copperplate engraving might well have proven _more_ expensive than setting
the same text in type (all printers set type -- only a few know how to
print from copper, and they undoubtedly charged a premium),
This was the case in music printing, and that is more difficult to set than
letter type (I have heard the average is 90 pieces of type per measure).
Yet type had pretty much eliminated engraved music even before the use of
lithography in music printing. Not only would the printer need to know how
to print from copper, he would have needed a copper plate press to do
intaglio work, a major capital expense, and, assuming the printer did relief
as well, the extra press would create a space problem that would have
required a larger office. There may have been other hidden expenses as
well, in paper quality, ink, etc.