 |
 |
 |
 |
A
ASCII
The character set and code described in the American National Standard Code for Information Interchange, ANSI X3.4-19777. Each ASCII character is encoded with 7 bits (8 bits including parity check). The ASCII character set is used for information interchange between data processing systems, communications systems, and associated equipment. The ASCII set consists of both control and printing characters.
ABRASION RESISTANCE
The degree to which a label surface, including printing and protective coatings, is able to resist rubbing or wearing away by friction.
ACRYLIC ADHESIVE
Pressure-sensitive adhesive based on high-strength, acrylic polymers. Can be coated as a solvent or emulsion system.
ADHESIVE, COLD TEMPERATURE
An adhesive that will enable a P.S. label to adhere when applied to refrigerated or frozen substrates...generally +35 F or colder.
ADHESIVE, HIGH TEMPERATURE
An adhesive that will enable a P.S. label to withstand sustained elevated temperature (+200 F or higher).
ADHESIVE, PERMANENT
An adhesive characterized by relatively high ultimate adhesion. Sometimes it can be removed when the degree of force used overcomes its bonding ability but generally it is not removable.
ADHESIVE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE
A type of adhesive which in a dry form is aggressively tacky at room temperature. It has the capability of promoting a bond to dissimilar surfaces on contact, with pressure.
ADHESIVE, REMOVABLE
An adhesive characterized by relatively high cohesive strength and low ultimate adhesion. It can be removed easily from most surfaces. Some adhesive transfer could take place depending on the affinity of the adhesive to the surface.
B
BACKING
Refers to the carrier sheet of material in a pressure sensitive lamination as opposed to the face material. Usually has a release coating applied so that the adhesive will not stick too tightly to it. Release liner, backing paper, carrier, etc.
BAR
The dark element of a printed symbol.
BAR CODE DENSITY
The number of data characters which can be represented in a linear unit of measure. Bar code density is often expressed in characters per inch.
BAR CODE
An array of rectangular bars and spaces which are arranged in a predetermined pattern following unambiguous rules in a specific way to represent elements of data which are referred to as characters.
BAR LENGTH
The bar dimension perpendicular to bar width.
BAR WIDTH
The thickness of a bar measured from the edge closest to the symbol start character to the trailing edge of the same bar.
BAR WIDTH REDUCTION
Reduction of the nominal bar width dimension on film masters or printing plates to compensate for printing gain.
BLEED
When the printed image extends beyond the trim edge of the label, it is called bleed.
BLEEDTHROUGH
Migration of materials from an adhesive or substrate into a face material, resulting in a mottled appearance of the face stock and possible detrimental effects to the adhesive.
BURSTING PERF
A fold perforation that permits mechanical bursting.
C
CAST COATED
A high-gloss enamel finish.
CHARACTER
A single group of bars with spaces which represents an individual number, letter or punctuation mark.
CHECK DIGIT
A digit included with-in a symbol whose value is based mathematically on other characters included in the symbol. It is used to perform a check to ensure the accuracy of the read.
CLEAR AREA
A required clear space, containing no data marks, which precedes the start character of a symbol and follows the stop character. Also known as the "quiet area."
COATED PAPER
General term applying to all papers which have been surface coated with pigments.
COATING
In printing, an emulsion, varnish or lacquer applied in-line or off-line, often over a printed surface to give it added protection.
CODE 128
A full alphanumeric bar code capable of encoding all 128 ASCII characters.
CODE 39
A full alphanumeric bar code consisting of nine black and white bars for each character symbol.
CONTINUOUS CODE
A bar code or symbol where the space between characters (intercharacter group) is part of the code.
CONTINUOUS LABEL
Fan-folded labels manufactured from a continuous web of label stock which is not cut into units prior to execution. Continuous labels are mostly used for data processing applications.
COPIER LABEL
A label designed for overprinting by a plain paper photo-copier.
D
DIE
Any of various tools or devices used for imparting or cutting a desired shape, form or finish to or from a material. A device in converting machinery used for cutting only the face material of a pressure sensitive laminate or for punching out shapes from the entire laminate or any other material.
DIE CUT
To cut labels with a die. A term used to describe a label formed by die-cutting.
DIE CUT LABEL
Pressure sensitive labels mounted on a release liner from which the matrix has been die cut and usually removed.
DIE-CUTTING
the process of using dies or sharp steel rules to cut any shape for labels.
E
EDP
Electronic Data Processing - Pressure sensitive labels, usually blank, for use on computer printing equipment. Webs are usually perforated, fanfolded and hole-punched ( "line holes" ) for pin-wheel feeding.
EMBOSSED
Condition in which the image is raised above the surface.
EYEMARK
A small rectangular printing area usually located near the edge of a web or design, to activate an automatic electronic position regulator for controlling register or the printed design with subsequent equipment or operations.
F
FACE-CUT LABEL
Any pressure sensitive label where the face material is cut to the liner.
FACE SLIT
A slit in the face material of a pressure sensitive product to facilitate removal from the backing.
FEED SLOTS
Round or rectangular holes or slits put in pressure sensitive label stock to maintain the register of pressure sensitive labels while they are being printed or imprinted.
FINISH
The surface property of a paper or film determined by its texture and gloss. A gloss finish, for example, can be shiny and highly reflective, while a matte finish is generally dull and reflects little light.
FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING
Method of rotary printing which employs flexible plates, rotary die cutting, rapid-drying inks, in-line laminating and other converting operations.
FLOOD COAT
The coating of an entire surface with ink, adhesive, coating, etc.
FOIL
A very thin metal sheet that can be used as a face stock material in label production.
FOOD CONTACT ADHESIVES
Adhesives meeting specified sections of the Food & Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations cover direct food labeling as well as incidental contact. Special product recommendations are necessary for specific applications.
FOUR-COLOR PROCESS
Printing with yellow, magenta and cyan inks plus black, using screens to create full color images.
FREEZER ADHESIVES
Adhesives that can be applied and will function at temperatures below the freezing point. They are usually removable at room temperature.
H
HEAT RESISTANCE
Property of a material which inhibits the occurrence of physical or chemical changes caused by exposure to high temperatures.
HOT STAMPING
A printing process in which the image is transferred to a label material by a combination of heat and pressure.
I
INK JET
A method of printing using liquid ink projected a drop at a time against a substrate.
K
KISS CUT
A die-cutting operation which cuts through the face sheet to a liner but not through the liner.
L
LABEL
The functional portion of a pressure-sensitive construction compromising the face material and adhesive, die cut into various shapes.
LABEL STOCK
Pressure-sensitive laminate from which labels are produced, usually refers to roll stock.
LAMINANT
An adhesive for combining and bonding a combination of films, foils, plastics, papers or other materials. Pressure-sensitive constructions are often called laminants.
LAMINATE
A web material formed by bonding two or more materials together as in pressure-sensitive construction. To apply one layer of material over another.
LAMINATION
A plastic film bonded by heat, adhesive, and/or pressure to a printed web for protection or appearance. Two or more materials bonded together functioning as one.
LASER PAPER
Paper suitable to accept laser printing.
LATEX
An emulsion of rubber or resin particles dispersed in an aqueous medium. A natural or synthetic elastomeric dispersion in an aqueous system.
LATEX PAPER
Paper manufactured by two major processes; one of which is where latex is incorporated with the fibers in the beater prior to formation of the sheet, and the second of which is where a preformed web of absorbent fiber is saturated with properly compounded latex. The papers are characterized by strength, folding endurance, resistance to penetration by water, flexibility, durability and resistance to abrasion.
LAY FLAT (stay flat)
A label material with good non-curling characteristics making it suitable for automatic overwrapping, insertion or any other form of further processing requiring a flat sheet .
LEXAN
General Electric Company's trademark for polycarbonate film.
LIFT TAB
Ungummed edge of a label designed to make removal from the release liner easier. Sometimes used with order picking labels.
M
MACHINE DIRECTION
The direction of any material parallel to its forward movement on the press. Also Web Direction.
MAGNETIC CYLINDER
A cylinder used in diecutting that is magnetized to accept and hold in place flexible steel dies. Also used for metal-backed printing plates.
MAGNETIC DIE
A thin, flexible, steel cutting plate that is held on to a base cylinder magnetically. Quite common in EDP label production where identical repeats are frequently used.
MAKEREADY
On printing presses, all operation prior to running; such as mounting plates, adjusting the in-feed, edge guide, putting ink on the fountain, adjusting the impression, setting up the die cutting, color machine, etc. All preparatory operations preceding production.
MATTE FINISH
A low-gloss or no-gloss finish. A UV-curable clear coat may also be used to produce a matte or textured finish.
METAL FOIL
Thin, flexible layer of metal, such as aluminum, sued as face materials. Thinner gauges are often laminated to paper for strength.
MOTTLE
Non-uniform coloring or coating of a face material or of the printing on the label.
MYLAR
Dupont's trademark for clear, tough polymeric polyester film.
N
NON-WOVEN MATERIALS
Usually refers to paper 'tissues' or synthetics such as tynek.
O
OD
Outside diameter of a cylinder, roller or roll of labels.
OOZE
Adhesive moving out of ends of rolls or stacks of sheets causing ends to feel sticky and possible causing material to block. Adhesive cold flow.
OPAQUE INK
An ink that is not transparent and reflects only its color regardless of what colors it overprints.
OVERLAMINATING
Applications of a clear film to a label stock for the purpose of protection or to enhance graphic quality, usually done in-line on the press.
P
PSI
Pounds per Square Inch.
PERFORATED
Refers to a series of small incisions make in laid-on labels and/or their release liner to facilitate tearing along a pre-determined line, or for fan folding.
PERMANENT ADHESIVE
An adhesive characterized by having relatively high ultimate adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces.
PLATE
The image carrier in letterpress and flexographic printing
POLYCARBONATE
A high clarity film having the versatility of acetate with the durability of polyester.
POLYESTER
A strong film having good resistance to moisture, solvents, oils, etc. Usually transparent, although available with opaque ester formed by polymerization or condensation. Excellent strength, clarity and dimensional stability.
POLYESTER OVERLAM
A clear, glossy polyester film coated with clear acrylic adhesive. Can also be supplied with a matte surface.
POLYPROPYLENE
Similar to polyethylene but stronger and having a higher temperature resistance. Various thermoplastics are polymers of propylene; excellent clarity. Also used in various thickness in the printing of labels as well as backing or liner materials.
POLYSTYRENE
A thermoplastic produced by the polymerization of styrene. The electrical insulating properties are outstanding and the material is relatively unaffected by moisture.
PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL (Self-adhesive Label)
A label product that is processed through roll or sheetfed equipment utilizing a P.S. material which has a protective backing. The manufactured product is generally in the form of rolls, sheets, or fanfolded packs.
PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL STOCK
The combination of face material, pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner from which pressure-sensitive labels are manufactured.
PRESSURE SENSITIVE LAMINATE
See pressure-sensitive stock.
PULL TAB
Area on a face stock that facilitates easy removal of the label, usually a cut area on a sheeted label. Also called a peel tab or tear tab.
R
REAM
Five hundred sheets of paper.
REGISTER
A term in pressure sensitive label production that describes exact, corresponding placement of successively printed images and/or successively die-cut pressure sensitive labels.
REGISTER MARKS
Symbols attached to original copy prior to photography, used for positioning films in register, or registering two or more colors when printing.
REMOVABLE ADHESIVE
A pressure-sensitive adhesive characterized by low ultimate adhesion and clean removability from a wide variety of surfaces.
ROLL-TO-SHEET
A method of running material through a printing machine. A roll or material is fed into a printing unit, then is sheeted as it exits the printing machine.
RUBBER BASE ADHESIVE
Pressure-sensitive adhesive based on natural or synthetic rubber. Can be coated as a solvent, hot melt or emulsion system.
S
SCORE
To make an impression or a partial cut in a material for the purpose of bending, creasing, folding or tearing.
SCORE CUT
See score.
SCREEN PRINTING
Method of printing in which the ink is forced through a design on a taut screen and onto the object to be printed. This process results in a heavy ink deposit that provides excellent outdoor durability.
SHEETING
Process whereby rolls of P.S. base stock are converted into sheets of finished labels by cutting them to the desired length in the sheeting stations on a rotary press.
SHELF LIFE (Storage Life)
The period of time during which a product can be stored under specified conditions and still remain suitable for use (normally one year).
SLIT
To cut rolls of stock to specified widths. Either rotary or stationary knives or blades are used with mechanical unwinding and rewinding devices.
SLIT BACK
See split back.
SLIT FACE
See split face.
SMUDGE RESISTANCE
The resistance of a printed surface to smearing.
SPLIT BACK
Slits in the release liner to facilitate its removal by hand.
SPLIT FACE
Slits in face or pressure-sensitive product usually for facilitating removal from the release coated backing.
STATIC CLING
An induced property of a film which enables it to grab onto a smooth clean surface without using a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Static cling is a phrase applied to both mechanical grabbing and grabbing by electrical static.
SUBSTRATE
The surface to which a label is applied; adherend. Converters also refer to the face stock being printed as the substrate.
T
TAMPER-EVIDENT LABEL
A pressure-sensitive construction made of materials which will partially destruct upon removal, indicating that a package, label or container has been tampered with.
THERMAL
A printing system where dots are selectively heated and cooled and dragged upon heat-sensitive paper. The paper turns dark in the heated areas.
THERMAL TRANSFER
A printed system like thermal except a one-time ribbon is used and common paper is used as a substrate; eliminates the problems of fading or changing color inherent in thermal.
THERMAL TRANSFER PAPER
A face paper specifically designed to accept heat-activated ink from the ribbon of a thermal-transfer printer.
TOOLING
Dies, per cutters, butt cutters, etc., used to cut out the labels.
TYVEK
Du Pont's trademark for spun bonded polyolefin material, which is frequently used as a face stock where very high tensile strength is required.
U
U.L.
Underwriters Laboratories.
ULTIMATE ADHESION
The resistance to removal of a label after adhesion has been allowed to build for a period of time. The time required to reach ultimate adhesion varies with the adhesive, substrate and labeling conditions, but is approximately 24 hours.
ULTRA-VIOLET (UV) RESISTANCE
The ability of a material to withstand extended exposure to sunlight (ultra-violet) without degradation, hardening, or excessive discoloration.
V
VARNISH (Lacquer, Clear Coat)
The vehicle or carrier component of an ink that can be applied over printed labels to form a clear protective or durable film.
VINYL
Synthetic plastic products which can be made in film, sheet or other forms. Vinyls can be manufactured in rigid or flexible constructions. Generally more flexible and formable than polyesters. Also known as PVC or polyvinyl chloride. A tough durable plastic film having excellent resistance to oils, chemicals and many solvents. It has excellent abrasion-resistance, and can also be colored. Its high stretch is due to the addition of plasticizer.
W
WEATHERABILITY
Capability of a label to withstand the effects of outdoor conditions such as sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, and time.
WEB
The paper, foil, film or other flexible material, from a roll, that moves through the machine in the process of being formed, converted, printed, etc.
WRAP-AROUND LABEL
Label that extends completely around the labeled surface.
