The pot on the machine was usually left on overnight during the week, with some flux added to the pot to reduce oxidation. The machine has a heated crucible for the hot type metal, with a mechanically actuated plunger which operates as part of the injection cycle. Because of the pressure at which the type metal is forced into the mold cavity, any gaps in the line will lead to a 'squirt' of hot metal, and any print shop that had a Ludlow will often have spots of type metal on the ceiling or on the wall behind the machine). One thing an operator has to make sure of is that the line is solidly locked down with no gaps between the mats, and the composing stick in its proper place. The mats themselves were made out of a brass alloy. The Ludlow is used primarily for headline-sized type 14 point and above, although mats were formerly made in many typefaces as small as 4 points. The worth of the Ludlow lies in the fact that the printer always has fresh, clean type to print from, and never has to worry about running out of sorts. Neither the Ludlow Typograph nor the Linotype is currently made however, both machines can still be serviced, and parts and mats are readily available.
The machine is much simpler and takes up less floor space, and the initial investment in the machine and mats is more affordable for a small print shop than a Linotype, primarily used by larger printers and formerly in newspapers. The primary functional differences between a Ludlow Typograph and a Linotype is that the latter uses a keyboard to compose each line of type while Ludlow uses hand-set mats, and that an ordinary Linotype was limited to faces smaller than 24 point but Ludlow made whole alphabets up to 96 point and figures as large as 240 point. Since the mats are of a consistent height, irrespective of typeface size, they are easier to handle than lead type. The operator then replaces the matrices, or mats, back into the typecase by hand. Hot linecasting metal (the same alloy used in Linotype and Intertype machines) is then injected through the mold into the matrices, allowed to cool, and then the bottom of the slug is trimmed just before it is ejected. Once a line has been completed, the composing stick is inserted into the Ludlow machine, which clamps it firmly in place above the mold. Thus the composing process resembles that used in cold lead type printing.
The Ludlow system uses molds, known as matrices or mats, which are hand-set into a special composing stick. It was used to print large-type material such as newspaper headlines or posters. These slugs are used for the actual printing, and then are melted down and recycled on the spot.
The device casts bars, or slugs of type, out of type metal primarily consisting of lead. Basic white 5x7” flat cards are available for students who do not bring their own folded cards.Ludlow metal typesetting machine in Gutenberg Museum in Fribourg, SwitzerlandĪ Ludlow Typograph is a hot metal typesetting system used in letterpress printing. Students will each make about 20 cards and are encouraged to make a few extras to trade as well! The class is limited to six students so that everyone has time to run a press independently.Ģ0 blank cards (any color, any standard size). Taking turns, each student will lock up their type and independently print with our platen presses. Students can bring any blank cards they desire (so everyone can pick out their favorite size and color). This workshop combines an overview of letterpress printing and history with hands-on art making, and it is a great way to try out a new hobby before taking a longer class. Students will each set their own short saying or phrase and (if desired) combine it with vintage relief blocks featuring festive illustrations. The tactile quality of ink pressed into paper will surely leave an impression on the lucky recipients of your handmade cards! Print your own greeting cards using Spudnik Press’ traditional printing presses.
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