Technology on display at BEP in Fort Worth event

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing didn’t publish it on its website until July 12, but from July 23 to 26, the bureau held one of its “Employee Craftsmanship Demonstrations” at its Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The event took place in its Tour and Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with free parking and admission.

The BEP’s renovated 19th-century “spider press,” often a highlight of American Numismatic Association conventions, gave visitors a chance to see how money was printed more than a century ago. There was a demonstration of the artistry that goes into intaglio engraving at the engraver’s bench. Nearby was a demonstration of how intaglio plates are “grown” in a nickel solution, and another of how offset printing plates are made. Visitors could watch damaged money being examined for exchange in an often overlooked aspect of BEP business, the exchange of mutilated currency.

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) is a focus of BEP activities. The agency uses science as a method of quality control, including chemistry in its specialty inks, chrome and nickel baths for printing plates for its presses, and in cleaning solutions containing acids and oils. It uses technology to monitor and control presses and to develop state-of-the-art overt and covert security features. Engineering is used to maintain equipment and art to design banknotes. The event provided an opportunity to participate in STEAM activities.

Finally, anyone interested in a career can contact BEP’s recruitment staff to learn more about employment opportunities.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Fort Worth facility produces more than half of all paper money orders placed by the Federal Reserve System.

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