Abstract: Two intaglio printing plates having a total length equal to the circumference of the cylindrical barrel (1) of a plate cylinder are prepared. The cylindrical barrel (1) is expanded radially, and on the portion of its surface corresponding to the first plate (4) to be attached an epoxy film is deposited. The first plate (4) is applied on the epoxy film in the exact position. On the remaining part of the cylindrical barrel (1) one or a plurality of metal sheets (5) are deposited for ensuring the continuity of the cylinder surface. The plate (4) to be attached is surrounded by a tightening ribbon (6) covering completely the plate (4). Heat is used for softening the epoxy film and the ribbon (16) is tightened by exerting tractive forces beginning from the center of the two ends of the ribbon and advancing towards the peripheral edges. The epoxy film is allowed to set, the ribbon (6) and the sheet or sheets (5) are removed.