“I have been working with presses manufactured by Conrad Machine Company since 1976. I have used them as a student, a college professor, and as a professional printmaker. As a college professor, I have seen the use, and abuse, that presses take in a printmaking studio and Conrad presses not only withstand this constant use but have given me years of trouble-free service. As far as I am concerned, this is one of the best tests of any piece of studio equipment. Conrad presses are reliable, extremely durable, and easy to operate. The quality of prints pulled on these presses is outstanding.”
-John Roberts,
Professor of Art,
Keene State College,
Artist/ Printmaker
Take a closer look.
The Conrad E-18 etching press is a professional-grade 18″ x 44″ tabletop intaglio press, designed for printmakers who need greater capacity without moving to a full floor model machine. Built to the same standards and tolerances as our larger presses, the E-18 offers multiple drive options, roll sizes, and configurations to support a wide range of printmaking techniques.
This mid-size tabletop press delivers the strength, smooth operation, and consistent pressure of a floor model press in a more compact size. With an expanded 18″ x 44″ press bed, the E-18 gives artists the freedom to work on larger plates and prints while still maintaining portability in space-conscious studios.
Take a closer look at the Conrad E-18’s features to see why it’s the ideal press for your studio.
Press Planetary Geared Reduction Drive System
Good Vibes & Gear Drives.
The Conrad planetary gear drive has been around since the 1950s, and there’s a reason it’s still used today—it just works.
For decades, it’s been powering thousands of presses of all sizes, models, and mediums, giving printmakers a smooth, reliable way to print without constant maintenance or issues.
Conrad Press Planetary Gear Drive
At its core, the system is designed to make printing easier.
Instead of physical force from the operator, the planetary gears work together inside a compact housing to increase turning power while keeping everything smooth and controlled. That means even when you’re printing demanding intaglio work, the press feels steady and comfortable to operate.
This is especially important on a tabletop press. You want something compact, but you don’t want to sacrifice performance. The planetary drive gives you strong, direct torque without the bulk or upkeep of chain-driven systems. It makes a noticeable difference—you’re not fighting the press, you’re working with it.
The 6:1 gear ratio hits the sweet spot. It gives you enough power to move through pressure easily, but still keeps the press moving at a good pace. It doesn’t feel slow, and it doesn’t feel strained—it feels just right.
Are All Presses Geared?
You will sometimes see other presses advertised as having “gearing,” but that’s often an advertising misnomer. Many of these presses are simply two gears: an underrated gear on a handle and another gear on the press roller. This setup doesn’t provide the torque or control needed for real, heavy-pressures, and you can feel the difference when printing.
A true planetary gear system is built for real printmaking and real pressures. It delivers smooth, even performance no matter your print medium, and it holds up over time—giving you consistent results print after print, year after year, decade after decade, one century to the next.
Conrad Drive Options
Hand Crank
Matched with the Conrad planetary drive, the 10-inch polished aluminum hand crank makes the press feel easy and natural to use. The longer handle gives you excellent leverage, so you don’t have to work as hard to move through pressure.
It’s also built to feel solid and dependable. The aluminum construction keeps everything running smooth, so each turn feels steady, controlled, and consistent.
Spoked Wheel
Instead of a standard hand crank, we offer an open spoked wheel that makes turning the press feel more natural and is easier on your body.
With a hand crank, you’re constantly pushing and pulling—half the motion works against you. With the spoked wheel, you’re always pushing downward, which feels smoother and requires less effort. Downward force is always the most efficient way to transfer energy and is especially helpful for artists with shoulder or mobility limitations.
The larger size—10″ spokes creating a 20″ wheel—allows you to combine leverage and gearing, so the press moves more easily under pressure. The open design also lets you grab the wheel from different positions, so you can stay comfortable and keep a steady motion.
Another benefit is accessibility. The open wheel gives you better access to the press bed compared to an enclosed captain’s wheel, while still providing a smooth, controlled feel during longer print sessions.
Enclosed Captain’s Wheel
We also offer an enclosed captain’s wheel for artists who want a smoother, more comfortable way to run the press. Compared to a hand crank, it gives you better control and feels more natural in your hands.
The 20″ circular design lets you grab the wheel from any position–offering 360 degree control–so you can keep a steady motion without putting extra strain on your arms or shoulders. It makes it easier to apply consistent pressure, especially when you’re working through multiple prints.
This style is great for longer print sessions because it keeps things smooth and comfortable from start to finish.
And honestly—it just looks so pretty. 🙂
Pressure System
Perfect Pressure, No Guesswork.
The pressure system is what really makes a printmaking press feel right, and Conrad presses are built to give you smooth, even, and controlled pressure every time you print.
Spring Assisted
One of the biggest advantages is the spring-assisted pressure system. This keeps constant tension on the upper roll, so everything stays tight and engaged while you’re printing. Without this, you can get what’s called backlash—small amounts of looseness or “play” in the system that make it hard to set pressure accurately.
If you can turn your pressure screws any amount without the upper roller being engaged (positively moving up or down), you are not getting even pressures.
With the spring system in place, adjustments are immediate, direct, and predictable. When you change the pressure, the press responds right away, which makes it much easier to dial things in and get consistent results. Many lower-quality presses skip this feature because it’s more complex and expensive to build, but it makes a huge difference when you’re actually printing.
Solid Steel Uprights
Everything is supported by thick, square solid steel uprights that give the press its strength. These allow the bearing blocks to ride securely within the frame, keeping everything aligned on a common center line when pressure is applied.
In other words, the upper roll can’t shakily rock back and forth within the uprights like many other presses on the market today.
Additionally, the E-18 uprights are thick enough to cradle the bearings inside them, creating a more rigid frame capable of extreme pressures. Other presses that utilize flat, thin uprights are much more susceptible to twisting under pressure.
Because the frame stays rigid and doesn’t flex, the rollers and bed stay in proper position. That means even pressure across the entire print and a press you can rely on for consistent results year after year.
Bespoke Bearing Blocks for Printmaking
Conrad presses also use custom bearing blocks made specifically for printmaking.
These are designed to handle the unique loads and movements of a press under printing pressures.
The result is a press that feels quieter, smoother, and more precise over time, even with regular use.
Press Bed Plates
Prints Love a Flat Surface.
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
Roll Bigger. Print Better.
Roll size has a huge impact on how a press feels and performs—and in printmaking, bigger rolls really do make a difference.
Larger diameter rolls ease onto the plate more gradually instead of hitting it abruptly, which helps the press move more smoothly across plates, blankets, and paper. The result is more even transfers and a better control from start to finish.
Conrad E-18 Upper Roll Options
Standard 4.5″ Roll – Tubular Steel
The 4.5″ standard upper roll is a strong, dependable option that handles a wide range of printmaking techniques with ease. It’s built from structural steel tubing designed to stay rigid under pressure, so it won’t flex or bend while printing.
Conrad uses thick 1.5″ bearing shafts, which helps keep the roll stable and aligned even under demanding conditions. This makes it a great all-around choice for studios printing everything from relief work to full intaglio, delivering consistent results every time.
Oversized 6″ Roll – Solid Aluminum
If you’re looking for smoother operation and higher performance, the 6″ oversized roll is a noticeable upgrade. The larger diameter helps the press glide more easily over the plate, reducing strain and making it easier to print under pressure.
This roll is precision machined from high-strength solid aluminum, so it’s much lighter than steel but still incredibly strong. It won’t rust, and it holds up to heavy printing without bending or denting. The added size and strength give you better consistency—especially on larger plates—and more confidence with every pass through the press.
Jumbo XL Oversized 10″ Roll – Tubular Steel
At the top end, the Conrad 10″ Jumbo XL roll is the largest and most powerful option available in all of tabletop printmaking.
Bigger rolls mean smoother printing, easier transitions on/off the plate, and the most even pressure possible—it’s simply the best setup for serious printmaking.
Unlike other presses that use thin-walled pipe, Conrad uses true structural tubing with thick walls, built specifically to handle heavy loads without flexing.
Additionally, lower-quality rollers rely on multiple inserts and welded baffles to add strength to the weak, underlying material. Conrad rolls are built differently, using heavy structural tubing and solid end plugs machined from one-piece solid steel for maximum strength and durability, but still saving weight.
The result is a roll that stays rigid under extreme pressures, offers much higher shaft ratings, and provides the highest level of control and consistency for demanding print work.
Conrad E-18 Upper Roll Size Comparison
Press Bed Stops
Safe Printing = Smart Printing
Bed plate stops are a simple feature that make a big difference in how safe and easy a press is to use. They act as built-in limits that keep the press bed from rolling too far in either direction.
Bed stops prevent that by controlling the travel of the bed, so everything stays where it should.
They also make printing more predictable. You know exactly where the bed will stop each time, which helps with consistent setup and reduces the chance of mistakes. It’s a small detail, but it adds an extra layer of safety and confidence every time you use the press.
Micro-Gauge Dials
Fine Art. Fine Adjustment.
One of the most popular upgrades on Conrad tabletop presses is the micrometer gauge, and once you use it, it’s easy to see why. Instead of guessing where your pressure is set or relying on feel, the micrometer lets you set it exactly—and come back to it every time.
The gauge is designed for precision. Its barrel-style thimble design allows adjusts in .005-inch increments, which is about the thickness of a human hair. That means you can make very small, controlled changes to your pressure and know exactly what you’re doing. It takes the guesswork out of printing.
This becomes especially useful when you’re working on editions or switching between different techniques. Whether you’re printing intaglio, relief, or monotype, you can quickly return to a known setting or fine-tune your pressure without starting over.
Micrometers also help keep both sides of the press even, so you don’t end up with one side printing heavier than the other. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference—giving you better control, saving time, and helping you get consistent results every time you print.
Conrad E-18 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 intimate 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
Hold Tight. Print Right.
The E-18 press base is built from heavy-duty steel that’s riveted and bolted together—similar to how aircraft are constructed—creating a strong, box-style frame that won’t twist or tip during use.
Unlike many smaller tabletop presses, the base runs the full 36-inch length of the steel press bed, giving the press better stability and support across the entire printing surface.
The upright supports are made from thick, solid square steel and are precisely machined to stay perfectly aligned. This keeps everything running straight and true, even under heavy pressure, and adds to the overall strength and durability of the press.
All of the key components—the frame, pressure screws, bearing blocks, and lower roll adjustments—are aligned on the same centerline. This keeps the press from flexing or shifting under load, so you get smooth operation and consistent, even pressure every time you print.
Press Bearings
Roll Easy. Print Better.
On the E-18 press, we use large 1.5-inch diameter roll bearings to keep everything running smooth and steady—even under heavy printing pressure. These are high-quality, self-aligning bearings, which means they naturally stay in line as the press operates, reducing friction and making the press easier to turn.
They’re also sealed bearings, so they’re protected from dust, ink, and debris that can build up in a printmaking studio. Because of this, they’re completely maintenance-free—there’s no need to grease or service them over time.
The result is a press that feels smooth, reliable, and consistent every time you use it, without the extra upkeep.
Conrad E-18 for the Classroom
Conrad. From Classroom to Gallery.
The Conrad E-18 tabletop etching press is built for printmakers who want more space, more capacity, and full professional performance in a tabletop format. With its larger 18″ x 44″ press bed, the E-18 gives you room to work bigger while still fitting into studios where a full floor press might not be practical. It’s compact for its size, but it’s built like a serious press—strong, smooth, and precise.
What really sets the E-18 apart is how it combines size and performance. You get the kind of pressure control and consistency you’d expect from a larger studio press but in a format that’s easier to move, manage, and integrate into your workspace. Whether you’re printing occasionally or running regular editions, the E-18 delivers reliable results across a wide range of techniques.
It’s built to handle everything from light relief printing to heavy intaglio work, and it adapts easily to different workflows and experience levels. The design is straightforward and easy to use, but the construction is built to last—so it’s a press that can grow with you over time.
Who is the Conrad E-18 for?
Educators and Students
The E-18 is a great fit for classrooms where students are learning printmaking and need a press that’s both easy to use and tough enough to handle daily use. The larger bed gives students more room to explore for classroom projects, while the smooth operation makes it easier to teach proper technique. It’s a dependable press that holds up in busy academic environments.
Art Institutions, Co-Ops, & Print Shops
In shared studios, the E-18 offers the size and durability needed for multiple users. The larger capacity makes it more flexible for various sized projects, while the solid construction ensures it can handle frequent use. It works well as a primary press in smaller shops or as an additional press in larger studios where extra capacity is needed.
Professional Printmakers
For professionals, the E-18 provides serious performance in a more compact footprint than a floor model press. The larger bed allows for bigger plates and prints, while the smooth pressure control makes it ideal for detailed intaglio work. It’s a strong option for artists who want high-level results without committing to a full-size press.
Experienced Artists & New Printmakers
The E-18 works well for both experienced artists and those just getting started. Beginners will appreciate how easy it is to learn and operate, while more experienced printmakers will value the added size, precision, and reliability. It’s a press that supports growth—whether you’re learning the basics or pushing into more advanced work.
Conrad E-18 Printing Capabilities
Print it all.
Conrad E-18. Highly versatile.
The Conrad E-18 is the perfect press to print almost any style of printmaking. From lesser pressure work like monotype prints to heavy pressure photogravure, the E-18 can do it all.
The Conrad E-18 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: | 25.75” x 36.75” x 18.25” |
| Press Frame Dimensions: | 21.75″ x 36.75″ |
| Maximum Paper Size: | 18″ x 42″ (based on bedplate choce) |
| Maximum Plate Size: | 18″ x 32″ – 18″ x 40″ (based on bedplate choice) |
| Bed Height of Frame (Working Height): | 7.25″ |
| Bed Height (Working Height) on Stand/Workbench: | 36.75″ |
| Stand/Workbench Height: | 29.5″ |
| Geared Reduction Drive: | Geared Reduction Drive with 10″ Polished Aluminum Handle |
| Enclosed Star Wheel (Captain’s Wheel): | 20” Diameter |
| Open Spoked Wheel (in place of hand crank): | 10″ Spokes (Total of 20″ Diameter Open Wheel) |
| Standard Upper Roll: | 4.5” Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Standard Lower Roll: | 3.5” Diameter Solid Steel |
| Oversized Upper Roll: | 6″ Diameter Solid Aluminum | 10” Diameter Jumbo XL |
| Composite Bed Dimensions: | 18” x 44” x 3/4” |
| Aluminum Bed Dimensions: | 18” x 42” x 3/4” |
| Steel Bed Dimensions: | 18” x 36” x 3/4” |
| Press Weights: | E-18 with composite bed: 228 lbs. E-18 with aluminum bed: 253 lbs. E-18 with steel bed: 378 lbs. |
Press Accessories
E-18 Press Essentials.
Printmaking works best when everything is set up to work together—and that’s especially true with the Conrad E-18 etching press. Having the right tools from the start makes a big difference in how smoothly your press runs and how consistent your prints turn out.
Things like felt blankets, tarlatan, brayers, inking rollers, and quality inks and papers all play a role in the final result. Good blankets help spread pressure evenly across the larger E-18 bed, tarlatan helps you wipe plates clean and controlled, and well-made rollers give you smooth, even ink coverage. When you’re using the right materials, you spend less time fixing problems and more time actually printing.
Conrad offers a full range of accessories and studio supplies made to work together, so it’s easy to build a complete setup around your E-18. With everything dialed in from the beginning, you’ll get cleaner prints, more consistent results, and a much better overall printing experience.
Press Stand / Workbench
A strong, stable base makes a big difference when you’re running the Conrad E-18 etching press. Our all-steel press stand is built to handle the added size and weight of the E-18, keeping everything solid while you print.
With a properly sized footprint (21″ W x 40″ L x 29″ H), the stand helps eliminate wobble, shifting, or vibration—so your pressure stays even across the entire 18″ x 36″ 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-18. 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 new 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-18
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-18 Press
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Take your printmaking to the next level with the Conrad E-18 etching press.
With its larger rolls, smooth performance, and professional-grade construction, it’s built to handle everything your studio demands.
Shop Conrad E-18 Press NowFAQ
The Conrad E-18 can print paper sizes up to 18″ x 42″ including A2 paper, based on bed choice.
The Conrad E-18 can print an 18” x 40” plate, based on bed choice.
You can use mineral spirits or similar solvent to clean ink and dirt from your E-18 rolls. Do not use water based products, as they can cause surface rust to develop over time.
No, you do not need micro gauges to adjust the pressure or print with your E-18 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-18 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.
