New Engravings With Small Leftovers

Small engravings with leftover pieces from laser cut PMMA sheets.

When I use the laser cutter, most of the designs have bits that won't be part of the final object. I never throw them away, as "you never know", plus is material that can be used, ending up with kilos of small PMMA bits. Their shapes can be simple as circles or more intricate.

Instead of a metal sheet, I use these shapes to crete new graphics.

• Start by collecting small leftovers from laser cut sheets of PMMA or wood.
• Press I 3D printed mine from the Open Press Project
• Paper sheets
• Roller for printmaking
• Ink for engraving
• Old towel
• Mineral spirit to clean the ink
• Thin kitchen sponge or felt

The first selection criteria is the sheet's height, 3 to 6mm is good. For one print use bits of the same height.

I use PMMA but it can be also wood. Cut the paper of the press' size and make a composition (you can draw it first or test it with the pieces on the paper before printing or improvise).

To fix the composition on the base, I stick masking tape first to easily remove the double sided tape I on which the PMMA bits are fixed. In case of mistake or changes of mind, they are easy to remove and reposition.

Use the roller to evenly spread the ink on the composition (master).

In the meantime, soak the paper in water for about 5 minutes. The size of these paper sheets is approximately 6 by 16cm, so a dish filled with tap water is enough. After that, dry the paper with a towel.

Carefully position the paper on the composition and pass it through the press.

Between the paper and the cylinder, a piece of felt should be put, but I use a flat kitchen sponge, cut in the size of the press' surface.

Pass the paper through the press once or twice.

Make more experiments and let the paper dry.