Re: Photopolymer Photo Gravure Press Questions
The physics (or engineering) of press rollers is interesting. The larger the diameter the more rigid the rollers will be but the smaller the diameter the more pressure per square inch for a given total tension between the two rollers (which is limited by the strength of the press frame and ability of the press rollers to remain acceptably straight when under pressure). So the same press frame could print with more pressure with smaller diameter rollers, but other problems can enter into the problem with small rollers, flexing of the rollers and "creep" of the paper on the plate due to the angle of the roller both pushing down and forward on the paper as the paper is compressed by the motion of the roller across the plate. Paper creep is only a serious problem if printing multi-plate color images (each time the paper is rerun through the press the paper will be stretched a little more throwing off registration). Like in everything else there is no "right " answer, just a good compromise between strength and price. It is always nice to have the heaviest press one can afford but many people are pulling fine prints with 4 inch rollers. I knew a printmaker who made his living selling prints (not teaching) who used a little A B Dick table top press and pulled fine prints. You might want to start with a small press and move up when you find a "bargain" big press, it does happen. Jack
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