A bit of explanation for those, like me, who didn't know about the original meaning of the word "cliché" (courtesy of Wikipedia):

"Cliché and stereotype were both originally printers' words, and in their literal printers' meanings were synonymous. Specifically, cliché was an onomatopoeic word for the sound that was made during the stereotyping process when the matrix (the papier-mâché mold bearing an impression of the forme) hit molten metal. In English this was known as 'dabbing'. The matrix was applied to molten lead at the point of cooling to make the cast."

I never made the connection between the "type" in "stereotype" and "type" as in "typesetting" until today.

Nor had I!

  The combining form “stereo-” that 
  shows up in such words as “stereotype” 
  and “stereophonic” is derived from 
  stereos, a classical Greek word meaning 
  solid.

And then, stereotype:

  A plate relief printing plate cast in a 
  mold made from composed type or an 
  original plate.

So, a solid plate type face. (but not boiler plate)

But now, both stereo and stereotype, their meanings so profoundly mutated well beyond their liteteral origins.

Stereo now pretty much means "2 of something" and stereotype has turned into a word carrying negative connotations of mostly bigotry or prejudice.

It seems like a modern printer could cheat and go from a 3D printed original to a plaster (or refactory cement or green sand) negative to a type metal copy of the original.

Or they could just 3D print metal. Or really cheat and just print on paper.

Or use a VR toolkit to create the experience of something printed on paper that never was. :)

Interesting how completely different skills have all been about creating something you read, from chiseling rock to simulated light rays.

You missed "wire in the brain that makes you feel sure you've just seen something printed".

But seriously, I think someone who's casting movable type in their baking sheets probably isn't interested in virtualizing the end product.

Post author (and noob cliche printer) here. I am, in fact, interested in virtualizing the end product, for tasks ranging from closer analysis, virtual restoration, computer vision work (see links in the post and elsewhere on my site) and conceivably, for reproduction by a 3d printer or industrial prototyper. However, we do already have cheap, robust and high-quality methods of making a printing surface from a printed impression or artwork, notably photo-etching in metal or polymer. So I am not sure what 3d printing would give you apart from the satisfaction of closing the circuit.. but it's on my list of things to try, alongside stereotyping with papier mache.