The Alembic Press

Typecasting with Monotype equipment

The Alembic Press took up casting its own metal type rather late in the day, in 1997, following a generous donation of various pieces of Monotype equipment. Despite the present commercial use of hot metal being very small scale, there is still a small core of enthusiasts who have operational equipment, as well as people discovering the delights of the Monotype system for the first time. It is partly for these, and partly as a contribution to preserving the history of 20th century typecasting, that we have listed on-line some of the information that we have accumulated over the last few years. The lists do not claim to be definitive, but do include information from a variety of published sources, and from various printers and museums, as well as from our own stock of material. As it may well be the first time that some of this information has been made available as a list, it is hoped that it will be found of use.

	Type Faces issued by Monotype in U.K., in alphabetic order Type Faces issued by Monotype in U.K., in numeric order, showing Unit arrangement numbers Type Faces issued by Lanston Monotype in U.S.A., listed in numeric order and showing Unit Arrangement nos. Non-Latin Type Faces issued by Monotype, showing point and set sizes Figures issued by Monotype in U.K., listed in serial no. order, and showing related type series, and point sizes. Keybars and their UAs and typefaces, in keybar number order Stopbars and their unit values, in stopbar number order Stopbars and UAs and typefaces, in stopbar number order Unit Arrangement nos, and their typefaces, in UA order Unit Arrangements 1, 2 & 3 - character unit widths (U.K.) Unit Arrangement C - character unit widths (U.S.) Booklet of Unit Arrangements (on the Metal Type website) Matrix Case Arrangements Type Series Charts - characters grouped by unit widths Monotype Layout Sheets for Matrix Cases and Keybars U.S. (Matrix Case) Arrangements Monotype Developments Monotype Literature that was available in 1960 Monotype Literature that was available in 1973 Monotype Fount Scheme Some Published Monotype Parts Lists Some Published Monotype Manuals Some Published Monotype Information sheets, etc. Cambridge University Library's list of Monotype Publications Oils for Monotype Machines Nozzles for Monotype Machines Monotype Moulds and Numbering Sequence Monotype Screw Sizes Caster and Keyboard Interchangeable Screws Product Information for casting type on the Super Caster Pot Temperatures for Monotype Machines Monotype Part Nos in numeric manufacturing code order Monotype Keyboard spare parts recommended to be held Monotype Composition caster spare parts recommended to be held Monotype Super caster spare parts recommended to be held Monotype casters at the Alembic Press Monotype type founts held by the Alembic Press Monotype border matrices held by the Alembic Press Monotype figure and fraction matrices held by the Alembic Press How to run a Composition Caster See a composition caster in action at the Alembic Press Some problems encountered when casting type or go to: The International Monotype Memory Project David MacMillan's on-line typecasting manuals, etc. Some sources of Monotype and letterpress service and supplies and for more about Alembic, go to: Alembic Home Page
The three illustrations above are pieces of type cast (not by Alembic) from Monotype special signs, and are standing on Monotype spool paper. The pictures were taken by webcam in poor lighting, but are representations of Monotype casters and keyboard. The real equipment can be seen at Alembic casters.
(Note that the lists on this page, without the graphics and introduction, can be directly accessed from www.monotype-casting.info)
(Note also that Monotype is a trademark of Monotype Imaging Inc. registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain other jurisdictions.

The Alembic Press

A Fine Press creating and printing limited edition books by traditional letterpress.

This page was written by David Bolton, and last updated 31 August 2017.