Etching Presses
Tórculos Ribes – Leader in etching and printing presses
For over 50 years, Tórculos Ribes has been dedicated to the artisanal
manufacture of intaglio presses in Barcelona. Our presses, renowned for precision and durability, are the result of decades of experience and passion for printmaking. We offer a wide range of presses for artists, art schools, and workshops, providing essential tools for creating exceptional works.
Discover our high-quality etching presses
Explore our four product ranges based on usage
Ideal for linocut
Entry-level presses for printmaking
Introduction to printmaking and school use
For artists, workshops, or schools producing professional prints
For printmaking studios, professional editions, and long print runs
Why Choose Tórculos Ribes
At Tórculos Ribes, we don’t just make etching presses; we design tools built
to last, capable of handling the intense use of demanding artists.
Our presses stand out for their strength, robust design, and superior roller
system with 1:25 reduction, making them the most reliable on the market. If
you seek exceptional durability and performance, you’re in the right place.
We are driven by tradition, but also innovation. Every press we create
reflects our passion for printmaking and our constant dedication to excellence
in every detail.
Direct sales: shipping worldwide
Etching presses made to last, designed to create
We take pride in knowing that presses made decades ago are still in use. This durability is not only proof of the quality of our professional presses but also evidence of our dedication to our customers.
We invite all printmaking professionals and artists to explore our catalog of high-quality presses and experience the difference a product from Tórculos Ribes can make. With us, you gain not only a superior printing tool but also a partner committed to your artistic success.
An etching press is a press mainly used for printmaking techniques such as intaglio, woodcut, and lithography. It allows pressure to be applied to a plate or matrix to transfer the image onto paper.
Presses with bottom drive work by transferring motion from the bottom roller (knurled for friction) to the top roller and platen. Over time, the knurling wears out, causing slippage and requiring artists to increase pressure, which can affect the print.
Presses with top roller drive eliminate this problem. The top roller, connected to the wheel, moves the platen and bottom roller without risk of slipping, allowing work at low or high pressures without wear.
Alternative systems, such as rack and pinion, exist, but their high cost and lower precision make them less recommended. Bottom drive presses are more common due to simpler and cheaper manufacturing, while top drive presses, being more complex, tend to be more expensive.
All our Cameron and TC models feature top roller drive.
Reduction in a press refers to the system or mechanism that decreases the amount of pressure applied by the rollers onto the plate or matrix and the paper during the printing process. This is essential for controlling the quality and the final outcome of the print.
Reduction is usually achieved through a gearbox or gear system that adjusts the applied pressure. When the reduction is adjusted, the relationship between the movement of the flywheel and the movement of the rollers changes, allowing for a more precise and controlled application of pressure.
A well-adjusted reduction system makes printing much easier and more comfortable for the user. Proper reduction means the printing process requires less physical effort, making the task more accessible and less tiring. As we like to say at Tórculos Ribes, printing becomes a true pleasure.
We offer small and tabletop presses, such as the Alfa, Premier, and Cameron 40 models, as well as larger presses like the Cameron 60 and above, and all TC models. We invite you to review the differences between each of them in this section.
The choice depends on the type of work, available space, and frequency of use. For personalized advice, contact our team, who will guide you according to your needs. You can also fill out a form, and we will contact you to provide the best advice.