The goal of my final major project has been to use digital fabrication processes to increase the accessibility to the heritage craft of letterpress, by remaking and reimagining the equipment required.
This project was featured by New Designers Selects on their social media – see the post here on Instagram and Facebook.
Many crafts rely on specialist, vintage equipment that is long out of mass production. This raises the cost of the increasingly limited supply, creating a barrier for those who may wish to learn the skills. The Press Print printing presses, by drawing on new rapid prototyping technologies means these costly tools can now be remade, evolved and adapted to suit new creative needs.
The printing press is constructed from a combination of plywood, 3D printed parts, and commonly available hardware. The printed components are designed to print with minimal support structures to reduce waste, and fit on the print bed of commonly available budget 3D printers.
With a printing area of 297 x 210 (A4) and a type-high of 24mm, the press can be used with wood block and lino prints, as well as original metal letterpress forms. However, new digital 3D printed type can also be created.
This means that with a 3D printer, new typefaces for the press can quickly and easily be produced, as well as a range of adaptable printable blocks.
What’s next:
I have really enjoyed developing this press, and can see the potential for a lot of tweaks and upgrades in future iterations. I would love to see how the paper gripping system could be improved, including the delivery of the paper around the roller. I also definitely would like to see how I can introduce a “trip” mechanism to return the roller without passing directly over the inked type.
I am also in the process of exploring options for creating full instructions and part files for these presses on WikiFactory.
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