Ludlow

The Ludlow is a typecasting machine used in printing that casts slugs from matrices set by hand. It is considered a semimechanized composition method, as the matrices are assembled manually, but the machine automatically casts the slugs.12

The process involves arranging bronze matrices, each bearing a letter or sign, into a special composing stick. Justification, or ensuring the line is the correct length, is achieved using blank matrices. The composing stick is then placed into the caster, where a molten alloy is forced into a mold to cast a line of type. This machine is particularly useful for casting large typefaces for titles and subtitles, ranging from 12 to 144 points. The Ludlow caster is often paired with an Elrod caster, which produces leads and rules.1