Repairs & maintenance services to make your press last a lifetime. Again.
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“Conrad Machine Co. was scheduled to service six presses in the division of Expanded Media at Alfred University, NYSCC. Pre-arrival discussions and a solid estimate of a timeline ensured excellent timing within the academic schedule. The opportunity to learn directly from Jordan and Shaun while they were on site was invaluable. They were generous with their time, welcoming questions and providing thoughtful, thorough explanations that ensured a deeper understanding of specific press mechanics.
Each of our presses have their own unique characteristics, all of which were carefully evaluated before, during, and after restoration. What began as a routine tune-up and safety check evolved into an incredibly informative experience and a long-term plan for the sustainability and longevity of our print program.”
-Myles Calvert,
Artist/ Printmaker,
Director of Institute for Electronic Arts, Alfred University
Our Press Repairs & Services.
Conrad Machine Co. is a full service press company with more than 80 years of press repair experience. We service and repair all makes and models of printmaking presses from etching and intaglio presses to lithography and relief presses.
If you have a broken press or one that simply needs maintenance, we can help fix your press and get your printmaking studio running smoothly.
What press repairs do we do?
Conrad Machine Co. performs any and all press repairs from replacing broken press parts to servicing entire studios. Nothing is too big or too small.
Here’s a short list of the many printmaking press repairs that Conrad Press can do:
- Bed plate repair replacement
- Roll resurfacing, repairs, & replacement
- Bearing maintenance & replacement
- Pressure system maintenance
- Drive maintenance
- Press lubrication
- Rust removal & general cleaning
- Press setup & calibration
- General diagnostics & troubleshooting
What presses do we repair?
Conrad Machine Co. services and repairs all makes and models of presses including:
- Conrad Press
- American French Tool
- Charles Brand
- Rembrandt
- Dickerson
- Sturges
- Printmakers’ Machine
- Griffin
- Takach
- Ettan
Get a Quote.
Take a closer look.
Press Repairs
Repairs. Any size. Anywhere.
In Studio / On Site Repairs
Because many large etching and lithography presses are difficult to move and expensive to ship, Conrad Machine Co. can travel to your studio, university, or educational institute to repair your press.
We make regular service trips around the country, so there is no need to disassemble, package, and ship your large printmaking press to our factory. We can provide on site support and repairs. This option is ideal for studios with multiple printmaking presses.
We can repair multiple presses in a single trip, which can save your studio or educational institute money.
During an in studio repair, we will repair or replace the broken parts on your presses as well as properly setup and thoroughly test your press to insure everything is in smooth, like-new operating condition.
In Factory Repairs
For large, extensive rebuilding and repairs, it may be necessary to ship your press to our facility.
That’s why we also offer in-factory repairs. If your press needs extensive repairs or large, custom parts made, we can arrange for your press to be shipped to our press factory for repair.
At the Conrad Press factory, we can rebuild or replace large, broken parts like rolls, bearings, bedplates, and drives.
Before your press leaves our factory, we make sure to properly setup and thoroughly test your press to ensure everything is in smooth, like-new operating condition.
Used / Broken Press Trade-in Program
Trade in the Broken.
Save on the New.
We believe in helping schools get new equipment for their studios and printmaking programs. That’s why we offer the best used press trade in program.
If you have an older press and would like upgrade or purchase a new press, we will allow you to trade in your old press toward the purchase a new press. Even if your press is broken, we will accept it as a trade-in toward the purchase of a new press. We accept trade-ins on printmaking presses made by any manufacturer–not just presses built by Conrad Machine Co.
If you have a press that you would like to trade in toward the purchase of a new press, please call or email Conrad Machine for more details about our trade-in policies.
Bed Plate Repair & Replacement
Flat. Level. Shiny.
The press bed plate is the foundation of consistent printmaking, and any warping, damage, or wear can directly affect the quality of your prints.
During our bed plate repair and replacement service we check your bed for:
- Flatness
- Alignment
- Wear / corrosion
- Overall condition
After we assess your bed plate, we can clean and remove any rust or build up on the on the surface of the bed as well as flatten out any damaged high points.
When necessary, we can also custom machine a replacement bed. Whether your press has suffered long-term wear or accidental damage, this service ensures your press operates smoothly and delivers reliable, high-quality results.
Press Roll Repairs: Resurfacing & Replacement
Precise. Smooth. Polished.
Press rollers are critical for applying even pressure, and worn or damaged rollers can lead to inconsistent prints. Our roller repair service includes precision resurfacing to restore smoothness and proper diameter, eliminating flat spots, pitting, or uneven wear.
If rollers are beyond repair, we offer full replacement with high-quality, precision machined components. We ensure proper alignment and performance so your press delivers consistent pressure across the bed. Whether you’re experiencing uneven impressions or visible defects in your prints, restoring your rollers is one of the most effective ways to bring your press back to peak performance.
Pressure Screw Maintenance
Consistent Pressure.
Pressure screws play a vital role in controlling the force applied during printing. Over time, threads can wear, seize, or become misaligned, making it difficult to achieve consistent pressure settings. Our pressure screw maintenance service includes cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and repair or replacement of worn components.
We ensure smooth operation and accurate adjustment, allowing you to dial in precise pressure for different techniques. Properly maintained pressure screws not only improve print quality but also reduce strain on the press structure, extending the life of your equipment and improving overall usability.
Press Bearing Repair: Maintenance & Replacement
New Grease. Zero Friction.
Bearings are essential for smooth roller movement and overall press operation. Worn or damaged bearings can cause resistance, noise, uneven pressure, and long-term mechanical failure. Our bearing repair service includes thorough inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and installation.
We even replace the entire bearing when necessary.
Here’s our process.
Remove / Rebuild Bearings
First, we carefully remove the existing bearings from the press. This may involve disassembling parts of the roller assembly or drive system to access the bearing housing.
Once removed, the bearings are inspected for wear, damage, or contamination. If they are suited for reuse, they are cleaned and restored; if not, they are replaced with new, properly matched components.
Re-grease & Install Bearings
Second, the bearings are packed with the appropriate high-quality grease to ensure smooth, low-friction movement.
They are then reinstalled with proper alignment, ensuring they seat correctly within the housing and allow the rollers to rotate freely without resistance.
Install New Bearing Covers
Finally, new bearing covers are installed to protect the bearings from dust, debris, and ink contamination.
These covers help extend the life of the bearings and maintain consistent press performance over time.
We use the highest quality components to restore smooth, reliable motion to your press. Properly functioning bearings reduce wear on other parts and improve the efficiency of your workflow. Whether your press feels rough, noisy, or difficult to operate, addressing bearing issues is key to restoring performance and preventing further damage.
Press Lubrication
From Grind to Glide.
Proper lubrication is essential for keeping your press running smoothly and preventing unnecessary wear. Over time, moving parts can dry out or accumulate debris, leading to increased friction and reduced performance.
Our lubrication service includes cleaning key components and applying the correct lubricants to gears, bearings, screws, and other moving parts. This reduces friction, improves operation, and extends the lifespan of your press.
Regular lubrication not only enhances performance but also helps prevent costly repairs by maintaining optimal working conditions for all mechanical components.
Press Spring Repair / Upgrade Replacement
Spring Back to Print.
Only high quality presses use springs in the pressure system to assist with pressure control, return mechanisms, or counterbalance functions. Lesser quality presses permanently attach the upper bearing to the pressure screw making it difficult to service and use.
Although a much more superior design, vintage springs do need maintenance over time. Over decades of use, springs can weaken, lose tension, or break entirely, affecting the performance and safety of the press.
Our spring repair service includes inspection, adjustment, and replacement of worn or damaged springs. We ensure proper tension and functionality so your press operates smoothly and safely. Restoring spring performance improves control, reduces strain on other components, and helps maintain consistent printing results.
Rust Removal & General Cleaning
Hello, Shine.
Rust and debris can significantly impact both the performance and longevity of a printmaking press. Our rust removal and cleaning service restores your equipment by removing corrosion, buildup, and contaminants from all critical surfaces. We carefully treat affected areas to prevent further damage while preserving the integrity of the press.
In addition to rust removal, we perform a thorough cleaning of moving parts, rollers, and structural components. This service not only improves appearance but also ensures smoother operation and more reliable performance, helping extend the life of your press.
Micro Gauge Repairs / Upgrades
How Precise.
Micro gauges provide precise control over press pressure settings, making them essential for fine-tuning performance. If your gauge is worn, inaccurate, or difficult to read, it can lead to inconsistent results. Our micro gauge repair and upgrade service restores accuracy and usability, whether through recalibration, repair, or replacement with improved components.
Upgrading your gauge can enhance precision and make pressure adjustments more intuitive. This service is especially valuable for artists who require exact control over their printing process.
Press Setup & Calibration
The Perfect Setup.
Proper setup and calibration are critical for achieving consistent, high-quality prints. Our service ensures that all components of your press are aligned, balanced, and functioning correctly. We adjust roller height, pressure settings, and bed alignment to optimize performance.
Calibration ensures even pressure distribution and smooth operation, reducing the risk of uneven prints or mechanical strain. Whether you’ve recently moved your press, completed repairs, or are experiencing inconsistencies, this service brings your press back into proper working order.
Press Drive Repairs
Drive Not Driving?
The drive system is responsible for moving the press bed and rollers smoothly and consistently. Issues with the drive—such as misalignment or mechanical failure—can disrupt operation and affect print quality. Our press drive repair service includes diagnosing and repairing these issues, ensuring reliable movement and proper function.
We inspect all related components and restore smooth, controlled operation. For example, this drive chain guard on this press was cracked and held together only by masking tape. Not only was this unsafe, but it also looked bad. We custom fabricated a new chain guard from heavy gauge stainless steel to last a lifetime.
A properly functioning drive system is essential for both performance and safety, making this service a key part of maintaining your press.
General Press Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Problem? We’ll Solve it.
Not all press issues are immediately obvious. Our diagnostics and troubleshooting service identifies underlying problems that may be affecting performance.
We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your press, checking alignment, pressure systems, moving parts, and overall condition. Once issues are identified, we provide clear recommendations for repair or maintenance.
This service is ideal for presses experiencing inconsistent results, unusual noise, or operational difficulties. By addressing problems early, we help prevent more serious damage and keep your press running at its best.
Uneven Pressure Across the Bed
If prints are coming out lighter on one side or inconsistent across the image, it usually indicates uneven pressure. We diagnose this by checking roller alignment, bed flatness, and pressure settings. The fix often involves recalibrating roller height, adjusting pressure screws, or correcting alignment issues to restore even contact across the entire bed.
Rough or Noisy Operation
Grinding, squeaking, or resistance during operation is often a sign of worn bearings, lack of lubrication, or debris buildup. We inspect all moving parts, clean out contaminants, and re-lubricate the system. If necessary, we replace bearings or worn components to restore smooth, quiet operation.
Press Hard to Turn / Excessive Resistance
If the press feels unusually difficult to operate, it may be due to misalignment, over-tightened pressure, or internal wear. We evaluate the pressure system, check for binding components, and ensure all parts are moving freely. Adjustments and lubrication typically resolve the issue, but worn parts may need replacement.
Inconsistent Print Quality (Ghosting, Smudging, or Loss of Detail)
When prints show defects like ghosting or lack of clarity, the issue may stem from rollers, blankets, or surface irregularities. We diagnose by testing print output and inspecting all contact points. Solutions may include resurfacing rollers, replacing blankets, or adjusting setup and calibration to restore clean, consistent results.
Press Brand Repairs
All Makes. All Models.
We service and repair all major makes and models of printmaking presses, from modern studio equipment to legacy machines that have been in use for decades. Our team has hands-on experience working with a wide range of press designs, ensuring we can diagnose issues accurately and restore performance regardless of brand or age.
We regularly work on presses from trusted manufacturers including American French Tool Company, Charles Brand Presses, Conrad Press, and Griffin Press. Whether your press needs routine maintenance, part replacement, or full restoration, we have the knowledge and capability to get it running at peak performance.
No matter the brand, we focus on delivering reliable, long-lasting repairs that keep your press producing consistent, high-quality prints.
Charles Brand™ Press Repairs
At Conrad Press, we are the vintage Charles Brand™ press experts. Having done more repair, rebuilds, restorations, and relocations than any other company in the past 40 years, we know these presses inside and out. We are also the only authorized Charles Brand™ press repair facility.
If you have a vintage Charles Brand™ press that needs repairs, we are here to help.
American French Tool Press Repairs
Conrad Press has been building American French Tool presses since we acquired the company in 1999. Needless to say, we know everything about American French Tool presses.
If you need your AFT press serviced or simply need replacement parts, we are on your side.
Griffin Press Repairs
We are highly experienced in repairing Griffin presses, ensuring proper alignment, smooth operation, and long-term reliability. Our team brings the expertise needed to diagnose issues quickly and restore these presses to consistent, high-quality performance.
Conrad Press Repairs
We have been manufacturing and providing support for Conrad etching and lithography printing presses for over 75 years. If your Conrad press is due for a tune up, we are the right place to call.
Get a Quote
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Ready to get your press running like new? Contact us today to schedule a repair, request a quote, or discuss your press needs with our team. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a full rebuild, we’re here to keep your studio printing at its best.
Contact Conrad to Service Your Press NowFAQ
If you notice uneven pressure, unusual noise, resistance when turning, or inconsistent print quality, it’s a good sign your press needs inspection or service.
Conrad Press can accommodate both depending on the situation. Some repairs can be performed on-site, while more extensive work may require the press or components to be brought to our facility.
Repair timelines vary based on the issue and parts needed, but most standard repairs are completed within 1-2 days.
Yes, unlike other press manufacturers, Conrad Press manufactures and supplies replacement parts for many older presses, ensuring they continue to operate reliably even if original parts are no longer available.
