slugcasting typesetter

Slugcasting typesetters, like the Linotype machine, revolutionized printing by casting a complete line of type, known as a slug, in a single operation. Developed by Ottmar Mergenthaler and patented in 1884, this machine used brass matrices to mold characters into a line of type metal. The operator would select matrices via a keyboard, and the machine would automatically justify the line by inserting spacebands.123

These machines were particularly useful for setting large amounts of text, such as in newspapers and books. While largely replaced by photocomposition, slugcasting machines significantly sped up the printing process and fostered the expansion of publishing. Other similar machines include the Intertype and Monotype.1435