In the earlier versions of the Typograph, it is difficult to replace matrices. The matrices have to be removed manually, and one by one. To store the matrices safely, special boxes exist:
Figures: a storage box for Typograph matrices, opened and closed.
Note how the pegs are positioned in a diagonal, so the matrices would fit nicely into the box with few wasted space. On the bottom, the hand matrices fit.
However, the later models allow to remove all matrices at once. The operator can hang a special rack to the backside of the machine. When the machine is then turned backwards, the matrices slide over the extension of the rods into this rack. The operator then can take this rack away to remove all matrices. To insert another face (another typeface, and/or another type size), the operator can attach another rack on the machine and tilt the machine to the front. The new matrices will then slide into the machine. This process is not entirely fail-proof. the rods should not be bent, nor should they be dirty. The principle is that gravity will move the matrices to the right place, but in practice, the operator ofte has to help a little.
Figures: a rack to easily replace the matrices in a Typograph. On these photos, the rack is loaded with matrices, ready to be inserted into the machine. Racks could be hanged on the wall for storage.
For the hand matrices, a separate box is available. This box can be put onto the machine for easy access.
Figures: the box for hand matrices, separated and put onto the machine.
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