History

7-31-07

I believe that steel rule rule dies originated on a platen letterpress I wasn't there so I can't say for sure. My expertise on letterpress printing is limited but many facts have been picked up over the years from coworkers or personal experience. Wooden type (carved hardwood characters) or brass dies, in the the 1800's, and later lead type were used. A cast iron beast designed to print ink on paper was known as a letterpress. The ink if mixed with all other colors eventually turns to what the printers call a shit knuckle brown. It is a crappy industry. The type was a consistent height, known as type high. Type high is 0.918 inches to be exact. Printed matter converts today often use .918 "cutting dies, however the industry standard (most others) is .937". Even .250, 1.000, 1.125, 1.25, 1.50, and 2.00 inch high rule are some other common possibilities.

Future Discussions on block dies, and controlling deflection of thick rubber, sponge, and foam.