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Linotype and Intertype slug dimensions

Linotype and Intertype machines differed per country. One of the differences was that the slugs they produced had different dimensions. On this page, the different dimensions are explained.

Linotype and Intertype slugs' thickness

The slug's thickness varies depending on the type size used.

The slug's thickness.

Within the machine, the slugs are cast within the mold. How thick the space within the mold is, is determined by two liners at both sides of the mold. When an operator wanted to use a different type size, the operator had to open the machine in order to replace the liners. The point size is engraved on the liners, so no mistake can be made.

The slug's thickness equals the opening in the mold. The slug's thickness equals the liners at both sides of the mold.

Linotype and Intertype slugs' height

Also the lug's height was different per country.

The slug's height is measured from bottom to top.

Here are some of the documented heights:

Points Inch mm
American 23.32
Belgian 23.86
Dutch 66,125 0.979 24.85
French (/European) 62,7 0.928 23.56
English 62,03 0.918 23.31


With 1 point = 0.0148 inch = 0.37583 mm. The Dutch, French and English height are based on Adams (1996), De Jong (1947). The other heights came from a nameless source.

Keep in mind that the height of the slug is not completely determined by the thickness of the mold inside the machine. While the largest part of the slug is cast within the machine, the top of it is formed within the matrices.

The cap thickness is not the same as the slug height!

Sources

  1. Our own materials
  2. ADAMS, J.B.J. (1966). “Lessen machinezetten aan de Lino- en Intertype” [Courses machine setting at the Lino- and Intertype]. [by: Centrale opleidingscommissie voor het boekdrukkers- en rasterdiepdrukbedrijf].
  3. DE JONG I.C.H. (1947). Handboek voor den lino en intertypezetter [manual for the Linotype and Intertype operator].

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