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).

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Get a replica of a classic piece of printing and typographic history: a type matrix (mold) used in Monotype hot-metal casting for display type, sizes about 14 to 36 points. Each matrix order is mailed flat with an insert card (see pictures) explaining its place in history and what the markings on it mean.

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 “&amp;” (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. A font, or complete set of metal type in a single size and style, would be assembled with qualities of letter by usage frequency in normal text, and then sold to printing shops, where the type would be set by hand.

Monotype and other matrices remain in use at the modest number of active metal type foundries around the world. Discarded and worn matrices were of little interest during the industrial era and no new ones have been made in any quantity for decades. While not rare, they are difficult to obtain. See an original matrix labeled in the photo gallery.

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 “&amp;” (ampersand) are in stock, but will be re-ordered based on demand. Your order may ship within two business days or as long as two weeks—you’ll receive a follow-up after placing an order with an estimate.

Pricing: The base price of each matrix is $50 plus shipping. For more than two matrices, please get in touch about volume and shipping discounts.

Ships worldwide. Includes tax in Canada and the United Kingdom. Tax for Washington State shipment collected during checkout. For people outside the U.S., Canada, and the UK, you may be obliged to pay customs, VST, VAT, or other taxes on receipt.