A woodblock is a piece of wood, usually fruitwood or boxwood, carved so that the image or text to be printed stands out in relief while the non-printing areas are cut away. The raised surface receives ink and transfers it to paper under pressure. It is one of the oldest methods for reproducing images and text, often used alongside metal type in historic letterpress work.
Lock that woodblock into the chase carefully so we don't crack it under the platen pressure.
End-grain boxwood was the preferred material for fine detailed engravings because it resists splintering under heavy press pressure.
Also heard as
- block
Do not mix it up with
- Linoblock: A woodblock is carved from solid wood, while a linoblock is carved from softer linoleum material.
Related terms
Letterpress
A relief printing process where raised, inked surfaces are pressed directly onto paper.
Chase
A heavy steel or iron frame used to hold metal type and blocks securely together for printing.
Linoblock
A piece of linoleum mounted on a block for relief carving and printing.
Form
A complete body of assembled type and blocks locked into a chase ready for printing.