Plate Size Calculator — Etching & Lino Plate Dimensions

Add 5-10 mm on each side for handling and registration. Lino blocks need more margin (10 mm) for grip. Metal plates need less (5 mm). The extra area also protects the image edges during inking and printing.

A bevel is an angled edge filed on metal plates (copper, zinc). It prevents the sharp plate edge from cutting the paper or blankets during printing. Bevel width is typically 2-3 mm at 45 degrees on all four edges.

Copper plates are typically 1.0-1.2 mm thick for etching. Zinc plates are 1.6 mm. Thinner plates (0.8 mm) are cheaper but bend more easily. For dry point, use thicker plates to withstand the pressure of incising.

Lino (3.2 mm) is the most common relief printing material. MDF and acrylic (3 mm) work for collagraph. Tetrapak and mounting board are excellent for beginners. Solar plates offer photographic etching without acid.

Use a plate shear or heavy-duty guillotine for clean cuts. Mark the cutting line with a scribe. After cutting, file all edges and bevel them. Deburr thoroughly — sharp edges will damage blankets and paper.