“I have had a [large 40 x 60 inch] Conrad etching press now for seven years and I want to let you know how pleased I am with it. I do a lot of soft-ground etchings and am very pleased with how sensitive the press is in getting a good impression. I have used other presses… and I like the Conrad press best.”
– Tracy Ziegler
Artist/ Printmaker
Take a closer look.
Conrad Machine offers a full line heavy-duty floor model etching presses with bed sizes starting at 28″ x 48″ and extending up to an impressive 60″ x 84″. Whether you’re running a university print studio, a professional shop, or producing large-format editions, we have a floor model press to match your needs.
Conrad floor model presses are designed from the ground up to handle serious printing pressure, and that starts with the structure of the machine itself.
Our press is built around heavy-duty steel uprights and a solid steel frame that keeps everything aligned and stable, even under extreme load. These uprights prevent any flex or movement, which is critical when you’re working with large plates and high-pressure intaglio printing. Paired with that is a solid steel bed, providing a perfectly flat, stable surface for printing. Unlike softer, weaker materials, a solid metal bed won’t deflect under pressure, which means you get maximum pressure transfer directly into your plate and paper.
All of these elements work together to give you even, reliable pressure across the entire printing surface, making it easier to produce clean, consistent, professional-quality prints—no matter the size of your work.
Take a closer look at the floor model press features to see why it’s the perfect press for you.
Press Planetary Geared Reduction Drive System
Less Grind, More Glide.
On a large-format machine like the Conrad floor model etching press, you need serious power—but you also want it to feel smooth and easy to control. That’s exactly what this drive system delivers.
Conrad Press Planetary Gear Drive
The press is powered by a large spoked star wheel connected to a fully enclosed 8:1 planetary gear reduction drive that’s mounted directly to the roll. This setup is built specifically for printmaking, where you need slow, controlled movement with high torque to handle large plates and heavy pressure.
Even on the biggest press sizes, this system keeps everything feeling steady and manageable. You’re not fighting the press—you’re moving through pressure smoothly and with control.
Because the drive is mounted directly to the roll, everything stays perfectly aligned over time. That means consistent performance, less wear, and a press that runs just as smoothly years down the line as it does on day one.
It’s a proven system that’s been used for over 60 years, and it’s one of the key reasons Conrad floor model presses are known for their reliability, power, and professional-level performance.
Conrad Drive Options
Spoked Wheel
On a large floor model press, ease of use matters—and the open spoked wheel is designed to make running a big press feel smooth and natural.
Instead of using a traditional hand crank, this design lets you pull down on the spokes the entire time, which is much easier on your body. You’re not switching between pushing and pulling—just one steady, controlled motion that feels more comfortable, especially during longer print sessions.
With 30″ spokes creating a 60″ wheel, you get a lot of leverage. That extra size makes it easier to move the press under heavy pressure, even when working with large plates. The open design also lets you grab the wheel from different positions, so you can keep a steady rhythm without straining your arms or shoulders.
Another advantage is access. The open wheel design gives you more room around the press bed compared to enclosed options, making setup and printing easier—especially on a press of this size.
It’s a simple upgrade, but on a large-format press, it makes a big difference in comfort, control, and overall ease of printing.
Enclosed Captain’s Wheel
For a press this large, comfort and control go a long way—and the enclosed captain’s wheel is built with that in mind. It offers a more natural, ergonomic grip compared to a traditional hand crank, making it easier to run the press smoothly.
The 60″ circular design lets you place your hands in different positions as you turn the wheel, so you can keep a steady motion without putting extra strain on your arms or shoulders. This is especially helpful when you’re working through longer print runs on a large-format press.
It also makes it easier to apply consistent force, which helps maintain even pressure across the entire bed—something that really matters when you’re printing larger plates.
And beyond how it performs, it just fits the look and feel of a professional press—solid, balanced, and built for serious printmaking.
Pressure System
Precision Under Pressure.
On a large floor model etching press, the upper roll is massive—and that weight changes everything. Without the right pressure system, it can be difficult to control, inconsistent from pass to pass, and harder to adjust accurately. That’s why a spring-balanced pressure system is so important.
Spring Assisted
The spring system keeps constant upward tension on the upper roll, so everything stays tight and engaged while you’re printing. On a press this size, even a small amount of looseness—called backlash—can throw off your pressure settings and lead to uneven prints. The springs eliminate that play, so when you make an adjustment, the press responds immediately and predictably.
This becomes especially important when working with large plates and high pressure. You need to know that the pressure you set is exactly what you’re getting across the entire bed. The spring-balanced system keeps the roll stable and evenly loaded, so you get consistent pressure from one side of the press to the other.
It also makes the press easier to use. Instead of fighting the weight of the roll or second-guessing your settings, the system does the work for you—keeping everything smooth, controlled, and reliable.
On a large-format press, this isn’t just a nice feature—it’s essential for getting clean, consistent, professional results every time you print.
Solid Steel Uprights
On a large floor model etching press, strength and alignment are everything—and that’s where solid steel uprights come in.
These uprights are built from thick, solid steel, not thin plates or hollow tubing. Their job is to hold the entire pressure system in perfect alignment, even when the press is under heavy load. When you’re working with large plates and high pressure, any flex or movement in the frame can lead to uneven prints—but solid uprights prevent that.
They also lock the upper roll in place, keeping it from shifting or rocking side to side. This is especially important on bigger presses, where the weight of the roll and the forces involved are much higher. By keeping everything rigid and centered, the uprights ensure that pressure is applied evenly across the entire bed.
Another key advantage is durability. Solid steel uprights are built to handle years of heavy use without wearing out, losing alignment, or twisting. They’re part of what gives the press that solid, stable feel when you’re running it.
In simple terms, they keep the press straight, strong, and consistent—so every print comes out the way it should, no matter how large the work is.
Press Bed Plates
Flat Out Better Prints.
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.
Press Rolls
Big Rolls. Tight Tolerances.
Conrad floor model press rolls are machined from solid steel, not thin-walled pipe. That makes a huge difference when you’re printing under high pressure. Solid steel gives the roll the strength to stay perfectly true, even when you’re working with large plates or heavy intaglio setups.
What that means in practice is simple: no deflection. The roll doesn’t bend, flex, or warp under load. It can’t because it is solid. It stays rigid from end to end, so the pressure you set is the pressure you get across the entire width of the press.
This is especially important on larger presses, where even a small amount of flex can lead to uneven prints. With solid steel rolls, you get consistent pressure, cleaner ink transfer, and more reliable results, no matter the size of your work.
It also adds to the long-term durability of the press. Solid rolls hold their shape over time, so performance stays consistent year after year—even in demanding studio environments.
In short, they’re built for maximum pressure, maximum consistency, and true professional printmaking.
Conrad Floor Model Etching Press Upper Roll Options
8″ Roll – Solid Steel
The 8″ solid steel roll is all about strength and precision. Because it’s machined from a solid piece of steel, it stays completely rigid under pressure—no flex, no deflection.
This makes it a great choice for printmakers who want maximum pressure and absolute consistency, especially for detailed intaglio work. The solid construction keeps the roll perfectly true across its full width, so you get even pressure from edge to edge.
It’s a dependable, heavy-duty option that delivers clean, repeatable results, even under demanding conditions.
Jumbo XL Oversized 12″ Roll – Tubular Steel
For printmakers who value oversized rolls, Conrad offer the highest level of performance with our 12″ Jumbo XL roller to take things even further. The largest diameter roll in printmaking makes a noticeable difference—the press glides onto the plate more gradually, which creates a smoother, more controlled printing motion.
Even though it’s tubular, this isn’t thin steel pipe. Conrad uses heavy-duty structural tubing with 50% thicker walls than competing presses and is designed specifically to stay rigid under load. Combined with solid steel pressed roller ends, the 12” diameter roll maintains its shape and strength without unnecessary weight.
The bigger diameter also helps reduce strain during operation and improves pressure distribution across larger plates. The result is smoother printing, more even pressure, and greater control, especially on large-format work.
Conrad Floor Model Etching Press Upper Roll Size Comparison
Press Bed Stops
Safe Printing = Smart Printing
On a large floor model etching press, safety and control are critical—and that’s where press bed stops come in.
Conrad press bed stops control how far the bed can travel in either direction. They act as a safeguard, keeping everything within a controlled range and making the press safer to operate, especially in busy studios, classrooms, or shared workspaces.
The external bed stop design not only keeps the bed traveling safely through the press, it also acts as a built in handle to pull the bed from one side to the other–something an internal stop cannot do.
Micro-Gauge Dials
Perfect Pressure Starts Small.
One of the most popular upgrades for the Conrad floor model etching press is the micrometer gauge system—and once you use it, it’s hard to go back.
Instead of guessing your pressure settings, the micrometer lets you dial in exact adjustments and repeat them anytime. Each gauge is designed in a barrel-style format and calibrated to .001-inch increments, allowing more detailed pressure adjustments than any other press today.
That level of control makes a big difference, especially when you’re working on large prints or running editions. You can fine-tune your pressure with confidence and return to the exact same setting whenever you need it.
It’s a simple addition, but it gives you professional-level accuracy and consistency across every print.
Press Frame
Heavy Duty. Light Work.
The Conrad floor model etching press is built on a solid steel frame designed to stay strong and perfectly aligned, even under heavy printing pressure. Thick steel plates are reinforced and cross-braced throughout the structure, so the press doesn’t shift or flex while you’re working.
The legs are fitted with leveling screws and floor plates, making it easy to get the press set up flat and stable on almost any surface. Once it’s in place, it stays there—solid and secure.
The bed doesn’t just slide—it glides smoothly on a system of auxiliary rollers designed for precision and control.
These rollers support the bed as it moves through the press, reducing friction and making operation feel smooth and steady, even with large, heavy setups. But what really sets them apart is that they are individually adjustable.
This allows the bed to be perfectly aligned—parallel to the press rolls from end to end. That alignment is critical. If the bed isn’t perfectly parallel, pressure can vary across the plate, leading to uneven prints.
By fine-tuning each roller, you can maintain exact alignment, ensuring that the pressure is transferred evenly across the entire surface. The result is consistent pressure, cleaner ink transfer, and more reliable prints, especially on larger work.
It’s one of those features you don’t always see—but you feel it every time you print. Smooth movement, precise alignment, and ideal pressure transfer from edge to edge.
Optional Built-in Lower Shelf
There unique Conrad Press frame design also makes it possible to add a storage shelf beneath the lower roll, giving you a convenient place to keep tools, blankets, or materials close at hand without cluttering your workspace.
This is something that other press frame designs simply can’t do.
Press Bearings
Less Resistance. More Results.
On a Conrad floor model etching press, the bearings are built to handle far more than normal printing demands—so you never have to worry about them failing.
These are large, self-aligning bearings, which means they automatically stay centered and properly aligned as the press runs. Even under heavy pressure, they adjust to keep everything moving smoothly, reducing friction and preventing wear.
But what really sets them apart is their strength. These bearings are rated for over five times the maximum pressure the press will ever see in normal use. In simple terms, they’re massively overbuilt for the job.
That extra capacity means they’re not being pushed anywhere near their limits during printing. Instead of wearing down or breaking over time, they continue to run smooth and reliable—year after year, even in demanding studio environments.
The result is a press that feels easy to turn, smooth under load, and incredibly dependable, with bearings that are designed to last the life of the machine.
Conrad Floor Model Etching Presses for the Classroom
Conrad. Top of the Class.
The Conrad floor model etching press is built for printmakers who need maximum size, capacity, and professional performance. With large-format bed sizes and the ability to handle oversized plates and full-scale editions, this is a press designed for serious work.
Everything about it is built heavy-duty. The solid steel frame, thick uprights, and precision construction keep the press rigid and perfectly aligned, even under extreme pressure. Paired with massive, high-strength rolls, the press delivers unmatched pressure without deflection, giving you clean, even results across the entire bed—no matter how large the print.
Despite its size and power, the press runs smooth and controlled, making it easy to operate even during long print runs. Whether you’re working on detailed intaglio plates or large-format prints, it delivers consistent, professional-quality results every time.
Built to handle everything from light relief printing to the heaviest intaglio work, this press adapts to demanding workflows and high-volume production. It’s designed for durability, precision, and long-term reliability—making it a true centerpiece for any professional studio.
Who are the Conrad Floor Model Presses For?
Educators and Students
Ideal for universities and advanced printmaking programs where large-scale work and professional equipment are essential. It gives students the opportunity to learn on a true studio press capable of handling real-world projects.
Art Institutions, Co-Ops, & Print Shops
Perfect for shared studios that need high capacity and durability. The large bed size and heavy-duty construction allow multiple artists to work on bigger projects, while the press stands up to constant, daily use.
Professional Printmakers
For professionals, this press delivers maximum capability. It’s built for large plates, full editions, and demanding techniques, with the strength and consistency needed for high-level intaglio work.
Experienced Artists & New Printmakers
While it’s designed for serious production, the press is still approachable. Artists looking to scale up their work will appreciate the size and performance, while those newer to large-format printing can grow into a press that will support them for years.
Conrad Floor Model Press Printing Capabilities
Print It All.
Conrad Floor Models. Highly Versatile.
The Conrad Floor Model Press is the perfect press to print almost any style of printmaking. From lesser pressure work like monotype prints to heavy pressure photogravure, the FME can do it all.
The Conrad Floor Model 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: | Based on press size |
| Press Frame Dimensions: | Based on press size |
| Maximum Print Area Size: | Based on press size |
| Stand/Workbench Height: | 36″ |
| Enclosed Star Wheel (Captain’s Wheel): | 60” Diameter |
| Open Spoked Wheel (in place of hand crank): | 28″ Spokes (Total of 60″ Diameter Open Wheel) |
| Standard Upper Roll: | 8” Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Standard Lower Roll: | 7.5” Diameter Solid Steel |
| Oversized Upper Roll: | 12″ Diameter Solid Aluminum |
| Aluminum Bed Dimensions: | 1″ thick |
| Steel Bed Dimensions: | 1″ thick |
| Press Weights: | Based on press size |
Press Accessories
Friends for your Conrad Press.
With a Conrad floor model etching press, you’re working at a much larger scale—and that means your entire setup matters even more. When everything is dialed in from the start, the press performs at its full potential, delivering the clean, consistent, professional results it’s built for.
On a press of this size, materials make a big impact. Felt blankets help carry pressure evenly across the full width of the bed, tarlatan gives you control when wiping larger plates, and high-quality rollers, inks, and papers ensure smooth, even coverage. When your tools match the capability of the press, you get better pressure transfer, cleaner prints, and more reliable results—especially on large-format work.
Instead of constantly adjusting or troubleshooting, you can focus on printing. That’s the advantage of pairing a heavy-duty press—with solid frames and massive rolls—with the right materials. Everything works together to give you consistent performance from edge to edge.
Conrad offers a full range of studio supplies and accessories designed to support large-format printing, making it easy to build a complete system around your press. With the right setup in place, you’ll get smoother operation, better prints, and a workflow that keeps up with the scale of your work.
Caster Wheels
Even though the Conrad floor model etching press is built as a large, heavy-duty machine, you still have the option to make it surprisingly mobile with caster wheels.
Adding casters allows you to move the press when needed—whether that’s repositioning it in a studio, cleaning around it, or re-configuring your workspace. This can be especially useful in shared studios, classrooms, or print shops where flexibility matters.
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 Press
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 a Conrad Floor Model Press
There’s never been
a better time to print.
When your work demands more space, more pressure, and uncompromising performance, the Conrad floor model etching press delivers. With large-format bed sizes, solid steel construction, and massive precision rolls, it’s built to handle the biggest plates and the most demanding printmaking techniques with ease.
This isn’t just a press—it’s the centerpiece of a serious studio.
Shop Conrad Floor Model Presses NowFAQ
Conrad floor model presses are built for large-format work, with bed sizes ranging from 28″ x 48″ up to 60″ x 84″. This gives you the ability to print oversized plates, large editions, and more ambitious projects with ease.
Yes. These presses are designed specifically for heavy-duty intaglio work, with solid steel frames and rolls that deliver strong, even pressure across the entire bed without deflection.
The press is built with heavy steel construction, reinforced frames, and high-capacity bearings, making it extremely durable. It’s designed to handle years of continuous use in professional studios, schools, and print shops.
You can easily clean the upper roll on your press with scotch brite.
Yes. While it’s a large, heavy machine, optional caster wheels allow you to reposition the press when needed without sacrificing stability during operation.
