A piece of hardwood or metal used to mount an electrotype, stereotype, or photoengraving plate. The block brings the thin metal plate up to standard type-high dimensions (0.918 inches in the US) so it can be locked into a chase alongside standard metal type for letterpress printing.
Heard on the job
The engraving looks good, but the block is warped and won't lock up square in the chase.
Also heard as
- mounting block
Related terms
Type-high
The exact standard height of printing type from its base to its printing surface.
Electrotype
A duplicate printing plate created by electroplating a mold of the original set type or engraving.
Stereotype
A solid metal printing plate cast from a papier-mâché or plaster mold.
Chase
A heavy steel or iron frame used to hold metal type and blocks securely together for printing.