Automatic matrix depth-testing machine, Plant No.1134, made by Lanston Monotype Corporation, Salfords, Redhill, Surrey, 1929. Equipped for automatic feed of matrices from input to output galleys, part of the production system for 0.2 x 0.2-inch Monotype matrices, for checking character impressions in finished matrices. Mounted on bench with machines Nos. 2084 and 2958.

This machine is one of many used in the process to make a 0.2-inch (0.51cm) or 0.4-inch (1.02cm) matrix. Some of the machines were designed at the Monotype factory in Salfords, Surrey, and other machines were purchased and adapted by Monotype.

There were 82 separate processes needed to transform a designer’s drawing of a letter, figure, punctuation or symbol into a piece of Monotype metal type for printing. A pantograph was used to trace and cut the letter from a copper pattern into a piece of steel called a punch. After being hardened, the punch was driven into a piece of bronze using a crank press to produce a matrix. The finished matrix was ready to go to the Monotype Composition Caster where molten metal was pumped through a mould against the matrix to produce a piece of type.