“I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with my press. I pull about 1,000-1,500 etchings per year. The press performs equally well on my most delicate aqua-tints, or boldest line work. As far as I am concerned, the performance of this press is unmatched, and at considerable savings.”
– John Akers
Artist/ Printmaker
Take a closer look.
The Conrad E-31 etching press is built for printmakers who need serious capacity and a full professional experience in a tabletop package. With its expansive 31″ x 54″ bed, the E-31 gives you the space to work on larger plates, bigger editions, and more ambitious projects—without compromise.
Like every Conrad press, the E-31 is built to the same standards as top-tier studio equipment. It offers multiple drive options, roll sizes, and configurations so you can set it up to match your workflow, whether you’re focused on intaglio, relief, or a mix of techniques. It’s designed to handle demanding printmaking while staying smooth, controlled, and consistent.
Take a closer look and see why the Conrad E-31 a go-to choice for studios, institutions, and printmakers who need maximum capacity and performance.
Press Planetary Geared Reduction Drive System
Heavy Metal. Light touch.
The Conrad planetary gear drive has been trusted for over 75 years because it delivers smooth, dependable performance every time you print. It’s been used on thousands of presses of all sizes, and it’s known for keeping things running consistently without constant adjustments or the maintenance of chain-drive systems.
Conrad Press Planetary Gear Drive
What makes the Conrad gear drive stand out is how it handles power. The planetary gears work together inside a compact system to increase torque while keeping everything smooth and controlled for the you. Even on a large press like the E-31, it remains easy to turn and feels steady under load—no jerky movements from loose chains, no fighting the press.
That’s especially important on a press with this much capacity. You want the power to handle big plates and heavy intaglio work, but you also want it to feel manageable. The planetary drive gives you that balance—strong, direct power without the bulk or upkeep of chain-driven systems.
The 6:1 gear ratio is tuned to feel just right. It gives you plenty of power to move through pressure comfortably, while still keeping the press moving at a good pace. It’s not slow, and it doesn’t feel like work—it just runs smooth.
Are All Presses Geared?
Some presses will advertise “gearing,” but that usually just an advertising slogan. Many of these so-called geared presses are simply an underrated gear mounted to a handle that meshes with a second gear on the roll. That’s not true gear reduction, and it doesn’t provide the same level of control, torque, or performance when printing under pressure.
Conrad is the only company who makes a true planetary gear system built for serious printmaking. It gives you smooth, even results, and it’s designed to hold up over time—so you can rely on it print after print, year after year.
Conrad Drive Options
Spoked Wheel
If you’re looking for a more comfortable way to run a larger press like the E-31, the open spoked wheel is a great choice. Instead of the push-pull motion of a hand crank, you’re always pulling downward on the spokes, which feels more natural and easier on your body—especially during longer print sessions.
With 23″ spokes creating a 48″ wheel, you get a lot of leverage, making it much easier to move the press under heavy pressure. The open design also lets you grab the wheel from different spots, so you can keep a smooth, steady motion without straining.
Another plus is accessibility. The open wheel gives you better access to the press bed, which makes setup and printing a little easier overall.
Enclosed Captain’s Wheel
For maximum comfort and control, the enclosed captain’s wheel is a popular option on the E-31. The full circular design gives you a natural grip and lets you work from multiple hand positions, so you can keep the press moving without putting extra stress on your arms or shoulders.
At 44″ in diameter, it provides plenty of leverage, helping you apply consistent pressure—especially when working with larger plates. It’s a great option for longer print runs where smooth, steady operation really matters.
And beyond how it performs—it just looks right on a press of this size.
Pressure System
Balanced Pressure. Perfect Prints.
The pressure system is what makes the Conrad E-31 etching press feel solid and dependable when you’re printing. It’s built to deliver smooth, even, and controlled pressure across the entire bed—so you get consistent results every time, even on larger plates.
Spring Assisted
A big part of that performance comes from the spring-assisted system. It keeps steady tension on the upper roll, so everything stays tight and engaged while the press is running. Without that constant tension, your pressure screws can wobble and not engage. This is called backlash, and it makes setting your pressure accurately much more difficult.
With the spring system in place, adjustments are direct and immediate. When you change the pressure, the press responds right away. That makes it much easier to dial things in, especially when you’re printing editions or working through multiple passes.
Solid Steel Uprights
The E-31 is built on thick, solid steel uprights that give the press its strength. These keep everything aligned and prevent the frame from flexing or twisting, even under heavy pressure.
Rather than the roller bearings loose within the upright, the Conrad design fully supports the bearing blocks inside the uprights to keep them perfectly parallel, holding everything firmly in place. This keeps the upper roll from shifting or rocking back and forth, which is common on many other presses.
Because the frame stays rigid, the rollers and bed stay aligned—so you get even pressure from edge to edge and consistent prints across the full size of the press.
Custom Bearing Blocks
Conrad also uses custom bearing blocks made specifically for printmaking. These are built to handle the real forces of a working press, keeping the rollers moving smoothly while staying properly aligned under pressure.
It’s one of those features you might not notice right away—but you’ll feel it. The press runs smoother, quieter, and more precisely over time, making every print easier and more consistent.
Press Bed Plates
Flatter Bed. Better Print.
Composite Bed
Durability meets functionality.
A flat, light-weight, & durable material ideal for printing.
Aluminum Bed
Light weight for heavy pressure.
Get the advantages of a metal bed while reducing the weight.
Steel Bed
Ultimate precision and longevity.
A machined flat finish giving you the ultimate reliable printing surface.
Scroll to explore more – – – >
Press Rolls
More Roll. More Wow.
On a large press like the Conrad E-31, roll size makes a huge difference in how the press feels when you’re printing. The bigger the roll, the smoother everything runs. Instead of hitting the plate hard, larger rolls ease onto it gradually, helping the press glide across the plate, blankets, and paper. That means more balanced pressure, cleaner prints, and better control from start to finish.
Conrad E-31 Upper Roll Options
Standard 7.5″ Roll – Tubular Steel
The 7.5″ standard roll is built for strong, consistent performance on a press this size. The larger diameter helps the press move more smoothly through pressure, so you’re not working as hard during each pass.
It’s made from high-strength tubular steel, giving it the durability needed for serious printmaking without unnecessary weight. It holds up under heavy pressure without bending or deflecting, and it keeps things consistent—especially when working with larger plates on the E-31.
Jumbo XL Oversized 10″ Roll – Tubular Steel
For the highest level of performance, the 10″ Jumbo XL roll takes things even further. Bigger rolls mean smoother operation, and with the biggest rolls in all of printmaking, the Conrad E-37 is the smoothest press available today.
What makes Conrad rolls different is how they are built. Instead of using thin steel pipe, Conrad uses true structural tubing with 50% thicker walls than competing presses, designed to stay rigid under load. Other designs often rely on internal bracing and welded inserts to compensate for inferior materials, Conrad does not cut any corners.
Conrad rolls are built with heavy-duty structural tubing and one-piece solid end plugs that are press fit into each roll. Roll ends are precisely fitted, not loose and wobbly, so they stay straight and strong even under extreme pressure. This results in a roll that runs smooth, holds its shape, and gives you maximum control and consistency—especially when printing large or demanding work on the E-31.
Conrad E-31 Upper Roll Size Comparison
Press Bed Stops
Safety. Built Into Every Print.
On a large-format press like the Conrad E-31, small details matter—and bed plate stops are one of those features you really appreciate once you use them. They act as built-in limits that keep the bed from rolling too far in either direction while you’re printing.
This adds an important layer of safety, especially when working with larger plates. You don’t have to worry about accidentally running the bed too far through the press—everything stays within a controlled range.
They also help with consistency. The bed stops in the same place every time, which makes setup easier and your workflow more predictable. It’s a simple feature, but it makes the press feel more controlled, safer to use, and more comfortable—especially during longer print sessions.
Micro-Gauge Dials
Always Dialed In.
On a press the size of the Conrad E-31, having precise control over pressure really matters—and that’s where the Cornad micrometer gauge comes in. It takes all the guesswork out and shows you exactly where your pressure is set every time you print.
Instead of relying on feel, you can make small, exact adjustments. The micrometer moves in .005-inch increments—about the thickness of a human hair—so you can fine-tune your settings with real accuracy. Once you find the right pressure, you can go right back to it anytime without starting from scratch.
This is especially helpful when you’re running editions or switching between techniques like intaglio, relief, or monotype. You can quickly adjust or repeat settings and keep everything consistent from print to print.
It also helps keep both sides of the press balanced, so you don’t end up with uneven pressure across the bed. It’s a simple upgrade, but on a larger press like the E-31, it makes a big difference in control, efficiency, and overall print quality.
Conrad E-31 without Micrometer Gauges
Conrad Press is the only company that gives artists the option to configure their presses with or without micrometer gauges.
Some artists prefer not to have gauges because they only print one size/thickness of plate and rarely need to change the pressure settings. Also, setting the pressure by feel without gauges gives the printmaker a more connected and intimidate experience with their press during the printing process. Thus, we give artists the option to customize their presses for their printing needs.
Non-micro gauge pressure screws are equipped with a locking nut, so printmakers can set the pressure and lock it in place for future printing.
Press Frame
Strength Without Compromise.
The E-31 press base is built from heavy-duty steel that’s riveted and bolted together to form a rigid, box-style frame. It’s designed to stay solid under pressure, so the press won’t twist, flex, or tip—even when you’re working on larger prints. The base runs the full length of the bed, giving you strong, consistent support across the entire printing area.
The uprights are made from thick, solid square steel and are precisely machined to stay perfectly aligned. This keeps everything running straight and stable, even under heavy pressure, and adds to the long-term durability of the press.
All of the key components—the frame, pressure screws, bearing blocks, and lower roll adjustments—are built on the same centerline. That means everything works together without shifting or flexing, so the press runs smooth and delivers even, reliable pressure every time you print.
Press Bearings
Smooth Power in Motion.
On the Conrad E-31 etching press, we use large 2-inch diameter roll bearings to keep everything running smooth and steady—even when you’re printing under serious pressure. These are high-quality, self-aligning bearings, so they automatically stay centered as the press moves, reducing friction and making the press easier to turn.
They’re also fully sealed, which keeps out ink, dust, and debris that can build up in a studio. Because of that, they’re completely maintenance-free—no greasing, no servicing, just consistent performance.
The end result is a press that feels smooth, reliable, and easy to operate every time you use it, without any extra upkeep.
Conrad E-31 for the Classroom
Conrad. Make Your Mark (Literally).
The Conrad E-31 etching press is built for printmakers who need serious space and professional performance on their tabletop press. With its large 31″ x 60″ bed, it gives you the room to take on bigger plates, larger editions, and more ambitious work—all with the control and precision you expect from a top-tier press.
What makes the E-31 stand out is how it brings together size, strength, and smooth operation. Even though it’s a large-format press, it still runs clean and controlled, giving you consistent pressure across the entire bed. Whether you’re printing occasionally or working through full production runs, the E-31 stays reliable and easy to operate.
It’s designed to handle everything from light relief printing to heavy intaglio work, and it adapts easily to different techniques and workflows. The layout is simple and straightforward, but the construction is built for long-term use—so it’s a press that can keep up as your work grows.
Who is the Conrad E-31 for?
Educators and Students
The E-31 is a strong fit for classrooms where students are learning printmaking and need a press that’s both easy to use and built to last. The larger bed gives more space for demonstrations and student projects, while the smooth operation makes it easier to teach proper technique. It’s designed to hold up in busy academic settings.
Art Institutions, Co-Ops, & Print Shops
In shared studio environments, the E-31 offers the size and durability needed for multiple users. The larger capacity makes it more flexible for a wide range of projects, and the solid construction ensures it can handle frequent use. It works well as a main press in professional studios or as a high-capacity option in larger shops.
Professional Printmakers
For professionals, the E-31 delivers serious capability for large-scale work. The expanded bed allows for bigger plates and longer runs, while the smooth, controlled pressure makes it ideal for detailed intaglio printing. It’s a great choice for artists who need maximum performance and reliability.
Experienced Artists & New Printmakers
The E-31 works well for both experienced artists and those looking to grow into larger work. Beginners will find it straightforward to operate, while more experienced printmakers will appreciate the size, precision, and consistency. It’s a press that supports both learning and long-term studio use.
Conrad E-31 Printing Capabilities
Print it all.
Conrad E-31. Highly versatile.
The Conrad E-31 is the perfect press to print almost any style of printmaking. From lesser pressure work like monotype prints to heavy pressure photogravure, the E-31 can do it all.
The Conrad E-31 Etching Press can easily print the following media:
- Monotypes
- Wood blocks
- Linocuts (mounted & unmounted)
- Type high blocks
- Letterpress
- Drypoints
- Engravings
- Intaglio/Etchings (copper, zinc, etc.)
- Photogravure/Photopolymer
- Collagraphs
- Plate lithography
Press Warranty
Built to Last a Lifetime.
All Conrad Machine Co. Presses come with the printmaking industry’s best 25-Year Warranty. At Conrad Machine Co., we believe in our products and workmanship, so much so, that we will repair or replace any defects in materials or workmanship for the first 25 years of the life of your printmaking press.
Press Specs.
| Overall Press Dimensions: | 40.5” x 54.25” x 18.5” |
| Press Frame Dimensions: | 34.5″ x 54.25″ |
| Maximum Plate/Print Area Size: | 30″ x 50″ |
| Maximum Paper Size: | 30.5″ x 50″ |
| Bed Height of Frame (Working Height): | 8″ |
| Bed Height (Working Height) on Stand/Workbench: | 37.5″ |
| Stand/Workbench Height: | 29.5″ |
| Geared Reduction Drive: | Conrad Planetary Geared Reduction Drive |
| Enclosed Star Wheel (Captain’s Wheel): | 48” Diameter |
| Open Spoked Wheel (in place of hand crank): | 23″ Spokes (Total of 48″ Diameter Open Wheel) |
| Standard Upper Roll: | 7.5” Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Standard Lower Roll: | 4.5” Diameter Solid Steel |
| Oversized Upper Roll: | 10″ Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Composite Bed Dimensions: | 30.5” x 54” x 3/4” |
| Aluminum Bed Dimensions: | 30.5” x 54” x 3/4” |
| Steel Bed Dimensions: | 30.5” x 54” x 3/4” |
| Press Weights: | E-31 with composite bed: 700 lbs. E-31 with aluminum bed: 760 lbs. E-31 with steel bed: 980 lbs. |
Press Accessories
E-31 Press Essentials.
Getting the best results from the Conrad E-31 etching press starts with having the right tools around it. Printmaking is a system, and when everything is set up properly from the beginning, the press runs smoother and your prints come out more consistent.
Things like felt blankets, tarlatan, brayers, inking rollers, and quality inks and papers all play a big role. On a large press like the E-31, good blankets help spread pressure evenly across the full bed, tarlatan gives you better control when wiping plates, and well-made rollers help apply ink smoothly and evenly. When your materials are working together, the whole process becomes easier and more predictable.
Conrad offers a full range of accessories and studio supplies designed to work as a system, making it easy to build a complete setup around your E-31. With the right tools in place, you’ll spend less time fixing problems and more time printing—with better results every time.
Press Stand / Workbench
A strong, stable base makes a big difference when you’re running the Conrad E-31 etching press. Our all-steel press stand is built to handle the added size and weight of the E-31, keeping everything solid while you print.
With a properly sized footprint (34″ W x 58″ L x 29″ H), the stand helps eliminate wobble, shifting, or vibration—so your pressure stays even across the entire 31″ x 54″ bed. It’s designed to bring the working height to a comfortable 34.5″, and you can choose to add caster wheels for mobility without changing that height. The result is a steady, reliable setup that makes printing easier and more consistent.
Printmaking Felt Blankets
Felt blankets are a key part of getting great results with the E-31. They help spread pressure evenly across the larger bed, allowing the paper to press into the recessed lines of the plate and pick up fine detail.
A good set of blankets not only improves print quality but also protects your plate and press during use. With the right blankets in place, you’ll get cleaner prints, better ink transfer, and more consistent results from start to finish.
Registration Grid & Protective Bed Cover
A registration grid and protective bed cover help keep your workflow organized and your press in top condition. The grid makes it easy to line up plates and paper, which is especially helpful when printing editions or working in multiple layers.
At the same time, the protective cover keeps the press bed safe from scratches, ink buildup, and general wear. It helps maintain a smooth, flat surface over time, so your press continues to perform the way it should. Together, these simple tools make printing more accurate, efficient, and worry-free.
Printmaking Supplies Perfect for E-31
Having the right printmaking supplies in your studio helps create a smooth, efficient printmaking process, so you can focus on printing, not problem-solving.
Start your complete professional studio setup with Conrad Press supplies:
- Hand Inking Brayers
- Tarlatan
- Printmaking Plates
- Printmaking Paper
- Printmaking Inks
Get an E-31 Press
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Step into large-format printmaking with the Conrad E-31 etching press. With its massive 31″ x 54″ bed, you’re no longer limited by size—you can take on larger plates, bolder compositions, and full-scale editions with confidence.
If you’re ready to expand what’s possible in your studio, the E-31 is built to get you there.
Shop Conrad E-31 Press NowFAQ
The Conrad E-31 has a print area of 30″ x 50”, depending on desired borders and bed material.
The Conrad E-31 can print paper sizes up to 30.5″ x 50″ including A1 paper.
No, you do not need micro gauges to adjust the pressure or print with your E-31 etching press. Without gauges, you can adjust the pressure by feel.
You can use a scotch brite pad or #0000 steel wool to remove any surface rust on the E-31 press upper roll. In a shoe-shine motion, rub the upper roll in the direction of the turning marks to polish the roll and remove rust.
You can use mineral spirits or similar solvent to clean ink and dirt from your E-31 rolls. Do not use water based products, as they can cause surface rust to develop over time.
