Dublin Core
Title
Cylinder Press
Subject
Business
Description
This plate from Friday, July 14, 1972 was used to print the last "Waukesha Freeman" edition using hot metal type and lead printing plates.
It was just one piece of an involved process. First, a linotype machine and hot metal injection was used to create individual lines of type (slugs) that were locked into place in a page-size steel frame. Individual letters were raised on each slug. A proof copy was inked and reviewed. Changes could still be made at this time, but they were time consuming. The proofed plate was then covered with a matte of nylon fabric and thick cardboard. The matte was placed under intense pressure, molding it onto the metal type and creating a reverse or negative duplicate. The matte was then dried and curved around a form. It was then placed into a casting box and molten lead injected. This was cooled to a solid state and trimmed to size. The lead cylinder was then sent to the pressroom to be locked onto the press. The inked plate printed directly onto the newsprint. After the paper was printed, the plates would be melted down for use again the next day. This process was used by US newspapers into the 1970’s and 80’s and was replaced first by phototypesetting and eventually computer typesetting.
Donor: The "Waukesha Freeman"
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Eaton
It was just one piece of an involved process. First, a linotype machine and hot metal injection was used to create individual lines of type (slugs) that were locked into place in a page-size steel frame. Individual letters were raised on each slug. A proof copy was inked and reviewed. Changes could still be made at this time, but they were time consuming. The proofed plate was then covered with a matte of nylon fabric and thick cardboard. The matte was placed under intense pressure, molding it onto the metal type and creating a reverse or negative duplicate. The matte was then dried and curved around a form. It was then placed into a casting box and molten lead injected. This was cooled to a solid state and trimmed to size. The lead cylinder was then sent to the pressroom to be locked onto the press. The inked plate printed directly onto the newsprint. After the paper was printed, the plates would be melted down for use again the next day. This process was used by US newspapers into the 1970’s and 80’s and was replaced first by phototypesetting and eventually computer typesetting.
Donor: The "Waukesha Freeman"
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Eaton
Creator
Waukesha Freeman
Publisher
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Date
1972
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum