, protective coatings, specialty finishes, or functional barrier layers, the objective remains the same. Deliver the required performance as efficiently and consistently as possible. But achieving better results doesn't always mean applying more material. In many cases, **the key is how effectively that material is transferred and distributed across the substrate.** This is where [anilox engraving technology](https://www.apexinternational.com/anilox/) plays an important role. ### Understanding the Importance of Ink and Coating Transfer Anilox are essential in many printing and coating processes. Their primary function is to meter and transfer a controlled amount of liquid to the application surface. [Traditional anilox engravings](https://www.apexinternational.com/product/ultracell-laser-engraved-anilox-roller/) typically use individual closed cells to hold and transfer ink or coating. While these designs are widely used and effective in many applications, their geometry can influence how liquids flow, release, and interact with air during the transfer process. As liquid moves through the system, microscopic air bubbles may become entrapped. Depending on the formulation and operating conditions, these bubbles can contribute to inconsistencies in the applied film. Potential effects include: - Pinholes or small gaps in surface coverage - Uneven ink or coating distribution - Variations in gloss, color, or opacity - Surface irregularities such as orange peel - Increased material consumption when additional coverage is needed to meet specifications These challenges highlight an important principle: **the amount of material applied does not always determine the quality of the finished result.** How evenly that material is distributed can be just as important. ### **How GTT Technology Changes the Transfer Process** ![Engraving Geometry](https://blog.apexinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Engraving%20Geometry.png?width=306&height=306&name=Engraving%20Geometry.png)Apex International's [GTT](https://www.apexinternational.com/product/gtt-laser-engraved-anilox-rolls/) (Genetic Transfer Technology) takes a different approach to anilox engraving. Rather than relying on individual closed cells, GTT uses a unique open-channel engraving geometry designed to promote more consistent liquid movement and transfer. The continuous channel structure allows ink or coating to flow through the engraving while providing pathways for displaced air to escape. This design can help reduce air entrapment and minimize the formation of microscopic bubbles during transfer. The result is the potential for a smoother, more homogeneous layer of ink or coating across the substrate. By improving the consistency of the applied film, GTT technology can help manufacturers achieve their desired results without relying solely on increased application volume. ### **Why a More Uniform Film Matters** The benefits of consistent ink and coating transfer extend beyond appearance. Different applications have different performance requirements, but many depend on the same fundamental characteristic: a continuous, well-controlled film. **![Transfer to Substrate](https://blog.apexinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Transfer%20to%20Substrate.png?width=248&height=248&name=Transfer%20to%20Substrate.png)1. More Consistent Color and Opacity** In printing applications, consistent coverage is essential for maintaining color strength, density, and opacity. When an applied ink film contains microscopic bubbles, this creates gaps or uneven areas, and the substrate underneath can influence the final appearance. This may result in inconsistent color or reduced hiding power. A more uniform ink layer can help improve coverage and support consistent visual results. **2. Improved Gloss and Surface Appearance** Gloss is influenced by how light reflects from a surface. A smooth, consistent coating reflects light more uniformly, while surface irregularities can scatter light and reduce the appearance of gloss. By promoting more even coating transfer, GTT technology can help improve surface uniformity and support higher or more consistent gloss levels. **3. More Reliable Functional Coatings** ![Coating-Film Cross-Section](https://blog.apexinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Coating-Film%20Cross-Section.png?width=298&height=298&name=Coating-Film%20Cross-Section.png)In applications involving protective or functional coatings, uniformity can be especially important. Barrier coatings, for example, may be designed to resist moisture, oxygen, grease, or other substances. Areas with insufficient coverage or defects that extend through a functional layer can compromise its protective properties. Improved film continuity can help support coating consistency, although actual barrier performance must always be verified through application-specific testing. **4. Reduced Material Waste** ![Film Continuity Matters](https://blog.apexinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Film%20Continuity%20Matters.png?width=251&height=251&name=Film%20Continuity%20Matters.png)One of the most significant opportunities associated with improved transfer efficiency is the potential to reduce material consumption. When ink or coating is distributed more effectively, manufacturers may be able to achieve the required performance with a lower applied quantity. Rather than compensating for uneven coverage by applying more liquid or ink, the process can be optimized to deliver the desired result more efficiently. ### **Can Better Transfer Really Reduce Consumption?** The relationship between transfer efficiency and material savings is an important consideration for manufacturers looking to control operating costs. Apex International has documented applications demonstrating that improved transfer and film formation can reduce material consumption while maintaining required quality standards. For example, in a [controlled opaque white ink trial](https://www.apexinternational.com/apex-academy/ink-consumption-opaque-white/) conducted on a flexographic press, GTT-L achieved 48.1% opacity using 25.5 kg of ink, compared with 48.0% opacity using 29.0 kg with a conventional long-cell engraving. ![Proven Efficiency\_ GTT-L vs. Conventional Engraving](https://blog.apexinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Proven%20Efficiency_%20GTT-L%20vs.%20Conventional%20Engraving.png?width=323&height=323&name=Proven%20Efficiency_%20GTT-L%20vs.%20Conventional%20Engraving.png)This represented an approximately **12% reduction in ink consumption while maintaining comparable opacity.** In separate offset coating applications, Apex has reported coating-consumption reductions of up to 15% while maintaining the required gloss performance. These examples demonstrate the potential benefits of optimizing transfer efficiency rather than simply increasing the amount of material applied. Actual savings will vary depending on the ink or coating formulation, substrate, equipment, operating conditions, and performance requirements. ### **Measuring Efficiency Beyond Anilox Volume** When evaluating anilox performance, it can be tempting to focus primarily on engraved volume. However, volume alone does not tell the complete story. Two anilox engravings with different geometries or volumes may deliver different results because of how efficiently they transfer and distribute material. A more meaningful comparison considers the actual amount of ink or coating required to achieve an approved performance target. For example, if a process can maintain the same quality standard while reducing coating application from 5.0 grams per square meter to 4.4 grams per square meter, the result is a 12% reduction in material consumption. That reduction can become significant across high-volume production. To evaluate these opportunities, manufacturers should consider controlled production trials that measure: - Actual ink or coating consumption - Color, opacity, or gloss consistency - Surface coverage and film uniformity - Functional coating performance, where applicable - Production waste and process stability By comparing results under consistent operating conditions, manufacturers can better understand the relationship between engraving technology, material consumption, and finished-product quality. ### **A More Efficient Approach to Printing and Coating** Across printing and coating markets, manufacturers are continually looking for ways to improve productivity, reduce waste, and maintain consistent quality. Advancements in anilox engraving technology provide an opportunity to address these objectives at the transfer stage. [GTT open-channel](https://www.apexinternational.com/product/gtt-laser-engraved-anilox-rolls/)engraving technology is designed to improve liquid transfer, reduce air entrapment, and promote more homogeneous ink and coating laydown. Depending on the application, these characteristics can create two valuable opportunities: maintaining existing performance while reducing material consumption or improving application quality while maintaining current consumption levels. Both approaches support a more efficient production process. ### **The Bottom Line: Better Transfer, Better Efficiency** ![The Bottom Line](https://blog.apexinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Bottom%20Line.png?width=270&height=270&name=The%20Bottom%20Line.png)Achieving high-quality printing and coating results isn't simply about how much material is applied. It's about how effectively that material is transferred and used. By focusing on film uniformity, transfer efficiency, and measurable performance, manufacturers can identify opportunities to improve consistency while reducing unnecessary consumption. **The goal is not necessarily to apply more ink or coating. It's to make better use of every amount applied.** At Apex International, GTT technology represents an innovative approach to achieving that balance, helping manufacturers explore new possibilities for quality, efficiency, and material optimization across a wide range of printing and coating applications. --- #### **Interested in learning more about GTT technology?** Discover how Apex International's advanced anilox engraving solutions can help optimize ink and coating transfer for your specific application. 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