| ANSI | |
| The American National Standards Institute. A private organization responsible for the development of voluntary industry standards. |
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| 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. |
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| ABRASION RESISTANCE | |
| The degree to which a label surface - including printing and protective coatings - is able to resist rubbing or wearing away by friction. |
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| ABRASIVENESS | |
| The tendency of a paper, coating or ink to abrade or wear away die edges, slitting blades, printing type, etc., by friction. |
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| ACCELERATED AGING | |
| Test procedures for subjecting pressure sensitive label materials to special environmental conditions in order to predict the course of natural aging in a far shorter period of time. |
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| ACETATE | |
| A plastic synthesized from cellulose dissolved in acetic acid which exhibits rigidity, dimensional stability and ink receptivity. Transparent or matte films, sometimes used for label stocks. |
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| ACRYLIC | |
| A general chemical term of a particular family of thermoplastic resins based on acrylic acid and its derivatives. |
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| ACRYLIC ADHESIVE | |
| Pressure-sensitive adhesive based on high-strength, acrylic polymers. Can be coated as a solvent or emulsion system. |
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| ACRYLIC EMULSION | |
| A water-based latex make with acrylic polymers, used in coatings and adhesives. |
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| ADHESION | |
| A measurement of the force required to remove a label from a substance. |
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| ADHESIVE | |
| A substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. |
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| ADHESIVE, COLD TEMPERATURE | |
| An adhesive that will enable a pressure sensitive label to adhere when applied to refrigerated or frozen substrates...generally +35 F or colder. |
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| ADHESIVE, HIGH TEMPERATURE | |
| An adhesive that will enable a pressure sensitive label to withstand sustained elevated temperature (+200 F or higher). |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| ADHESIVE STRIKE-THROUGH | |
| When adhesive penetrates through the face material of a pressure-sensitive lamination. |
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| ADHESIVE RESIDUE (Adhesive Deposit, Adhesive Transfer) | |
| The adhesive remaining behind on a substrate when a pressure sensitive label is removed. |
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| ADHESIVE SPLITTING | |
| Condition where part of the adhesive remains on the face stock and part on the substrate when the label is put under stress or removed. |
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| ALIGNMENT | |
| The relative position of a scanner or light source to a bar code. |
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| AMBIENT TEMPERATURE | |
| A term used to denote the temperature of the surrounding air. |
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| ANCHOR COAT (Barrier Coat) | |
| A coating applied to the face material on the side opposite the printed surface to provide increased opacity to the face material and/or to prevent migration between adhesive and the face material and/or to improve anchorage of adhesive to a face material. |
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| ANVIL | |
| A hardened steel roll upon which the bearers of a rotary die cutting tool ride and also provide the hardened surface to support the die cutting. |
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| APPLICATION TEMPERATURE | |
| Temperature of a substrate or label material at the time the label will be applied. All adhesives have a minimum application temperature rating. |
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| APPLICATOR | |
| A device that automatically feeds and applies pressure sensitive labels to a product. |
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| ASPECT RATIO | |
| The ratio of height to width of a bar code symbol. A code twice as high as wide would have an aspect ratio of 2; a code twice as wide as high would have an aspect ratio of 1/2 or 0.5. |
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| AUTOCLAVE | |
| Container for sterilizing, i.e. in label application, label must endure a cooking process by superheated steam under pressure. |
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| BACK SPLIT | |
| Slits in the release liner to facilitate its removal by hand. |
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| 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. |
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| BAGGINESS | |
| A slack, floppy area usually caused by gauge variation. The material has been stretched and is actually longer in that area. |
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| BASE | |
| The major constituent, other than pigments and filler, comprising the non-volatile portion of an adhesive coating or sealer compound. |
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| BASE ROLL | |
| A hardened steel roll upon which the bearers of a rotary die cutting tool ride and also provide the hardened surface to support the die cutting. |
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| BASIC SHEET SIZE | |
| The size of a sheet of paper which is used to determine paper weight. Sizes vary depending on the type of stock. |
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| BASIS WEIGHT | |
| The weight in pounds of a ream of paper cut to a given size. Most backing papers used in pressure sensitive laminations are based on a ream size of 24" x 36"/500's. Face papers are more typically 25" x 38"/500's. |
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| BAR | |
| The dark element of a printed symbol. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| BAR CODE READER | |
| A device used to identify and read bar code symbols. |
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| BAR LENGTH | |
| The bar dimension perpendicular to bar width. |
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| 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. |
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| BAR WIDTH REDUCTION | |
| Reduction of the nominal bar width dimension on film masters or printing plates to compensate for printing gain. |
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| BARRIER COAT | |
| A coating applied to the face material on the side opposite the printed surface to provide increased opacity to the face material and/or to prevent migration between adhesive and the face material and/or to improve anchorage of adhesive to face material. |
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| BEARER | |
| Type-high supports mounted or molded around each end of printing plate to help carry part of the impression load and to help prevent bounce. Also the load bearing surface(s) of a rotary die, usually positioned at each end of the die. |
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| BEARING BLOCK | |
| A device that holds the die in place in the die station. |
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| BIAX | |
| Biaxially oriented material, that is, oriented in the machine and transverse directions. |
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| BIDIRECTIONAL READ | |
| The ability to read data successfully whether scanning is done left to right or right to left. |
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| BLEED | |
| When the printed image extends beyond the trim edge of the label, it is called bleed. |
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| 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. |
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| BLOCKING | |
| Condition where the labels in a roll of material stick to the backside of the liner above them. Usually due to adhesive cold flow, incomplete die cutting of the adhesive, improper drying of inks or improper drying of coatings. |
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| BURSTING PERF | |
| A fold perforation that permits mechanical bursting. |
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| BURSTING STRENGTH | |
| The pressure required to rupture a material specimen when it is tested in a specified instrument under specified conditions. It is largely determined by the tensile strength and extensibility of the material. |
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| BUTT CUT LABELS | |
| Rectangular labels in continuous form separated by a single knife cut to the liner across the web. Also face cut, knife cut. |
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| BUTT LABELS | |
| Rectangular labels in continuous form separated by a single knife cut to the liner across the web. Also face cut, knife cut. |
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| BUTT ROLL | |
| A short roll of face material or pressure-sensitive label stock. |
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| BUTTED RECTANGLES | |
| Die cut rectangles butted to each other with no around and/or across matrix to remove. |
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| CALENDER FINISHED | |
| A term applied to any paper with a surface glazed by means of a calendar stack. |
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| CALIPER (Thickness, Gauge) | |
| Thickness, usually measured in mils or thousandths of an inch. A mil is sometimes called a "point." A 10 mil tag might also be called a 10 point tag stock. |
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| CARRIER | |
| Sometimes used to refer to the liner materials of pressure sensitive labels. |
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| CAST COATED | |
| A high-gloss enamel finish. |
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| CAST-COATED PAPER | |
| A paper, the coating of which is allowed to harden or set while in contact with a finished casting surface. |
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| CAST FILM | |
| Plastic sheeting manufactured by the casting process, as opposed to the extruding process. |
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| CAST VINYL | |
| Vinyl sheeting manufactured by coating a liquid vinyl acetate or similar ester onto a casting paper and curing in a heated oven. |
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| CAVITY | |
| Usually refers to the engraving on a rotary die cutter that die cuts a single shape. |
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| CENTRAL IMPRESSION | |
| A press with a number of printing units around a large cylinder that serves as the impression cylinder against which the substrate rides. |
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| CHARACTER | |
| A single group of bars with spaces which represents an individual number, letter or punctuation mark. |
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| 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. |
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| CHEMICAL RESISTANCE | |
| The resistance of a pressure sensitive label to the deteriorating effects of exposure to various chemicals under specified conditions. |
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| CHILL ROLL | |
| Metal roll or drum cooled internally with water, etc. Often used after the press dryer to cool the printed web prior to die cutting, rewinding, etc. |
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| CIRCUMFERENTIAL REGISTER | |
| That control on a flexographic press which accurately positions, while in the run mode, the printing of each color station in the direction of the web travel. Also called circumferential register or longitudinal register. |
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| CLAY COATED | |
| A term used to describe a paper with a clay coating on either one or both sides. |
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| 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." |
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| COATED PAPER | |
| General term applying to all papers which have been surface coated with pigments. |
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| COATING | |
| In printing, an emulsion, varnish or lacquer applied in-line or off-line, often over a printed surface to give it added protection. |
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| COATING WEIGHT | |
| The amount of weight of coating per unit area. This is expressed in various units including grams per square meter or pounds per ream. |
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| CODE 128 | |
| A full alphanumeric bar code capable of encoding all 128 ASCII characters. |
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| CODE 39 | |
| A full alphanumeric bar code consisting of nine black and white bars for each character symbol. |
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| CO-EXTRUSIONS | |
| Film produced by more than one extruder through a common die. Films have been made with as many as 13 layers. |
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| COHESION (Cohesive Strength, Internal Bond, Shear) | |
| The internal strength of an adhesive, its resistance to flow, and the resistance to failure or splitting when labels are removed or under stress. |
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| COLD FLOW (Ooze) | |
| The flow of a pressure sensitive adhesive under pressure or stress. |
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| CONDITIONING | |
| Process of subjecting material to specific temperature and humidity conditions for stipulated time. |
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| CONFORMABILITY | |
| The ability of a pressure sensitive material to yield to the contours of a curved or rough surface. |
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| CONTINUOUS CODE | |
| A bar code or symbol where the space between characters (intercharacter group) is part of the code. |
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| 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. |
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| CONVERTER | |
| Refers to that type of manufacturer who produces plain or printed rolls, sheets, bags or pouches, etc., from rolls of film, foil or paper, including pressure sensitive labels and tags. |
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| COPIER LABEL | |
| A label designed for overprinting by a plain paper photo-copier. |
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| CORNER RADIUS | |
| Describes the arc or curvature of the die blades where they meet so that they can impart a rounded corner to a die cut label. |
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| CORONA TREATMENT | |
| Altering the surface characteristics by exposing the surface to a high voltage discharge (corona) resulting in an increase in surface energy (dyne level). |
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| COUPON | |
| Removable label either supplying information or having redeemable value. They may be either pressure sensitive on non-pressure sensitive. |
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| CROP MARKS | |
| Marks made on the outer edges of artwork to designate the area to be printed. |
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| CROSS DIRECTION | |
| The direction across the web. Papers are weaker and are affected more by changes in relative humidity in the cross direction than the grain direction. |
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| CRUSH CUT | |
| A cut made by a rotary blade in contact with an anvil or base roll. |
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| CRUSH SCORE | |
| To make an impression or a partial cut in a material for the purpose of bending, creasing, folding or tearing. |
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| CURL | |
| The tendency of material by itself or in a laminate to bend or partly wrap around the axis of its directions. Curl is often caused by humidity or improper tension. |
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| CUT-OFF | |
| In web printing, the cut or print length corresponding to the circumference of the plate cylinder and/or die cutter; equipment. |
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| CUT RULE | |
| Steel rule blades designed to cut material being produced on flat-bed die cutting equipment. |
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| CYLINDER | |
| In flexography, most rollers in the printing press are called rolls with the exception of ones on which the rubber plates are mounted, and the one which receives the impression. These are usually referred to as cylinders, i.e., plate cylinder, impression cylinder. |
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| DEBOSSED | |
| An indent or cut in design or lettering of a surface. |
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| DELAMINATION | |
| The separation of a material into layers in a direction approximately parallel to the surface. The partial or complete separation of the layers of a laminate. |
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| DESTATICIZATION | |
| Treating plastic materials to minimize their accumulation of static electricity. |
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| 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. |
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| DIE ADAPTER | |
| A device used to modify a die station of one type of press so that it will accommodate dies originally designed to be used on different presses. |
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| DIE BLADES | |
| Sharpened, thin steel blades used in flat or rotary dies. Also refers to blades on machine engraved or EDM manufactured rotary dies. |
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| DIE CUT | |
| To cut labels with a die. A term used to describe a label formed by die-cutting. |
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| DIE CUT LABEL | |
| Pressure sensitive labels mounted on a release liner from which the matrix has been die cut and usually removed. |
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| DIE-CUTTING | |
| The process of using dies or sharp steel rules to cut any shape for labels. |
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| DIE HOLD-DOWN ASSEMBLY | |
| A steel block incorporating bearing which apply pressure to the bearer surface of a rotary die cutter through pressure screws. |
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| DIE LIFE | |
| Mileage expected from a new die and that expected following a resharpening of a die. |
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| DIE LINES | |
| A hand drawn or computer generated layout of the die cut shape or shapes on a clear or matte finish acetate or mylar. |
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| DIE STAIN | |
| Used to check die cutting accuracy. Usually done with diluted ink applied to the die cut surface of the backing or liner material. The ink wicks into any fractures of the silicone coated surface, thereby exhibiting the problem areas. |
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| DIMENSIONAL STABILITY | |
| The property of a material which relates to the degree of its growth or shrinkage from temperature or tension. |
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| DISCRETE CODE | |
| A bar code or symbol in which the spaces between characters (intercharacter gap) are not part of the code. |
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| DISPENSER | |
| A device that deeds pressure sensitive labels, either manually or automatically, making them ready for application. It can serve as a package for the labels as well (dispenser boxes). |
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| DISPENSING EDGE | |
| A relatively sharp edge around which a backing material is pulled in order to dispense a pressure sensitive label from that backing. Sometimes referred to as a peeler plate. |
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| DOUBLE COATED | |
| A pressure sensitive product consisting of a carrier material with similar or dissimilar adhesives applied to the two surfaces and wound with a silicone release paper. |
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| DRIVING SIDE | |
| That side of a flexographic press on which the main gear train(s) are located. Also gear side; opposite of the operator side. |
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| DWELL (Residence Time) | |
| 1)The time during which pressure sensitive material remains on a surface before testing for permanence or removability. 2)The time during which a hot-stamp, embossing, head, or thermal die remains in contact with the surface of a pressure sensitive material. |
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| DYE TEST | |
| Used to check die cutting accuracy. Usually done with diluted ink applied to the die cut surface of the backing or liner material. The ink wicks into any fractures of the silicone coated surface, thereby exhibiting the problem areas. |
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| EDM | |
| Electronic Discharge Machining Process for removing metal - as in rotary dies. |
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| EDGE CURL | |
| The tendency of material by itself or in a laminate to bend or partly wrap around the axis of its directions. Curl is often caused by humidity or improper tension. |
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| EDGE LIFT | |
| The tendency of the edge of a label to rise off the surface of the substrate. This condition occurs most frequently on small diameter curved surfaces. Resistance to edge lift is dependent on the bond strength of the adhesive and the flexibility of the face stock. (Butterflying, Wing Up). |
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| EDM DIE | |
| Die produced using Electronic Discharge Machining. |
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| 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. |
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| ELONGATION | |
| The distance a material will stretch lengthwise before breaking, expresses as a percentage of original length. Elongation is not necessarily an indication of conformability. |
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| EMBOSSED | |
| Condition in which the image is raised above the surface. |
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| EMULSION ADHESIVE (Aqueous, Water Based) | |
| A dispersion of fine particles or globules in another liquid. Many pressure sensitive adhesives are emulsion systems. |
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| ENGRAVING | |
| A general term normally applied to any pattern which has been cut into or incised into a surface by hand, mechanical or etching process. |
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| 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. |
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| FACE-CUT LABEL | |
| Any pressure sensitive label where the face material is cut to the liner. |
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| FACE MATERIAL | |
| Any paper, film, fabric, laminate or foil material suitable for converting into pressure sensitive label stock. In the finished construction, this web is bonded to the adhesive layer and becomes the functional part of the construction. |
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| FACE SLIT | |
| A slit in the face material of a pressure sensitive product to facilitate removal from the backing. |
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| FACE SPLIT | |
| A slit in the face material of a pressure sensitive product to facilitate removal from the backing. |
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| FACE STOCK | |
| Any paper, film, fabric, laminate or foil material suitable for converting into pressure sensitive label stock. In the finished construction, this web is bonded to the adhesive layer and becomes the functional part of the construction. |
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| FAN FOLD | |
| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| FILM | |
| Acetate, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, and other polymeric materials used as face stocks. |
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| 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. |
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| FIRST READ RATE | |
| The percentage representing the number of successful reads per 100 attempts. |
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| FISH EYES | |
| Round or oval deformations in an adhesive, coating or ink. |
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| FLAT PACK | |
| A continuous web folded at a cross perforation at regular intervals. See fan fold. |
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| FLEX | |
| Another term for deflection of rolls or cylinders in press. Also, bending qualities or characteristics of any material, including printing substrates. |
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| FLEXIBILITY (Conformability, Pliability) | |
| Property of face stock material that indicates how readily it conforms to curved surfaces. |
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| FLEXIBLE 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. |
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| FLEXING | |
| Condition that can occur on a die when the die circumference is less than the width of the cross-blades. Causes the center of the cross-blades to fail to cut properly and consistently. |
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| FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING | |
| Method of rotary printing which employs flexible plates, rotary die cutting, rapid-drying inks, in-line laminating and other converting operations. |
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| FLOOD COAT | |
| The coating of an entire surface with ink, adhesive, coating, etc. |
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| FLUORESCENT PAPER | |
| A paper that is coated with fluorescent pigment which not only reflects a visible wavelength, but is activated by most of the remaining absorbed light to re-emit it as color of a longer wavelength which results in reinforcement of the reflected color. |
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| FOIL | |
| A very thin metal sheet that can be used as a face stock material in label production. |
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| FOIL PAPER LAMINATE | |
| A foil laminate to a sheet of paper used as a face stock. The foil is usually topcoated to improve ink receptivity. |
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| 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. |
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| FOUR-COLOR PROCESS | |
| Printing with yellow, magenta and cyan inks plus black, using screens to create full color images. |
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| FREEZER ADHESIVES | |
| Adhesives that can be applied and will function at temperatures below the freezing point. They are usually removable at room temperature. |
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| GEAR CHART | |
| A handy reference compilation of the various printing lengths, or repeats obtainable within the different gearing systems. |
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| GEAR SIDE | |
| That side of a flexographic press on which the main gear train(s) are located. Also gear side; opposite of the operator side. |
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| GLASSINE | |
| Super calendered, smooth, dense, transparent or translucent paper manufactured primarily from chemical wood pulps which have been beaten to secure a high degree of hydration of the stock. Sometimes used as a backing paper. |
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| GLOSS | |
| Characteristics of the surface which causes it to reflect light at a given angle. |
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| GRAM | |
| Unit of weight in the metric system; the weight of one cubic centimeter of water at standard conditions. 28.35 grams equal one ounce. |
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| GRAIN DIRECTION | |
| The direction taken by the majority of the fibers in a sheet of paper. Synonymous with machine direction, the opposite of cross direction. |
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| GRAVURE PRINTING | |
| Intaglio printing process employing minute engraved "cells" which carry the ink to the printing surface. Rotogravure employs etched cylinders and webfed stock. Sheetfed gravure, as the name implies, involves individual sheet feeding. |
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| GUARD BARS | |
| The bars that are at both ends and center of UPC and EAN symbols. They provide reference points for scanning. |
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| HANG TAG | |
| A term used to describe fold-over labels generally used for product identification. These products usually 'hang' in the retail marketplace. |
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| HARDNESS | |
| Degree of hardness. Shore and Rockwell being two scales used to measure and compare hardness. |
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| HEAT SEAL (Heat Activated Labels) | |
| Label paper that has a plastic coating which melts under heat to form the bonding agent. |
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| HEAT RESISTANCE | |
| Property of a material which inhibits the occurrence of physical or chemical changes caused by exposure to high temperatures. |
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| HEAVY COAT WEIGHT | |
| A higher-than-standard weight of coating per unit area. |
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| HOLDING POWER (Shear, Adhesion) | |
| Ability to withstand stress, as in holding rigid label materials on small diameter cylindrical objects. Involves both adhesive and cohesive strength. |
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| HOT MELT ADHESIVES | |
| Thermoplastic materials with 100% solids that liquefy when heated and resolidify on cooling to form a bond with the face sheet the adhesive was applied to and a pressure sensitive lamination which includes a release coated backing sheet. |
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| HOT STAMPING | |
| A printing process in which the image is transferred to a label material by a combination of heat and pressure. |
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| ID | |
| Inside diameter. |
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| IDLER ROLLS | |
| Roller mechanisms on converting machines used to support, smooth or direct the web in its course of travel through a machine. Not driven. |
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| IMPACT PRINTING | |
| Any printing system where microprocessor-controlled hammer impacts against a ribbon and a substrate. |
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| IMPRESSION | |
| The image transferred from the printing plate to the substrate or the adjustment required to effect the same. |
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| IMPRESSION CYLINDER | |
| In printing, the cylinder on a printing press over which the material feeds to pick up the impression from the inked plate. |
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| IMPRINTING | |
| Technique which applies variable copy to blank or pre-printed labels with a secondary device. |
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| IN-LINE PRESS | |
| A press coupled to another operation such as sheeting, die-cutting, creasing, etc. A multi-color press in which the color stations are mounted horizontally in a line. |
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| IN-MOLD LABELS (IML) | |
| Special type of labels which are pre-applied to plastic bottles during the blow-molding operation. |
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| INDEX HOLES | |
| 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. |
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| INDEX PUNCH | |
| 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. |
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| INFEED NIP | |
| A mechanism designed to control the forward travel of the web into the press. |
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| INFRARED | |
| The band of light wavelengths too long to be seen by the human eye. Represented by waves that are between 750 and 4 million nanometers. |
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| INK JET | |
| A method of printing using liquid ink projected a drop at a time against a substrate. |
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| INTERLEAVED BAR CODE | |
| A bar code in which characters are paired using bars to represent the first character and spaces to represent the second. |
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| JOURNALS | |
| The end shafts on which a roll rotates, usually within the needle bearing or busing of a die block. |
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| KEY MARK OR TRIGGER | |
| A code bit(s) that tells the scanner if the code is in a position to be read; used with some fixed beam readers. |
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| KEY-LINE | |
| In artwork, an outline drawing of finished are for labels to indicate the exact shape, position, and size for such elements as halftones, line sketches text etc. |
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| KISS CUT | |
| A die-cutting operation which cuts through the face sheet to a liner but not through the liner. |
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| KNIFE CUT LABELS | |
| Rectangular labels in continuous form separated by a single knife cut to the liner across the web. Also butt cut, face cut. |
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| LABEL | |
| The functional portion of a pressure-sensitive construction compromising the face material and adhesive, die cut into various shapes. |
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| LABEL STOCK | |
| Pressure-sensitive laminate from which labels are produced, usually refers to roll stock. |
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| LABELING MACHINE | |
| Dispensing apparatus that, by means of driving or pulling the backing, delivers a pressure-sensitive label and applies it to a product. |
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| LAMINANT | |
| An adhesive for combining and bonding a combination of films, foils, plastics, papers or other materials. Pressure-sensitive constructions are often called laminants. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| LASER PAPER | |
| Paper suitable to accept laser printing. |
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| LASER SCANNER | |
| An optical bar code reading device that uses a low energy laser light beam to illuminate the code. |
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| LATEX | |
| An emulsion of rubber or resin particles dispersed in an aqueous medium. A natural or synthetic elastomeric dispersion in an aqueous system. |
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| 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. |
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| LAY 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 (stay flat). |
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| LEGGING | |
| The stringing out of a pressure sensitive adhesive. This can occur when the label is being removed from a substrate or release liner or when the matrix is being removed during die cutting and stripping. |
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| LETTERPRESS PRINTING | |
| Printing process in which ink is applied to a surface from raised portions of rigid printing plates or type. |
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| LEXAN | |
| General Electric Company's trademark for polycarbonate film. |
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| LIFT TAB | |
| Ungummed edge of a label designed to make removal from the release liner easier. Sometimes used with order picking labels. |
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| LINE HOLE PUNCHING | |
| 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. |
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| LINER | |
| 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. |
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| LITHOGRAPHIC PAPER | |
| A paper coated on at least one side, suitably prepared for lithographic printing. |
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| LAY FLAT | |
| A label material with good non-curling and non-distortion characteristics. |
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| MACHINE DIRECTION | |
| The direction of any material parallel to its forward movement on the press. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| MANDREL | |
| A shaft upon which cylinders, or other devices, are mounted or affixed. Also unwind or rewind shaft on to which rolls of materials (or labels) are mounted. |
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| MARGINAL PUNCHING | |
| 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. |
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| MASTER ROLL | |
| A full width roll that has finished the primary manufacturing process and is usually untrimmed and unslit. |
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| MATERIAL | |
| Usually refers to unconverted stock, pressure-sensitive or not. |
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| MATERIAL SPLICE | |
| An area where tape has been used to attach two rolls of material together to form one continuous web. |
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| MATRIX (WASTER SKELETON) | |
| The face material and adhesive surrounding a self-adhesive label, usually removed after die-cutting. |
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| 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. |
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| MEMORY | |
| The property of a material that causes it to attempt to return to its original dimensions after being distorted. |
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| METAL FOIL | |
| Thin, flexible layer of metal, such as aluminum, sued as face materials. Thinner gauges are often laminated to paper for strength. |
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| METALIZED FILM | |
| A plastic or resinous film that has been coated on one side with a very thin layer of metal. |
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| METALIZED PAPER | |
| A label substrate consisting of a lacquered CIS paper on which a very thin film of aluminum has been deposited. |
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| METALIZING | |
| Applying a thin coating of metal to a non-metallic surface. May be done by chemical deposition or by exposing the surface to vaporized metal in a vacuum chamber. |
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| MICROMETER | |
| A mechanical device for measuring thickness (usually in thousands of an inch). |
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| MICRON | |
| A unit of measure. On millionth of a meter or about .00004" (25 microns = 0.001"). |
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| MIGRATION (Bleed) | |
| The movement of one or more components of the pressure sensitive adhesive into either a substrate or face material. |
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| MIL | |
| Unit of thickness measurement used for thin materials. 1 mil=0.001 inch=100 gauge. |
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| MOISTURE CONTENT | |
| The moisture present in a material as determined by specified methods. |
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| MOISTURE VAPOR TRANSMISSION | |
| A measure of the rate of water vapor transmission through a pressure sensitive label. |
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| MOLD RELEASE AGENTS | |
| Materials used in the manufacture of molded objects to facilitate their removal from the mold. Mold release agents can, in some instances, cause serious adhesion problems. |
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| MONO WEB | |
| A brand name for a printed pressure-sensitive label web that is self wound. A release coating is applied over the print so that the adhesive on the back will not stick to the printed surface. The actual die cutting becomes a function of the label application equipment. This process is covered by a patent. |
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| MOTTLE | |
| Non-uniform coloring or coating of a face material or of the printing on the label. |
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| MOVING BEAM BAR CODE READER | |
| A device which searches for a bar code pattern by sweeping a moving optical beam through a field of view. |
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| MYLAR | |
| Dupont's trademark for clear, tough polymeric polyester film. |
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| NEGATIVE | |
| A photographic image of originals on paper, film or glass in reverse from that of the original copy. Dark areas appear light and vice versa. |
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| NEOPRENE RUBBER | |
| A polymer of chloroprene, it is used as an adhesive base. Commonly used where oil and gasoline resistance is required. Resistance to swelling action of aromatics (pure and fuels) is poor but much better than natural rubber. Also used to coat doctor or metering rolls. |
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| NIP | |
| Line of contact between two rolls. Often referred to as the pull or draw rolls of a web press. |
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| NON-WOVEN MATERIALS | |
| Usually refers to paper 'tissues' or synthetics such as tyvek. |
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| OEM | |
| Original Equipment Manufacturer. One who produces a component or components used in the making of a finished assembled product. |
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| OPP | |
| Oriented polypropylene. |
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| OD | |
| Outside diameter of a cylinder, roller or roll of labels. |
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| OLEFINS | |
| A group of unsaturated hydrocarbons of the general formula CnH2n, and named after the corresponding paraffins by the addition of 'ene' or 'ylene' to the stem. |
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| 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. |
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| OFFSET PRINTING | |
| Process of indirect printing in which an impression on a flat plate is printed on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, from which it is impressed, i.e. offset, upon the surface to be decorated. |
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| OPACITY | |
| The measure of the amount of light that can pass through a material. The hiding property of an ink film; property of film allowing printed material to show through in varying degrees. |
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| OPAQUE INK | |
| An ink that is not transparent and reflects only its color regardless of what colors it overprints. |
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| OPERATING SIDE | |
| That side of a label press on which the printing unit adjustments are located. Opposite of driving side or gear side. |
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| OPTICITE FILM | |
| Trademark of a label film supplied by Dow Chemical (polystyrene type). |
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| ORIENTATION | |
| The alignment of bars and spaces to the scanner. Often referred to as vertical (picket fence) or horizontal (ladder). |
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| 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. |
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| PSI | |
| Pounds per Square Inch. |
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| PATTERN ADHESIVE | |
| Refers to the width and spacing arrangement of strips of adhesive laid down parallel to machine direction and across the width of pressure sensitive label stock during its manufacture. Also refers to adhesive coating applied in a pattern which is not related to web direction. |
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| PATTERN COATED | |
| Refers to the width and spacing arrangement of strips of adhesive laid down parallel to machine direction and across the width of pressure sensitive label stock during its manufacture. Also refers to adhesive coating applied in a pattern which is not related to web direction. |
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| PEEL ADHESION (Adhesion) | |
| The force required to remove a pressure sensitive label from a standard test panel at a specific angle and speed after the label has been applied under specified conditions (Pressure-Sensitive Tape Council). The strip of test material is usually one inch wide, and the angle of measurement can be 90 to 180 degrees from the surface. |
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| PEELER PLATE | |
| A sharp edged, flat piece of metal around which the backing or carrier material is threaded, the prime function being a mechanical device which causes a pressure-sensitive label to be dispensed from the backing material. |
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| PENETRATION | |
| Change of appearance of the face material due to movement of one or more components from the adhesive or the labeled surface. Bleed through, migration. |
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| 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. |
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| PERMANENCY | |
| A measure of an adhesive's ultimate holding power or bond strength. A permanent adhesive will develop a bond that makes label removal difficult or impossible without distorting the face stock. |
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| PERMANENT ADHESIVE | |
| An adhesive characterized by having relatively high ultimate adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces. |
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| PHOSPHORESCENT FACE | |
| A face material coated with phosphorescent ink that emits light in a visible spectrum. |
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| PHOTOPOLYMER | |
| Plate material that is photsensitive and upon exposure, its compounds polymerize to form a tough, abrasion resistant surface which becomes the inking media. |
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| PIGGYBACK | |
| Multi-ply pressure sensitive laminate consisting of a face stock; a layer of adhesive; a standard release liner; a layer of adhesive; and a standard release liner. This type of product provides a single label that can be applied to a substrate using the adhesive on the middle liner; then the top ply is removed and applied to a different substrate using the adhesive on the face stock. |
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| PIGMENT | |
| Finely ground, solid particles used to give color opacity to printing inks and coatings, usually insoluble in such a mixture. |
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| PIN FEED | |
| 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. |
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| PITCH DIAMETER | |
| The measurement of a gear or cylinder, determined by dividing the circumference by Pi (3.14159). |
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| PLATE | |
| The image carrier in letterpress and flexographic printing. |
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| PLATEN PRESS | |
| Printing press in which a flat surface bearing the paper is pressed against a flat surface bearing the inked type. |
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| PLIABILITY | |
| Property of face stock material that indicates how readily it conforms to curved surfaces. |
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| POLYCARBONATE | |
| A high clarity film having the versatility of acetate with the durability of polyester. |
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| 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. |
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| POLYESTER LINER | |
| A polyester film that is silicone release coated. It provides an excellent die cutting surface and is also used on overlaminating films to provide a smooth, glass-like surface of adhesive. |
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| POLYESTER OVERLAM | |
| A clear, glossy polyester film coated with clear acrylic adhesive. Can also be supplied with a matte surface. |
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| POLYETHYLENE | |
| A tough, stretch plastic film having very good low temperature characteristics, also used a great deal for producing semi-rigid recyclable bottles. |
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| POLYMER | |
| A compound formed by the reaction of simple molecules called monomers, having functional groups that permit their combination to proceed to high molecular weights under suitable conditions. A long-chain molecular structure. |
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| 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. |
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| POLYSTYRENE | |
| A thermoplastic produced by the polymerization of styrene. The electrical insulating properties are outstanding and the material is relatively unaffected by moisture. |
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| POLYVINYL | |
| Refers to a group of resins formed by polymerizing various vinyl monomers. |
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| POLYVINYLIDENE CHLORIDE | |
| Usually a very thin transparent film with excellent resistance to acids, water and organic solvents. Saran. |
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| POROSITY | |
| In paper the degree of air permeability measured in terms of air floe through the sheet. |
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| PRESSURE BRIDGE | |
| The steel support mechanically secured over the die stations, through which the pressure screws are threaded. |
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| PRESSURE SCREWS | |
| Steel shafts threaded through the pressure bridge which are used to apply pressure (in rotary die cutting station) to facilitate die cutting. |
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| PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL | |
| A label product that is processed through roll or sheetfed equipment utilizing a pressure sensitive material which has a protective backing. The manufactured product is generally in the form of rolls, sheets, or fanfolded packs. |
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| PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL STOCK | |
| The combination of face material, pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner from which pressure-sensitive labels are manufactured. |
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| PRESSURE SENSITIVE TAPE | |
| A combination of a pressure-sensitive adhesive with a carrier. Tapes are either self-wound or utilize release liners or films. |
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| PRIMARY LABEL | |
| Label that acts as the main identification of a product. Often designed to attract attention and contains information to appeal to a buyer and is usually applied at the time of its manufacture. |
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| PRIMER | |
| Coating applied to the face material on the side opposite to the printing surface to improve anchorage of the adhesive and prevent migration of adhesive components into face material. |
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| PRINT TREATED | |
| A proprietary chemical alteration of the surface by the film manufacturer done during the film making process. |
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| PROCESS PRINTING | |
| Multi-color printing utilizing a variety of printing screens, depth of etch, etc., and usually using yellow, magenta, cyan and black inks to give an optical effect of all colors and hues being present in a composite picture. |
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| PROTECTIVE COATING (Overcoat, Overprint Coating) | |
| Coating that protects printing on and the face material of a pressure sensitive label from abrasion, chemicals and moisture. |
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| 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. |
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| PUNCHED OUT LABELS | |
| Anvil cut or sheeted labels. Also referred to as metal-to-metal cutting due to the die cutting edge coming in contact with the anvil. |
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| QUICKSTICK (Tack, Finger Tack, Initial Tack, Wet Grab) | |
| The property of a pressure sensitive adhesive which allows it to adhere to a surface under light pressure. Also a measure of the bond strength immediately after application. |
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| REAM | |
| Five hundred sheets of paper. |
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| REAM WEIGHT | |
| The amount which one ream of paper weighs. |
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| REFLECTANCE | |
| The measured level of light reflected by a paper or imprinted characters thereon, expressed in percent of a standard reference material. |
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| 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. |
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| REGISTER MARKS | |
| Symbols attached to original copy prior to photography, used for positioning films in register, or registering two or more colors when printing. |
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| RELATIVE HUMIDITY | |
| The amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere, expressed as a percent of maximum that could be present at the same room temperature. |
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| RELEASE | |
| The force required to free or separate a pressure-sensitive label from its release liner, using a specific measuring device. |
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| RELEASE COAT (Release Lacquer, Lacquer, Silicone Coat) | |
| Material coated on the liner which allows pressure sensitive labels to release. |
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| RELEASE LINER | |
| The component of the pressure-sensitive label stock which functions as a carrier for the pressure-sensitive label. Prior to application, it protects the adhesive, and readily separates from the label immediately before the label is applied to product. |
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| REMOVABLE ADHESIVE | |
| A pressure-sensitive adhesive characterized by low ultimate adhesion and clean removability from a wide variety of surfaces. |
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| REMOVABILITY | |
| A relative term to describe the force or condition under which a pressure sensitive label can be removed from a substrate. A removable label is one in which no damage or staining occurs to the substrate or face material and no adhesive residue is left on the substrate upon removal. |
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| REPEAT | |
| The printing length of a plate cylinder, determined by one revolution of the plate cylinder gear. |
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| RESIDUE | |
| Adhesive left on substrate when a label is removed. |
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| RESOLUTION | |
| 1. The dimension of the smallest element which can be printed using a particular technique. 2. The narrowest element dimension which can be distinguished by a particular reading device. |
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| ROCKWELL HARDNESS | |
| A method of determining the surface hardness of a substance. Degree of hardness. |
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| ROLL LABEL | |
| Pressure-sensitive labels that are produced in a continuous roll form. |
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| ROLL-TO-ROLL | |
| A method of running materials through a printing machine. A roll of material is fed into a printing unit, is printed, then is rewound into a roll as it exits the machine. |
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| 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. |
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| ROTARY PRESS | |
| A press that in normal use features a roll-to-roll operation. |
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| ROTARY PRINTING | |
| Accomplished by means of a cylindrical impression cylinder and a cylindrical printing plate. |
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| RUBBER BASE ADHESIVE | |
| Pressure-sensitive adhesive based on natural or synthetic rubber. Can be coated as a solvent, hot melt or emulsion system. |
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| RUNNING REGISTER | |
| That control on a flexographic press which accurately positions, while in the run mode, the printing of each color station in the direction of the web travel. Also called circumferential register or longitudinal register. |
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| SCK (Super-calendered Kraft) | |
| A bleached, white paper used as a release liner with most standard roll label products. |
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| SANDWICH CONSTRUCTION | |
| Panels composed of a lightweight core material to which two relatively thin, dense, high strength faces or skins are adhered. |
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| SCORE | |
| To make an impression or a partial cut in a material for the purpose of bending, creasing, folding or tearing. |
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| SCORE CUT | |
| To make an impression or a partial cut in a material for the purpose of bending, creasing, folding or tearing. |
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| 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. |
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| SELF-ADHESIVE LABEL | |
| A label product that is processed through roll or sheetfed equipment utilizing a pressure sensitive material which has a protective backing. The manufactured product is generally in the form of rolls, sheets, or fanfolded packs. |
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| SELF-WOUND | |
| A roll of material with a single liner, which is coated on both sides with a release coating and a carrier having a pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides. Also a material that has pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to one side and then rolled up on itself (no liner). |
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| SERVICE TEMPERATURE (Exposure Temperature) | |
| The temperature range that a pressure sensitive label will withstand after a 24-hour residence time on the substrate. The range is expressed in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. |
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| SHEAR CUT | |
| Term that describes a cut of a continuous web of stock using an action similar to the action of scissors. |
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| SHEAR STRENGTH | |
| The internal or cohesive strength of the adhesive. |
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| SHEETING | |
| Process whereby rolls of pressure sensitive base stock are converted into sheets of finished labels by cutting them to the desired length in the sheeting stations on a rotary press. |
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| 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). |
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| SILICONE | |
| A polymer of organo-siloxane used as an ink additive to aid ink flow out. Also used for pressure-sensitive adhesives capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. A polymeric material with exceptionally high repellency properties towards adhesives used extensively in the coating of release liners. |
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| SILICONE COATING | |
| A unique polymer system which can be a very effective release coating. |
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| SILICONE STAIN TEST | |
| A water based stain used to test silicone coating coverage and continuity on die cut paper release liners. |
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| SLIT | |
| To cut rolls of stock to specified widths. Either rotary or stationary knives or blades are used with mechanical unwinding and rewinding devices. |
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| SLIT BACK | |
| Slits in the release liner to facilitate its removal by hand. |
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| SLIT FACE | |
| Slits in face or pressure-sensitive product usually for facilitating removal from the release coated backing. |
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| SLOT | |
| A cut make in a material of a specific size and location. May have the face material removed when used to feed through imprinters. |
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| SMUDGE RESISTANCE | |
| The resistance of a printed surface to smearing. |
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| SOLVENT | |
| A chemical substance capable of thinning or reducing the viscosity of ink, coating or adhesives. Specifically, a solvent is a liquid that dissolves another substance. |
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| SOLVENT ADHESIVES | |
| Adhesives' components are dissolved in a variety of organic solvents for coating. Rubber or acrylic-based systems can be coated this way. |
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| SOLVENT RESISTANCE | |
| The resistance of a pressure sensitive label to the action of specific organic liquids. |
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| SPLIT BACK | |
| Slits in the release liner to facilitate its removal by hand. |
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| SPLIT FACE | |
| Slits in face or pressure-sensitive product usually for facilitating removal from the release coated backing. |
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| SPLIT LINER | |
| Slits in the release liner to facilitate its removal by hand. |
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| SPUNBONDED OLEFIN | |
| Describes a synthetic plastic material formed by the random distribution of very fine continuous fibers which are self-bonded by heat and pressure. |
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| STACK PRESS | |
| Flexographic press where the printing stations are placed one above the other, each with its own impression roll. |
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| STACKER | |
| Device on the take-off end of a press that automatically stacks sheeted labels. |
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| START/STOP CHARACTER | |
| A bar code character that provides the scanner with start or stop reading instructions as well as code orientation. The start character is usually at the left-hand end and the stop character at the right-hand corner of a picket-fence oriented code. |
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| STATIC | |
| Electrical charges generated in handling materials which cause materials to cling together. Can jump to humans or equipment causing shock or fire if solvents are present. With reference to films, causes them to cling to one another or to other insulating surfaces. |
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| 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. |
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| STATIC ELIMINATOR | |
| A device for neutralizing static electricity. |
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| STEPPED ANVIL | |
| An anvil which has had either the bearer or body area reduced in order for die blades to cut to different depth than originally intended. |
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| STICKYBACK | |
| Double-faced adhesive coated material used for mounting printing plates to the plate cylinder. |
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| STUB ROLL | |
| A short roll of face material or pressure-sensitive label stock. |
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| STYRENE | |
| A liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon (CgHg). See polystyrene. |
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| SUBSTRATE | |
| The surface to which a label is applied; adherend. Converters also refer to the face stock being printed as the substrate. |
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| TACK (Quick Stick, Quick Tack) | |
| The property of a pressure sensitive label which causes it to adhere to a surface instantly with a minimum of pressure and contact time. |
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| TAGS | |
| Any identification that is only partially affixed to the product/item. System tags: converted through roll-fed production equipment. Merchandise tags: converted through narrow web roll-fed production equipment. |
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| 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. |
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| TEDLAR | |
| Du Pont's trademark for bi-axially oriented polyvinyl fluoride. One of the most durable, chemical-resistant, protective films. |
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| TENSILE STRENGTH | |
| The force parallel to the plane of the specimen required to break a given width and length of stock under specified conditions. |
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| TENSION | |
| The mechanical control of unwinding a rewinding paper, film, foil and other roll materials. The stress caused by a force operating to extend, stretch or pull apart. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| THERMAL TRANSFER PAPER | |
| A face paper specifically designed to accept heat-activated ink from the ribbon of a thermal-transfer printer. |
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| THERMOGRAPHIC PAPER | |
| A label paper having a heat activated coating that will accept an image from a thermal graphic printer. |
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| THROUGH CUT | |
| A die cut in a pressure sensitive label which has been made through all components of the label stock and liner. |
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| TIE | |
| A term used to denote the uncut portion of a perforation. |
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| TOLERANCE | |
| Dimensions within a given range of preset standards. |
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| TOOLING | |
| Dies, per cutters, butt cutters, etc., used to cut out the labels. |
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| TOOTH COUNT | |
| Refers to the actual number of teeth there are on the gear which is attached to the dies and printing cylinders. Each tooth count refers to a separate and actual repeat length. |
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| TOP COATING | |
| A chemical coating applied to the surface to improve ink and toner anchorage. |
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| TOP LAMINATION | |
| 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. |
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| TRACTOR FEED | |
| 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. |
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| TRANSFER TAPE | |
| A pressure sensitive adhesive that has a two sided release coated liner. When applied to a surface, the release liner is left in place for removal later. |
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| TRANSLUCENT LABEL | |
| Material capable of transmitting light yet not totally transparent. |
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| TRANSPARENT LABEL | |
| Material capable of transmitting light so that the objects can be distinctly seen through the specimen. |
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| TRIGGER OR KEY MARK | |
| A code bit(s) that tells the scanner if the code is in a position to be read; used with some fixed beam readers. |
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| 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. |
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| U.L. | |
| Underwriters Laboratories. |
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| 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 to 72 hours. |
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| ULTRA-VIOLET (UV) RESISTANCE | |
| The ability of a material to withstand extended exposure to sunlight (ultra-violet) without degradation, hardening, or excessive discoloration. |
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| UV DRYING | |
| A system which employs ultraviolet radiation to instantly complete the curing process. |
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| UNBLEACHED | |
| A term applied to paper or pulp which has not been treated with bleaching agents. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| WEATHERABILITY | |
| Capability of a label to withstand the effects of outdoor conditions such as sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, and time. |
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| 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. |
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| WEB DIRECTION | |
| The direction of any material parallel to its forward movement on the press. |
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| WEB PRESS | |
| A rotary press which can accept material from roll stock. |
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| WEB TENSION | |
| The amount of pull or tension applied in the direction of travel of a web of paper through a web press. |
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| WRAP-AROUND LABEL | |
| Label that extends completely around the labeled surface. |
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| YELLOWING | |
| Gradual color change in the original appearance of a label, characterized by the development of yellowish and brownish hues. |
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