When the plate is inked and the paper dampened
to pull a series of prints from a plate, a
template has to be created so as to guarantee
the same plate position onto the paper
throughout the printing process of the series.
On top of this template the inked plate is
placed with the image facing upwards and it is
covered with dampened paper so that printing may
start. This takes place under a strong pressure
applied by a hand press especially designed for
engraving purposes. (IMATGE bosse2.jpg). This
press consists of two cylinders on top of each
other, between which a metal sheet is inserted
that transports the printing plate and paper
under pressure. Both cylinders and metal sheet
are the same width and driven with a winch
connected to a set of reducing wheels. The inked
plate with the paper is placed on the metal
sheet and the winch is swivelled so that the
bottom cylinder moves the sheet through the
press.
As the plate and paper slide under the upper
cylinder, the paper --while being protected by
felt-- receives linear pressure so that it
establishes close contact with the plate and
slowly absorbs the ink, which leaves the image
imprinted.
In the end all incisions on the metal plate are
put into relief on the paper while the image is
mirrored from the printing plate.
