3D printed metal Monotype Electro Display matrix
$50.00
Get a replica of a classic piece of printing and typographic history used for casting type for nearly a century.
Monotype was the standard for casting individual pieces of type for most of the 20th century—and remains so with surviving equipment and foundries. This 3D-printed “&” (ampersand) and “N” Monotype Electro Display Matrices celebrate this history while making it readily available.
Each matrix (for mold, plural matrices) comes from a set of Monotype’s No. 2941 Goudy Bold Italic. Monotype’s matrix sets were a complete run of molds used to cast individual pieces of type at high speed on an automated caster in large quantities, a character at a time.
To create these replicas, the original matrices were scanned in 3D. The 3D models were then proofed through printing and cleaned up by a 3D sculptor. The final 3D print in metal was made using a process that starts with a steel powder into which bronze is infused, resulting in a 60% steel/40% bronze mix. The resulting print has a bronzed-silver finish. The matrices are then additionally polished to improve the finish and sheen.
The replica is nearly identical in size to the original at 1.1×0.75×0.10 inches (28×19×2.5mm).