After setting the temperature on your SLE Hot Printer, the next step is to prepare the type, emblem,
or die. Setting type is a surprisingly simple procedure. With a little practice, it can be mastered by
almost anyone. Do not rush; speed will come with practice.
Here is a short primer to help you become conversant in type setting:
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Types are die-cast letters and numbers used to create personalized text.
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An emblem is a diecast piece of type incorporating a symbol or artwork that can be set next
to the type.
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Magnotypes are similar to type but with a complete word or phrase cast in a single piece to
make type setting less time consuming.
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A die is larger piece of artwork (such as a company logo) photoengraved and mounted on an
aluminum wafer or block. Dies are usually set in specialized Die Holders. Several die holders
are available for specific applications.
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Type size is measured in points. There are 72 points to an inch, so 18-point type is equal to
1/4 inch and 12-point type is equal to 1/6 inch.
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SLE offers a wide selection of type styles in several different sizes. Consult the SLE listing of
type styles for the ones that best suit your requirements.
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If you examine a piece of type, you will see a deep notch on one of the long sides. This is
called the "nick." Most types have only one nick, but some types have three nicks. The nicks
denote the bottom of the typeface.
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In order to achieve a printed impression from type (or emblem), individual letters must be set
by hand to form the text to be printed. The normal way of setting Type is to place each piece
of type into a Type Holder that holds the type together. SLE offers several Type Holders; each
designed to perform specific tasks in the most efficient manner. Choose the appropriate Type
Holder based on the requirement of your specific print job.
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Type is set line by line in the same sequence as they appear in the copy. This means you set
the type from left to right, starting with the first word of the first line and ending with the last
word of the last line. When setting type into the Type Holder, the nicks usually should face
UP, thus making the letters appear upside down.
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When setting type please make sure that the feet of all the type are in good contact with the
Type Holder, and make every effort to center the type in the Type Holder, as nearly as
possible. Centering will ensure even printing pressure on each character, resulting in higher
quality printing.
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Never mix new type with old ones.
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The spaces at the end of each line and those between words must be filled up with spacers
that do not actually show up as print. Always use spacers of the same point size as that of the
type being set. For example, 12-point spacers must be used with 12-point type; 18-point
spacers must be used with 18-point type, etc. Spacers of different point sizes should never be
mixed.
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When using an Open Chase Type Holder, lead rules are used to separate different lines of
type, to increase the space between lines and for centering. Lead rules (pronounced "led") are
flat metal strips that come in various thickness and lengths. They can be placed laterally
against either side of the Type Holder and may be used with all sizes of type.
