“I enjoy and am very satisfied with the etching [combination] press machine we purchased from Conrad Machine in March 1992… The machine is dependable, versatile, and reasonably priced. I highly recommend the Conrad Machine press to anyone who is a professional artist in printmaking.”
– Chia Haruta,
Haruta Studio
Artist/Printmaker
Take a closer look.
Press Planetary Geared Reduction Drive System
Smoooooooth Operator.
The Conrad C-16 combo press is designed to handle both intaglio and lithography, and that means it needs a drive system that can do both jobs well. That’s where the Conrad planetary gear drive comes in—it’s a proven system that’s been delivering smooth, reliable performance on presses for decades.
Conrad Press Planetary Gear Drive
At its core, the planetary drive is built to make printing easier. Inside the housing, multiple gears work together to increase turning power while keeping the motion smooth and controlled. This is especially important on a combination press like the C-16, where you need higher pressure for intaglio but also a steady, consistent roll for lithography.
Instead of struggling to pull your print under pressure, the drive does the work for you. It gives you a smooth, predictable feel whether you’re printing an etched plate or running a litho stone. That’s what makes the C-16 so versatile—you can switch between techniques without changing how the press feels to operate.
The 6:1 gear ratio is tuned to give you the right balance. It provides enough power to move through heavier intaglio pressures, while still keeping the press moving at a comfortable speed for lithography work. It doesn’t feel slow or heavy—it just feels smooth and controlled.
Are All Presses Geared?
Some presses advertise “gearing,” but that’s often an advertising misnomer. Many presses that claim this simple install an underrated gear on a handle and another on the press roller. This setup doesn’t provide the torque or control needed for real printmaking—especially when switching between different techniques.
A true planetary system is built for serious, multi-process printing. On the C-16, it gives you the power, control, and consistency you need to handle both intaglio and litho with confidence—all in one press.
Conrad Drive Options
Hand Crank
The Conrad C-16 combo press is built for versatility—and that includes how you power it. Paired with the planetary gear drive, the 10″ polished aluminum hand crank gives you smooth, controlled movement whether you’re printing intaglio or lithography.
The longer handle gives you extra leverage, so it’s easier to move through higher pressure for intaglio, while still feeling light and steady for litho work. It’s simple, reliable, and gives you a consistent feel no matter which process you’re using.
Spoked Wheel
If you want an even more comfortable option, the open spoked wheel makes running the C-16 feel more natural—especially when switching between techniques.
Instead of the back-and-forth motion of a hand crank, you’re always pulling down on the spokes, which is easier on your body and helps keep a smooth rhythm. This is especially helpful when moving between higher-pressure intaglio printing and the lighter, controlled motion needed for lithography.
With 11″ spokes forming a 24″ wheel, you get more leverage, making it easier to turn the press under pressure. The open design also lets you grab the wheel from different positions, so you can stay comfortable during longer sessions.
It also gives you better access to the press bed, which is useful when setting up different processes. Whether you’re printing plates or stones, the open wheel keeps everything feeling smooth, controlled, and easy to manage.
Pressure System
Historically Versatile.
One of the standout features of the Conrad C-16 combo press is its unique pressure system, designed to handle both intaglio and lithography in one machine. Instead of applying pressure from above like most presses, the C-16 uses a system that pushes up from underneath the bed—giving it the strength and control needed for both processes.
Pressure Comes From Underneath
At the center of the system are heavy-duty, hardened cams located under the bed. When you engage the press, these cams lift the bed upward into the roll or scraper bar, depending on the process you’re using.
This bottom-up design creates a very rigid, even pressure across the entire surface, which is important for both intaglio plates and litho stones. It also helps avoid common alignment issues, so the press runs smoother and produces more consistent results.
Bespoke Press Bearings & Cams
The cams work together with custom-built bearings made specifically for printmaking. These bearings are designed to handle the real forces of printing while keeping everything moving smoothly and staying properly aligned.
Because they’re built for this exact purpose, they hold up over time and keep the press running clean and precise—even in busy studios where the press gets used often.
Closing Lever. Oh, so Satisfying.
Operating the system is simple. A large closing lever activates the cams and brings the bed up into the printing position. The lever gives you plenty of mechanical advantage, so you can engage and release pressure with control.
This makes a big difference when you’re switching between intaglio and lithography, adjusting for different plate or stone thicknesses, or setting up a new print. It keeps the process quick, smooth, and easy to manage.
Combination Intaglio / Lithography Design
Innovation, Meet Function.
The Conrad C-16 combo press is designed to do something most presses can’t—handle both intaglio and lithography at a professional level in one machine. It’s not a compromise or a workaround. It’s a true dual-purpose press that lets you switch between techniques while still getting the performance of either dedicated press.
Built on decades of refinement, the C-16 gives artists, schools, and studios the ability to expand what they can print—without needing multiple large machines or spare parts taking up space.
Combo Press Etching Configuration
When set up for intaglio, the C-16 works just like a full professional etching press. The heavy-duty upper roll assembly sits above the bed, delivering the smooth, even pressure needed for detailed work.
It can handle everything from etching and engraving to drypoint, collagraph, monotype, and relief printing. The pressure is controlled and consistent, so you get the same results you’d expect from a dedicated intaglio press.
Combination Press Intaglio to Litho Conversion
What really makes the C-16 stand out is how quickly it can switch between printing methods. In just a few minutes, you can remove the upper roll assembly and install the lithography setup.
There’s no complicated process—no special tools or long adjustments. It’s simple, quick, and easy to do. That means you can move from intaglio to lithography without slowing down your workflow.
For classrooms, shared studios, or workshops, this is a huge advantage. You get more capability in less space, without needing separate presses for each technique.
Combo Press Litho Configuration
Once converted, the C-16 becomes a fully functional lithography press. The roll is replaced with a scraper bar assembly, allowing you to print from litho stones, aluminum plates, and other lithographic surfaces.
Because it uses the same heavy-duty frame and precision drive system, it doesn’t feel like a secondary setup—it performs like a real litho press. You get smooth operation, even pressure, and high-quality results across the board.
Press Frame
Easy. Portable.
The Conrad C-16 combo press gives you a large, professional printing area without the headaches that usually come with moving a combination press this size.
The C-16 is designed differently. It can be broken down into three main sections, making it easy to move through standard doorways and into almost any workspace. Whether you’re setting up in a university, shared studio, or private shop, installation is straightforward and much more manageable.
Center Frame
At the core of the press is the main center frame, which holds all of the critical components—the rolls, pressure system, drive, and alignment. This is where the real work happens.
By keeping everything contained in one solid section, the press maintains the strength, rigidity, and precision needed for both intaglio and lithography. At the same time, it keeps the overall design more practical to transport compared to traditional one-piece presses.
Bed Outriggers (Wings)
On each side of the center frame are the outrigger wings, which support the press bed as it moves through the machine. These bolt directly onto the frame and act as guides, keeping the bed level and properly aligned before and after printing.
They give you the large working surface needed for professional printing, but because they’re separate components, they can be easily removed when it’s time to move the press.
Press Bed Plates
Precisely Flat. Exceptionally Consistent.
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.
Press Rolls
Perfect Size. Perfect Pressure.
One of the smartest design features of the Conrad Combination Press is its roll sizing. The rolls are engineered to provide the ideal balance between printing performance, structural rigidity, and portability.
Large enough to generate professional printing pressure, yet compact enough to keep the press practical to move and install, these rolls are a major reason the Combination Press has been trusted by artists and institutions for decades.
Conrad C-16 Upper Roll
The Combination Press uses a 4.5-inch diameter tubular steel upper roll, providing the perfect balance of strength and weight.
The tubular steel construction keeps the roll rigid while reducing weight, making it easier to handle when converting the press between intaglio and lithography configurations.
The result is a roll that delivers professional-quality pressure while contributing to the portability that makes the Combination Press unique.
Conrad C-16 Lower Roll
The 4.5-inch diameter solid aluminum lower roll serves as the foundation of the printing system. Its solid construction provides exceptional rigidity and resistance to deflection under load.
Because the lower roll supports the bed and absorbs tremendous printing forces, the solid roller design maintains consistent pressure across the entire printing surface. This contributes to cleaner prints, better ink transfer, and reliable performance in both intaglio and lithography applications.
Conrad C-16 Scraper Bar Carrier
The litho head carrier can handle a 16″ wide scraper bar allowing the press to print a wide variety of lithographic projects, from small classroom demonstrations to large professional editions.
Whether you’re printing from lithography stones, aluminum plates, or other lithographic surfaces, the generous width provides the flexibility needed for serious studio work.
Micro-Gauge Dials
Precise Pressure. Naturally.
One of the most useful upgrades for the Conrad C-16 combo press is the micrometer gauge system—especially when you’re moving between intaglio, lithography, and other processes. Being able to return to exact pressure settings makes a huge difference in both speed and consistency.
Instead of guessing where your pressure was or trying to remember your setup, the micrometers give you a clear, repeatable reference. Once you find the right setting for a plate, stone, or paper, you can go right back to it anytime.
The gauges adjust in .005-inch increments, which is about the thickness of a human hair. That means you can make very small, precise changes and know exactly what you’re doing—whether you’re fine-tuning intaglio pressure or dialing things in for litho.
This becomes especially helpful when working on editions or switching between techniques. You can stop a project, come back later, and quickly reset the press to the same settings without starting over.
Micrometers also help keep both sides of the press even, so you maintain balanced pressure across the entire bed. The result is cleaner prints, more consistency, and a much smoother workflow—no matter which process you’re using.
Conrad C-16 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 and studio budgets.
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.
Pressure Locking Nut
Secure Your Pressure.
The Conrad Combination Press features pressure locking nuts that secure your pressure settings once they have been adjusted.
After dialing in the perfect pressure, simply tighten the locking nuts to prevent unwanted movement during printing. This helps maintain consistent pressure throughout an edition and makes it easy to return to proven settings later.
It’s a simple feature that improves accuracy, consistency, and confidence every time you print.
Conrad C-16 for the Classroom
Conrad. Best in Class.
The Conrad C-16 combo press is all about doing more with one machine. Instead of needing separate presses for different techniques, the C-16 is built to handle both intaglio and lithography, so you can switch between processes without changing your entire setup.
It delivers the higher pressure needed for intaglio along with the smooth, steady motion required for lithography, all in one press. That means you can go from printing etched plates to running litho stones or plates with confidence, knowing the press is designed to do both well.
Even with that flexibility, the C-16 doesn’t cut corners. It’s built with the same heavy-duty construction, smooth operation, and precise pressure control you’d expect from a dedicated professional press. Whether you’re working on detailed intaglio prints or lithography projects, it gives you consistent, high-quality results every time.
Who is the Conrad C-16 For?
Educators and Students
The C-16 is a great fit for classrooms where multiple printmaking techniques are being taught. Instead of needing separate presses for intaglio and lithography, students can learn both processes on one machine. It makes teaching easier, saves space, and gives students hands-on experience with a wider range of printmaking methods.
Art Institutions, Co-Ops, & Print Shops
In shared studios, the C-16 offers incredible flexibility. It allows multiple artists to work across different techniques without needing dedicated presses for each process. This saves valuable floor space while expanding what the studio can offer, making it a smart, efficient addition to any print shop or co-op.
Professional Printmakers
For professional artists, the C-16 provides the ability to move between intaglio and lithography without interruption. It’s a powerful, space-efficient solution that delivers consistent, high-quality results in both processes. Whether you’re producing editions or experimenting with mixed techniques, it keeps your workflow smooth and efficient.
Experienced Artists & New Printmakers
The C-16 works well for artists at any level. Beginners can explore multiple printmaking techniques on one press without feeling overwhelmed, while experienced printmakers will appreciate the precision, reliability, and versatility. It’s a press that supports learning, experimentation, and growth—all in one machine.
Conrad C-16 Printing Capabilities
Limitless Combinations.
Conrad C-16. Highly versatile.
The Conrad C-16 is the perfect press to print almost any style of printmaking. From heavy pressure etchings to stone lithography, the C-16 can do it all.
The Conrad C-16 Combo 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
- Stone 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: | 29” x 50” x 28” |
| Press Frame Dimensions: | 23″ x 50″ |
| Maximum Print Area Size: | 16″ x 32″ |
| Bed Height of Frame (Working Height): | 9″ |
| Bed Height (Working Height) on Stand/Workbench: | 38″ |
| Stand/Workbench Height: | 29″ |
| Hand Crank: | 10″ Polished Aluminum Hand Crank |
| 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): | 11″ Spokes (Total of 24″ Diameter Open Wheel) |
| Standard Upper Roll: | 4.5” Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Standard Lower Roll: | 4.5” Diameter Solid Aluminum |
| Oversized Upper Roll: | 6″ Diameter Solid Aluminum |
| Composite Bed Dimensions: | 16” x 32” x 3/4” |
| Aluminum Bed Dimensions: | 16” x 32” x 3/4” |
| Press Weights: | C-16 with Composite bed: 220 lbs. C-16 with Aluminum bed: lbs. |
Press Accessories
C-16 Press Essentials.
With the Conrad C-16 combo press, versatility goes beyond the press itself—it’s about how your whole setup works together. Since you can print both intaglio and lithography on one machine, having the right tools in place helps you get the best results from both.
For intaglio, things like felt blankets and tarlatan help control pressure and plate wiping. For litho, brayers, rollers, inks, and papers are key for smooth, even coverage. When your materials match the process, everything runs easier and more consistently.
That’s the real advantage of the C-16—you can switch between techniques without slowing down. Conrad also offers a full range of supplies designed for both processes, so it’s easy to build a setup that works smoothly from the start.
Press Stand / Workbench
With a versatile press like the Conrad C-16 combo press, a solid stand makes a big difference—especially when you’re switching between intaglio and lithography. A stable base keeps everything steady so the press performs the way it should for both processes.
Conrad stands are built from all-steel construction, giving you the strength to handle higher intaglio pressure while still staying smooth for litho work. They help eliminate wobble and vibration, so you get even pressure and consistent results every time.
They’re also set at a comfortable working height, and caster options make it easy to move your setup when needed—without giving up stability.
Printmaking Felt Blankets
Felt blankets are essential for proper intaglio printing because they help distribute pressure evenly across the plate and paper. High-quality blankets allow the paper to be pushed into the recessed lines of the plate, improving detail and ink transfer.
Using the right blanket set also protects both the plate and the press while ensuring consistent results across every print. A good set of blankets is one of the most important tools in achieving professional-quality prints.
Registration Grid & Protective Bed Cover
A registration grid and protective bed cover help keep your printing process accurate and your press in good condition. The grid makes it easier to align plates and paper consistently, which is especially important for multi-layer prints or editions.
At the same time, the protective bed cover shields the press bed from scratches, ink, and wear, helping preserve its flatness and longevity. Together, they improve both workflow and equipment protection.
Printmaking Supplies Perfect for C-16
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
- Scraper Bars
- Levigators
- Litho Stones
- Printmaking Paper
- Printmaking Inks
Get a C-16 Press
There’s never been
a better time to print.
With the Conrad C-16 combo press, you don’t have to choose between intaglio and lithography—you can do both on one professional machine. It’s built for flexibility, consistency, and real studio performance, all in a space-saving design.
If you’re ready to expand what you can create without adding more equipment, the C-16 is the perfect press for your and your studio.
Shop Conrad C-16 Press NowFAQ
The Conrad C-16 can print paper sizes up to 16″ x 32″ including A2 paper.
The Conrad C-16 can print a 16” wide x 30” long plate, depending on desired print borders.
You can easily clean the upper roll on your C-16 with scotch brite.
The Conrad Combination press can convert from etching to litho in as little as 3 minutes.
No special tools are required to convert the Conrad Combination press from intaglio to litho.
