Ludlow Index of Type Fonts
Hot Metal Typesetting Information

The Ludlow system of composition for type setting used in Hot Stamping and Letterpress Printing is a method of setting composition, copy for bookbinders and restorers, monograms, names and other copy that would otherwise be set by hand with single types (hand set type).  The composition is produced directly form hot metal in the form of a slug ready to be set up in your machine for printing.


An important feature of the Ludlow System is that it solver the problem of type supply, type face selection and type size.  It is the nature of the printing business to have unpredictability for the demand for various type faces and sizes.   No print shop can predict today the size and face for which there customers many demand for the next job.  By using our Ludlow services for your type setting you are able to meet the demands of most any job which may be brought to your shop no matter how large or how unusual the jobs type requirements are.  No more running out of hand set letters.  You are able to offer the customer a  larger array of type faces and sizes to meet the jobs requirements.


An additional feature, is that all type used is 'new type' freshly cast for printing and this is a definite improvement in typographic quality.  There are no worn types, in different stages of deterioration by use to mar the quality of the final product.  In addition all lines can be set Flush Right, Flush Left or Centered so there is no hand spacing of the copy and no hand set types falling out of the press due to incorrect spacing and make-up of the form.


So, there you have it.  New type just cast all pre-set in the size and face the customer requires ready to print or Hot Stamp.  Just lock it up in your press and run the job. And when your finished just return the slugs to us for recycling, no hand set type to put away.  There is a savings in composition of type. Ludlow takes fare less time than that required to set and make up single type (hand set type).


In our shop, Type sizes range from 4 point 144 point.   Your job can be set in the widest selection of typefaces and sizes.  Ludlow slugs in our ship are usually cast in a mold with a 12 point body and      22 1/2   (3 3/4 inches)   long.  Type faces larger than the slug body are cast overhanging, the slug head or upper portion of the ' T ' shaped slug being the correct thickness to be supported by base material that is .765 inches high.    In the procedure of make up (setting up the line in your pres) the slugs  require underpinning, either cut from strip material or using blank slugs cast on the machine.