Monotype Artist & NEA Fellow
Conrad Machine Co. has devoted an entire line of printmaking presses to the art of monotype prints because of its popularity among printmakers. We are proud to offer several custom-built monotype presses. The direct drive monotype presses are designed for printing light pressure applications such as monotypes, woodcuts, linocuts, etc. These monotype presses will also print small, light-pressure etchings, but they are not recommended for any large, heavy-pressure work. Without gearing, it becomes difficult to physically pull heavy-pressure prints. For this reason, Conrad Machine Co. also offers a geared version of the monotype presses. The geared monotype presses are recommended for heavier work, but they are not as "heavy duty" as our regular etching presses.
Monotype Press-
Planetary S-2 reduction drive
The driving power behind the Conrad Machine Monotype press is provided by a large spoked star wheel operating through a self-contained, 6 to 1 geared planetary reduction drive mounted directly on the press roll. A very economical direct drive version is offered for those printmakers wishing to work in light pressure media like monotypes, woodcuts, Iinocuts or other types of relief work. This model has a 48 inch diameter spoked star wheel attached directly to the lower roller.
Monotype Press Frame
The vertical frame is constructed of solid steel angle. The frame, pressure screws, bearing blocks, and lower roll adjusting screw all share a common centerline to eliminate twisting or bending of the frame under high printing pressure.
Monotype Press Bed plates
We offer two types of bed plate material. The standard bed plate is made from .75 inch thick Benelex. Benelex is a high density, lignin-resin laminate, having a compressive strength of 29,000 P.S.I. This material weighs only a sixth the weight of steel. The optional bed plate is made from high strength aluminum alloy. This material is more expensive than steel, but it is stronger and only a third the weight of steel.
Monotype Press Rolls and Bearings
The rolls are precision machined from 4 inch diameter solid steel. The rolls are mounted in self-aligning, anti-friction bearings to insure smooth and easy operation under the most severe printing pressures. Roll bearings are rated at well over five times the maximum pressure encountered in normal printing! The upper roll is spring counter balanced to maintain positive contact with the pressure adjusting screws at all times. Sixteen auxiliary rollers are provided to support the bed plate in the extended positions. If a lighter press is desired, tubular rolls can be provided in place of the standard solid steel rolls. Please see our options and pricing sections of our catalog for more information.
Monotype Press Micro-Gauges
One of the most sought after options we offer is the micrometer gauge. The micrometer gauge provides easy-to-repeat, precise settings. Our gauge is a barrel thimble type that is calibrated to .005 inch per line. This means you can adjust each pressure screw by about the same thickness as a human hair! The Conrad Machine Co. Micro-guages are the very best in the printmaking industry.
Monotype Press Portability
We designed this press, so it can be easily disassembled into three component parts. You will not need a moving crew to transport this press, as one person can easily disassemble and move the Monotype press. The outer bed supports can be taken off or folded up, so the press will fit through any standard 30 inch doorway. There is no need for expensive machinery movers with the Conrad Machine Co. Monotype press.
Monotype Press 25 Year Warranty
All Conrad Machine Co. Presses come with the printmaking industry's best 25 Year Warranty. We here at Conrad Machine Co. 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.
