külgpressi

Külgpress, or side press, is a type of press used to apply pressure from the side to sheets, boards, or bound book blocks during printing, finishing, or bookbinding. It is designed to produce even compression along a narrow dimension and is typically smaller and more portable than a full bed or platen press.

Construction and operation: A külgpress consists of a rigid frame, a movable side jaw or platen, and a mechanism such as a screw, lever, or rack-and-pinion that applies force when turned or cranked. The pressure can be adjusted to handle varying thicknesses of paper or glue-up. Older models often used cast-iron frames and wooden jaws; modern examples may use steel components and ergonomic handles. Some compact models are hand-operated, while larger installations may be powered hydraulically or pneumatically.

Applications: It is used to flatten printed sheets, seam or glue book blocks, set up margins, press damp paper for even drying, and secure prepared sheets during finishing. In artisanal printshops, külgpressi enables tight clamps for letterpress projects, embossing, or backing with cloth or foil.

History and context: Side presses emerged as a supplementary tool in European printshops from the early modern period, complementing larger presses. While technological advances have largely replaced many small presses in mass production, side presses remain valued by printers, binders, and craftspeople for their simplicity, precision for small-format work, and suitability for delicate materials.

See also: printing press, screw press, platen press, bookbinding, letterpress.