type metal

an alloy for making printing types, consisting chiefly of lead and antimony, and sometimes small quantities of tin, copper, etc.

Origin of type metal

First recorded in 1790–1800

With a result not very different was the application of antimony in the composition of printer's type-metal.

History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume II (of 2) |John William Draper
Type-metal—a composition mainly of lead and antimony—is poured into this mould, forming a cast of the face of the type.

Harper's Young People, May 10, 1881 |Various
Into this mould the type-metal is poured and the plate formed.

A Catechism of Familiar Things; Their History, and the Events Which Led to Their Discovery |Benziger Brothers
This shell is backed with type-metal and is then ready for use.

What Philately Teaches |John N. Luff

Type-metal is an alloy of lead with antimony and tin, to which occasionally a small quantity of copper or zinc is added.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2 |Various

type metal

printing an alloy of tin, lead, and antimony, from which type is cast