New device from the Open Press Project makes printmaking accessible to all

In these times when everything in our lives is being digitised, the lure of the analogue, the physical, the tangible, has become ever greater. Hence many are looking back longingly at the days of physical paper.

Traditionally, though, printmaking requires heavy, large, and expensive printing presses, which are out of reach for most creatives. To alter this paradigm, Cologne-based designers Martin Schneider and Dominik Schmitz have created something that fits in the palm of a hand and can be printed at home by anyone with a 3D printer.

In 2018, the two artists launched the world's first 3D-printed etching press, and the Open Press Project was born.

Since then, they have printed, assembled, sold, and shipped over 6,000 presses to people all over the world. They have also launched four additional Kickstarter campaigns, including a modular stamp set called BlockFace with designer Will Mower and an even tinier etching press called the Open Press XS.

They've also spent the last three years running an international print exchange, which holds a collection of over 1000 prints and has been shown in 20 exhibitions worldwide.

The new press

More recently, they've been working on a larger printing press. Instead of being merely a "sized up" version of the original press, this is a complete redesign with improved metal parts to ensure great-quality prints and less effort during printing.

They've just launched this new device, the Postcard Printing Press, on Kickstarter. This press has a larger printing surface of 10.6 x 23cm, the perfect size for postcards, while still being small enough to fit into a backpack.

At the same time, it's fully capable of all sorts of intaglio printing techniques, such as etching, engraving, and drypoint, and it can also be adjusted for relief printing techniques, such as linocut and woodcut.

The Postcard Printing Press comes fully assembled with solid stainless steel rollers, two high-quality blankets, two table clamps, and a registration grid for perfectly aligned prints. The Kickstarter also offers an additional supply kit, including Awagami Paper, Speedball ink, a tiny roller, and a drypoint tool. You have until 31 August to preorder one here.