Casting of Printing Type, preceded by Punchcutting (Plate I)

http://www.lehigh.edu/~asj316/Printing/JPEG/Printing_Plates_004.jpg

The upper section of this plate depicts three craftsmen forging the punches used in the creation of metal type casts. This plate visualizes the process of punchcutting, or creating a three dimensional figure that could then be used to make a mold in which to cast metal type. The first workman is forging a punch, the second is striking a counter-punch into a steel punch, and the third is filling the outline of a letter. The lower section of the page shows a counter-punch and punch for the letter B. The text entry on printing type attributes Claude Garamond as the best engraver of punches, a claim that has stood the test of time as Garamond remains a popular font.

Denis Diderot (1713-1784)
Encyclopédie. Volume 2, Casting of Printing Type, preceded by Punchcutting (Fonderie en caractères d'imprimerie, précédée de la gravure des poinçons) Plate I
Paris: Briasson [etc.], 1751-1772

Bookmaking
Casting of Printing Type, preceded by Punchcutting (Plate I)