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Instructions by Rgm Art Educational Etching Press 3550
Rgm Art
Torchio Scolastico 3550
rgm-art

Instructions by

rgm art

Educational Etching Press 3550

Detailed instructions for the installation, use, and maintenance of the RGM Educational Etching Press 3550.

Product Information

Torchio Scolastico 3550

The manual press 3550 is manufactured by RGM and specifically designed for intaglio printing. It is a simple tool to

use that achieves excellent print quality thanks to the precision of its mechanical components and the use of high-quality materials.

The main features of the 3550 press are:

  • A steel structure with a smooth upper roller with a diameter of 50 mm and a knurled lower drive roller with a diameter of 40 mm.
  • A support plate 37 x 55 x 0.3 cm in galvanised iron with a corresponding felt thickness of 3/5 mm.
  • A drive system consisting of a three-spoke wheel (spoke length = 28 cm).
  • Two screws to adjust the pressure of the rollers.
Weight
22 kg
Models
TC.3550

Tools

Part Qty
Allen key (3 mm) 1
Allen key (4 mm) 1
Clamps (optional) 1
Lubricating oil bottle (optional) 1

Caratteristiche

Pressure Screws
Upper roller
Sliding Iron Table
Drive Gear
Parts to oil
Felt

  1. 1. Commissioning

    • Check that the mechanical parts of the press and the packaging have not been damaged during transport
    • Secure the press to the table with the two clamps
    • Insert the lever for rotating the lower roller
    • Tighten the side screw with the supplied key, taking great care to fix it in the shaft cavity, ensuring that all parts are screwed and well tightened (see subsequent photos)
    • Oil only the rotating mechanical parts
    • Turn the pressure screws clockwise and anti-clockwise to bring the upper roller into a parallel position with the lower roller
    • Remove the iron plate and clean it (NOTE: if necessary, for better traction, sand the part of the support surface in contact with the knurled lower roller to make it rougher)
    • Clean the rollers with a cloth and do not oil them
    • Reposition the iron plate
    • Place the felt on the support surface
    • Adjust the pressure of the press
    • Perform the print
    • Once the work is finished, clean the press and store it inside its box in a dry place, thus preventing it from being damaged.

  2. 2. Usage

    To obtain a print from an engraved and inked plate, proceed as follows:

    • Adjust the pressure screws by turning them clockwise and counterclockwise, keeping the upper roller parallel to the lower one until adequate roller pressure for printing is achieved.
    • Lift the felt backwards from the support surface.
    • Place the engraved plate on the iron surface with the inked side facing up, then lay a dampened sheet of paper suitable for printing and replace the felt.
    • Turn the lever to ensure the surface moves with continuity and at a constant speed.
    • Move the sliding surface forward until it surpasses the edge of the paper, lift the felt and remove the printed sheet (the print will appear mirrored compared to the plate; if the effort for the printing pass is excessive, slightly loosen the pressure screws).
    • Repeat the above procedure for subsequent prints.

  3. 3. Troubleshooting Potential Issues

    If the upper roller and the lower roller do not rotate:

    • Check the parallelism between the rollers.
    • Check and lubricate the rotation points.
    • Thoroughly clean all parts.

    If there are issues with the pressure screws:

    • Clean and lubricate them well.
    • Ensure that the upper roller is parallel to the lower one.
    • Check that the roller carriage is free and lubricated.

    If the support surface struggles to slide:

    • Sand the part in contact with the knurled lower roller.
    • Release pressure from the screws.
    • If the lower roller spins freely and does not touch the support surface, increase the pressure of the screws in small increments.
    • Degrease with a specific product.
    • Check that the support surface is not warped, if necessary, turn it upside down.

  4. 4. Routine Maintenance

    1. Periodically check the flange fixing screws to ensure they are tightened.
    2. Also tighten the lever set screw with the supplied wrench.
    3. Lubricate the two rollers daily at the point of rotation.
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