Linotype

The Linotype is a historic typesetting machine invented in the late 19th century that revolutionized printing. It allows operators to produce entire lines of text automatically by pressing keys that release molds for each character. These molds, called " matrices," are assembled into a line and then used to cast the entire line as a single piece of metal called a "slug." This process greatly increased printing speed and efficiency compared to manual typesetting. Once cast, the metal slug is used to print the page, and the machine resets for the next line. The Linotype was a key technology in mass-produced newspapers and books before digital typesetting.