Printmaking is a process still used by artists. Whereas the material of printing plates is mostly neglectable, a good printmaker is by no means a cheap investment.
But, a 22-year-old freelance illustrator has developed what he claims is the world’s first 3D printed printmaking press.
Martin Schneider lives in Cologne, Germany. He is currently studying Integrated Design at KISD Köln International School of Design. His 3D printed printmaking press design, called the Open Press Project, is the outcome of an Intermediate-exam.
Schneider has been working with expensive printmaking presses for seven years at Kölner Graphikwerkstatt. He explains: “I thought I should give the world a press that is not as expensive, heavy and huge like any other printmaking press. I figured that the unavailability of a press is one of the main challenges for people that want to try printmaking.”
If you’ve always wanted to have a go at creating your own prints, or if you’re looking for a cheaper printmaker to have in your home, then this 3D printed option is worth trying out. With the Open Press Project, you can create your own etchings, dry-points or engravings.
Download the Files for the Open Press Project & Try it Out Yourself
It costs just €5 in materials to create the Open Press Project which certainly makes it an inexpensive option. Schneider lays out everything you need to know about the project on his website. You can also download the printing files for free on Thingiverse.
Schneider is confident that this won’t be the last 3D printed etching press we see. But, he explains that the process for creating his own wasn’t easy.
In fact, he built ten prototypes over the course of five months. Furthermore, he printed over 100 proofs and used roughly a kilometer of filament. But, the result is a success and works.
Schneider explains on his website: “I figured that the unavailability of a press is one of the main challenges for people that want to try printmaking. That’s why I decided to create one with my 3D-printer! …The final prototype is able to print on a 70 x 100 mm paper!”
Keep up to date with the Open Press Project by following it on Instagram.
Source: Hackaday
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