Monotype was the standard for casting individual pieces of type for most of the 20th century — and still remains so with surviving equipment and foundries. These 3D-printed "N" and "&" (ampersand) Monotype Electro Display Matrices celebrate this history while making it readily available.

The matrices (plural of matrix, for mold) come 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: 1.1 × 0.75 × 0.10 inches (28 × 19 × 2.5mm).

Limited quantities of the "N" and "&" (ampersand) are in stock, but will be re-ordered based on demand.

Ships worldwide. Tax for Washington State shipment collected during checkout.