Coast Label Glossary
Our technical glossary contains terms associated with the label printing and pre-press industries.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
A
AGA
American Gas Association.
AIAG
Automobile Industry Action Group. An organization formed to
coordinate automatic identification activities for the automobile
industry.
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute. A non-governmental
organization responsible for the development of voluntary industry
standards.
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.
ABRASIVENESS
The tendency of a paper, coating or ink to abrade or
wear away die edges, slitting blades, printing type, etc., by friction.
ACCELERATED AGING
Test procedures for subjecting P.S. label stock to
special environmental conditions in order to predict the course of
natural aging in a far shorter period of time.
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.
ACRYLIC
A general chemical term of a particular family of
thermoplastic resins based on acrylic acid and its derivatives.
ACRYLIC ADHESIVE
Pressure-sensitive adhesive based on high-strength,
acrylic polymers. Can be coated as a solvent or emulsion system.
ACRYLIC EMULSION
A water-based latex make with acrylic polymers, used
in coatings and adhesives.
ADHESION
A measurement of the force required to remove a label from a
substance.
ADHESIVE (Glue, Gum)
A substance capable of holding materials
together by surface attachment. (American Society for Testing
Materials).
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.
ADHESIVE STRIKE-THROUGH
When adhesive penetrates through the face
material of a pressure-sensitive lamination.
ADHESIVE RESIDUE (Adhesive Deposit, Adhesive Transfer)
The adhesive
remaining behind on a substrate when a P.S. label is removed.
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.
ALIGNMENT
The relative position of a scanner or light source to a bar
code.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
A term used to denote the temperature of the
surrounding air.
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.
ANVIL
A hardened steel roll upon which the bearers of a rotary die
cutter ride which also provides the hardened surface to support the die
cutting.
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.
APPLICATOR
A device that automatically feeds and applies pressure
sensitive labels to a product.
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.
AUTOCLAVE
Container for sterilizing, i.e. in label application, label
must endure a cooking process by superheated steam under
pressure.
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B
BACK SPLIT
See split back.
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.
BAGGINESS
A slack, floppy area usually caused by gauge variation.
The material has been stretched and is actually longer in that area.
BASE
The major constituent, other than pigments and filler,
comprising the non-volatile portion of an adhesive coating or sealer
compound.
BASE ROLL
See anvil roll.
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.
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.
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 CODE READER
A device used to identify and read bar code symbols.
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.
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.
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.
BEARING BLOCK
A device that holds the die in place in the die
station.
BIAX
Biaxially oriented material, that is, oriented in the machine
and transverse directions.
BIDIRECTIONAL READ
The ability to read data successfully whether
scanning is done left to right or right to left.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.
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.
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.
BURSTING PERF
A fold perforation that permits mechanical bursting.
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.
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.
BUTT LABELS
See butt cut labels.
BUTT ROLL
See stub roll.
BUTTED RECTANGLES
Die cut rectangles butted to each other with no
around and/or across matrix to remove.
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C
CSA
Canadian Standards Association.
CALENDER FINISHED
A term applied to any paper with a surface glazed
by means of a calendar stack.
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.
CARRIER
Sometimes used to refer to the liner materials of pressure
sensitive labels.
CAST COATED
A high-gloss enamel finish.
CAST-COATED PAPER
A paper, the coating of which is allowed to harden
or set while in contact with a finished casting surface.
CAST FILM
Plastic sheeting manufactured by the casting process, as
opposed to the extruding process.
CAST VINYL
Vinyl sheeting manufactured by coating a liquid vinyl
acetate or similar ester onto a casting paper and curing in a heated
oven.
CAVITY
Usually refers to the engraving on a rotary die cutter that
die cuts a single shape.
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.
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.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
The resistance of a P.S. label to the
deteriorating effects of exposure to various chemicals under specified
conditions.
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.
CIRCUMFERENTIAL REGISTER
See running register.
CLAY COATED
A term used to describe a paper with a clay coating on
either one or both sides.
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.
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.
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.
CO-EXTRUSIONS
Film produced by more than one extruder through a
common die. Films have been made with as many as 13 layers.
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.
COLD FLOW (Ooze)
The flow of a P.S. adhesive under pressure or
stress.
CONDITIONING
Process of subjecting material to specific temperature
and humidity conditions for stipulated time.
CONFORMABILITY
The ability of a P.S. material to yield to the
contours of a curved or rough surface.
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.
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.
COPIER LABEL
A label designed for overprinting by a plain paper
photo-copier.
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.
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).
COUPON
Removable label either supplying information or having
redeemable value. They may be either pressure sensitive on non-pressure
sensitive.
CROP MARKS
Marks made on the outer edges of artwork to designate the
area to be printed.
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.
CRUSH CUT
A cut made by a rotary blade in contact with an anvil or
base roll.
CRUSH SCORE
See score.
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.
CUT-OFF
In web printing, the cut or print length corresponding to the
circumference of the plate cylinder and/or die cutter; equipment.
CUT RULE
Steel rule blades designed to cut material being produced on
flat-bed die cutting equipment.
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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D
DEBOSSED
An indent or cut in design or lettering of a surface.
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.
DESTATICIZATION
Treating plastic materials to minimize their
accumulation of static electricity.
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 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.
DIE BLADES
Sharpened, thin steel blades used in flat or rotary dies.
Also refers to blades on machine engraved or EDM manufactured rotary
dies.
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.
DIE HOLD-DOWN ASSEMBLY
A steel block incorporating bearing which
apply pressure to the bearer surface of a rotary die cutter through
pressure screws.
DIE LIFE
Mileage expected from a new die and that expected following
a resharpening of a die.
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.
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.
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
The property of a material which relates to the
degree of its growth or shrinkage from temperature or tension.
DISCRETE CODE
A bar code or symbol in which the spaces between
characters (intercharacter gap) are not part of the code.
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).
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.
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.
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.
DWELL (Residence Time)
1)The time during which P.S. 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 P.S. material.
DYE TEST
See die stain.
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E
EDM
Electronic Discharge Machining Process for removing metal - as in
rotary dies.
EDGE CURL
See curl.
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).
EDM DIE
Die produced using Electronic Discharge Machining.
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.
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.
EMBOSSED
Condition in which the image is raised above the
surface.
EMULSION ADHESIVE (Aqueous, Water Based)
A dispersion of fine
particles or globules in another liquid. Many P.S. adhesives are
emulsion systems.
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.
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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F
FACE-CUT LABEL
Any pressure sensitive label where the face material
is cut to the liner.
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.
FACE SLIT
A slit in the face material of a pressure sensitive product
to facilitate removal from the backing.
FACE SPLIT
See face slit.
FACE STOCK
See face material.
FAN FOLD
See continuous labels.
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.
FILM
Acetate, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, and
other polymeric materials used as face stocks.
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.
FIRST READ RATE
The percentage representing the number of successful
reads per 100 attempts.
FISH EYES
Round or oval deformations in an adhesive, coating or ink.
FLAT PACK
A continuous web folded at a cross perforation at regular
intervals. See fan fold.
FLEX
Another term for deflection of rolls or cylinders in press.
Also, bending qualities or characteristics of any material, including
printing substrates.
FLEXIBILITY (Conformability, Pliability)
Property of face stock
material that indicates how readily it conforms to curved
surfaces.
FLEXIBLE DIE
See magnetic die.
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.
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.
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.
FOIL
A very thin metal sheet that can be used as a face stock
material in label production.
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.
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.
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G
GEAR CHART
A handy reference compilation of the various printing
lengths, or repeats obtainable within the different gearing systems.
GEAR SIDE
See driving side.
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.
GLOSS
Characteristics of the surface which causes it to reflect light
at a given angle.
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.
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.
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.
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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H
HANG TAG
A term used to describe fold-over labels generally used for
product identification. These products usually 'hang' in the retail
marketplace.
HARDNESS
Degree of hardness. Shore and Rockwell being two scales
used to measure and compare hardness.
HEAT SEAL (Heat Activated Labels)
Label paper that has a plastic
coating which melts under heat to form the bonding agent.
HEAT RESISTANCE
Property of a material which inhibits the occurrence
of physical or chemical changes caused by exposure to high
temperatures.
HEAVY COAT WEIGHT
A higher-than-standard weight of coating per unit
area.
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.
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.
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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I
ID
Inside diameter.
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.
IMPACT PRINTING
Any printing system where microprocessor-controlled
hammer impacts against a ribbon and a substrate.
IMPRESSION
The image transferred from the printing plate to the
substrate or the adjustment required to effect the same.
IMPRESSION CYLINDER
In printing, the cylinder on a printing press
over which the material feeds to pick up the impression from the inked
plate.
IMPRINTING
Technique which applies variable copy to blank or
pre-printed labels with a secondary device.
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.
IN-MOLD LABELS (IML)
Special type of labels which are pre-applied to
plastic bottles during the blow-molding operation.
INDEX HOLES
See feed slots.
INDEX PUNCH
See feed slots.
INFEED NIP
A mechanism designed to control the forward travel of the
web into the press.
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.
INK JET
A method of printing using liquid ink projected a drop at a
time against a substrate.
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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J
JOURNALS
The end shafts on which a roll rotates, usually within the
needle bearing or busing of a die block.
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K
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.
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.
KISS CUT
A die-cutting operation which cuts through the face sheet to
a liner but not through the liner.
KNIFE CUT LABELS
See butt cut labels.
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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.
LABELING MACHINE
Dispensing apparatus that, by means of driving or
pulling the backing, delivers a pressure-sensitive label and applies it
to a product.
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.
LASER SCANNER
An optical bar code reading device that uses a low
energy laser light beam to illuminate the code.
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
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).
LEGGING
The stringing out of a P.S. 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.
LETTERPRESS PRINTING
Printing process in which ink is applied to a
surface from raised portions of rigid printing plates or type.
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.
LINE HOLE PUNCHING
See feed slots.
LINER
See backing.
LITHOGRAPHIC PAPER
A paper coated on at least one side, suitably
prepared for lithographic printing.
LAY FLAT
A label material with good non-curling and non-distortion
characteristics.
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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.
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.
MARGINAL PUNCHING
See feed slots; pin feed.
MASTER ROLL
A full width roll that has finished the primary
manufacturing process and is usually untrimmed and unslit.
MATERIAL
Usually refers to unconverted stock, pressure-sensitive or
not.
MATERIAL SPLICE
An area where tape has been used to attach two rolls
of material together to form one continuous web.
MATRIX (WASTER SKELETON)
The face material and adhesive surrounding a
self-adhesive label, usually removed after die-cutting.
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.
MEMORY
The property of a material that causes it to attempt to return
to its original dimensions after being distorted.
METAL FOIL
Thin, flexible layer of metal, such as aluminum, sued as
face materials. Thinner gauges are often laminated to paper for
strength.
METALIZED FILM
A plastic or resinous film that has been coated on one
side with a very thin layer of metal.
METALIZED PAPER
A label substrate consisting of a lacquered CIS paper
on which a very thin film of aluminum has been deposited.
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.
MICROMETER
A mechanical device for measuring thickness (usually in
thousands of an inch).
MICRON
A unit of measure. On millionth of a meter or about .00004"
(25 microns = 0.001").
MIGRATION (Bleed)
The movement of one or more components of the P.S.
adhesive into either a substrate or face material.
MIL
Unit of thickness measurement used for thin materials. 1
mil=0.001 inch=100 gauge.
MOISTURE CONTENT
The moisture present in a material as determined by
specified methods.
MOISTURE VAPOR TRANSMISSION
A measure of the rate of water vapor
transmission through a P.S. label.
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.
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.
MOTTLE
Non-uniform coloring or coating of a face material or of the
printing on the label.
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.
MYLAR
Dupont's trademark for clear, tough polymeric polyester film.
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N
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.
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.
NIP
Line of contact between two rolls. Often referred to as the pull
or draw rolls of a web press.
NON-WOVEN MATERIALS
Usually refers to paper 'tissues' or synthetics
such as tynek.
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O
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer. One who produces a component or
components used in the making of a finished assembled product.
OPP
Oriented polypropylene.
OD
Outside diameter of a cylinder, roller or roll of labels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OPAQUE INK
An ink that is not transparent and reflects only its color
regardless of what colors it overprints.
OPERATING SIDE
That side of a label press on which the printing unit
adjustments are located. Opposite of driving side or gear side.
OPTICITE FILM
Trademark of a label film supplied by Dow Chemical
(polystyrene type).
ORIENTATION
The alignment of bars and spaces to the scanner. Often
referred to as vertical (picket fence) or horizontal (ladder).
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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P
PSI
Pounds per Square Inch.
PATTERN ADHESIVE
See pattern coated.
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.
PEEL ADHESION (Adhesion)
The force required to remove a P.S. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PERMANENT ADHESIVE
An adhesive characterized by having relatively
high ultimate adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces.
PHOSPHORESCENT FACE
A face material coated with phosphorescent ink
that emits light in a visible spectrum.
PHOTOPOLYMER
Plate material that is photsensitive and upon exposure,
its compounds polymerize to form a tough, abrasion resistant surface
which becomes the inking media.
PIGGYBACK
Multi-ply P.S. 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.
PIGMENT
Finely ground, solid particles used to give color opacity to
printing inks and coatings, usually insoluble in such a mixture.
PIN FEED
See feed slots.
PINCH ROLL
See nip roll or pull roll.
PITCH DIAMETER
The measurement of a gear or cylinder, determined by
dividing the circumference by Pi (3.1416).
PLATE
The image carrier in letterpress and flexographic printing.
PLATEN PRESS
Printing press in which a flat surface bearing the paper
is pressed against a flat surface bearing the inked type.
PLIABILITY
See flexibility.
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 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.
POLYESTER OVERLAM
A clear, glossy polyester film coated with clear
acrylic adhesive. Can also be supplied with a matte surface.
POLYETHYLENE
A tough, stretch plastic film having very good low
temperature characteristics, also used a great deal for producing
semi-rigid recyclable bottles.
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.
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.
POLYVINYL
Refers to a group of resins formed by polymerizing various
vinyl monomers.
POLYVINYLIDENE CHLORIDE
Usually a very thin transparent film with
excellent resistance to acids, water and organic solvents. Saran.
POROSITY
In paper the degree of air permeability measured in terms of
air floe through the sheet.
PRESSURE BRIDGE
The steel support mechanically secured over the die
stations, through which the pressure screws are threaded.
PRESSURE SCREWS
Steel shafts threaded through the pressure bridge
which are used to apply pressure (in rotary die cutting station) to
facilitate die cutting.
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.
PRESSURE SENSITIVE TAPE
A combination of a pressure-sensitive
adhesive with a carrier. Tapes are either self-wound or utilize release
liners or films.
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.
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.
PRINT TREATED
A proprietary chemical alteration of the surface by the
film manufacturer done during the film making process.
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.
PROTECTIVE COATING (Overcoat, Overprint Coating)
Coating that
protects printing on and the face material of a pressure sensitive label
from abrasion, chemicals and moisture.
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.
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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Q
QUICKSTICK (Tack, Finger Tack, Initial Tack, Wet Grab)
The property
of a P.S. 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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R
REAM
Five hundred sheets of paper.
REAM WEIGHT
The amount which one ream of paper weighs.
REFLECTANCE
The measured level of light reflected by a paper or
imprinted characters thereon, expressed in percent of a standard
reference material.
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.
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.
RELEASE
The force required to free or separate a pressure-sensitive
label from its release liner, using a specific measuring device.
RELEASE COAT (Release Lacquer, Lacquer, Silicone Coat)
Material
coated on the liner which allows P.S. labels to release.
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.
REMOVABLE ADHESIVE
A pressure-sensitive adhesive characterized by low
ultimate adhesion and clean removability from a wide variety of
surfaces.
REMOVABILITY
A relative term to describe the force or condition under
which a P.S. 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.
REPEAT
The printing length of a plate cylinder, determined by one
revolution of the plate cylinder gear.
RESIDUE
Adhesive left on substrate when a label is removed.
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.
ROCKWELL HARDNESS
A method of determining the surface hardness of a
substance. Degree of hardness.
ROLL LABEL
Pressure-sensitive labels that are produced in a
continuous roll form.
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.
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.
ROTARY PRESS
A press that in normal use features a roll-to-roll
operation.
ROTARY PRINTING
Accomplished by means of a cylindrical impression
cylinder and a cylindrical printing plate.
RUBBER BASE ADHESIVE
Pressure-sensitive adhesive based on natural or
synthetic rubber. Can be coated as a solvent, hot melt or emulsion
system.
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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S
SCK (Super-calendered Kraft)
A bleached, white paper used as a
release liner with most standard roll label products.
SANDWICH CONSTRUCTION
Panels composed of a lightweight core material
to which two relatively thin, dense, high strength faces or skins are
adhered.
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.
SCORING
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.
SELF-ADHESIVE LABEL
See pressure-sensitive label.
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).
SERVICE TEMPERATURE (Exposure Temperature)
The temperature range that
a P.S. label will withstand after a 24-hour residence time on the
substrate. The range is expressed in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
SHEAR CUT
Term that describes a cut of a continuous web of stock
using an action similar to the action of scissors.
SHEAR STRENGTH
The internal or cohesive strength of the adhesive.
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).
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.
SILICONE COATING
A unique polymer system which can be a very
effective release coating.
SILICONE STAIN TEST
A water based stain used to test silicone coating
coverage and continuity on die cut paper release liners.
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.
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.
SMUDGE RESISTANCE
The resistance of a printed surface to
smearing.
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.
SOLVENT ADHESIVES
Adhesives' components are dissolved in a variety of
organic solvents for coating. Rubber or acrylic-based systems can be
coated this way.
SOLVENT RESISTANCE
The resistance of a P.S. label to the action of
specific organic liquids.
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.
SPLIT LINER
See split back.
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.
STACK PRESS
Flexographic press where the printing stations are placed
one above the other, each with its own impression roll.
STACKER
Device on the take-off end of a press that automatically
stacks sheeted labels.
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.
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.
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.
STATIC ELIMINATOR
A device for neutralizing static electricity.
STEEL-TO-STEEL LABEL
See anvil cut or sheeted labels.
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.
STICKYBACK
Double-faced adhesive coated material used for mounting
printing plates to the plate cylinder.
STUB ROLL
A short roll of face material or pressure-sensitive label
stock.
STYRENE
A liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon (CgHg). See polystyrene.
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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T
TACK (Quick Stick, Quick Tack)
The property of a P.S. label which
causes it to adhere to a surface instantly with a minimum of pressure
and contact time.
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.
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.
TEDLAR
Du Pont's trademark for bi-axially oriented polyvinyl
fluoride. One of the most durable, chemical-resistant, protective
films.
TENSILE STRENGTH
The force parallel to the plane of the specimen
required to break a given width and length of stock under specified
conditions.
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.
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.
THERMOGRAPHIC PAPER
A label paper having a heat activated coating
that will accept an image from a thermal graphic printer.
THROUGH CUT
A die cut in a pressure sensitive label which has been
made through all components of the label stock and liner.
TIE
A term used to denote the uncut portion of a perforation.
TOLERANCE
Dimensions within a given range of preset standards.
TOOLING
Usually refers to die cutters, butt cutters, etc., used to
cut out the labels.
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.
TOP COATING
A chemical coating applied to the surface to improve ink
and toner anchorage.
TOP LAMINATION
See overlaminating.
TRACTOR FEED
See pin feed.
TRANSLUCENT LABEL
Material capable of transmitting light yet not
totally transparent.
TRANSPARENT LABEL
Material capable of transmitting light so that the
objects can be distinctly seen through the specimen.
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.
TYVEK
Du Pont's trademark for spun bonded polyolefin material
frequently used as a face stock where very high tensile strength is
required.
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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 RESISTANCE (UV)
The ability of a material to withstand
extended exposure to sunlight (ultra-violet) without degradation,
hardening, or excessive discoloration.
UNBLEACHED
A term applied to paper or pulp which has not been treated
with bleaching agents.
UNDERCUT PLATE CYLINDER
See plate cylinder.
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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.
VARNISH
A clear protective coating, usually glossy, applied to a
printed we in-line on a label press just prior to die cutting.
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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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.
WEB DIRECTION
See machine direction.
WEB TENSION
The amount of pull or tension applied in the direction of
travel of a web of paper through a web press.
WRAP-AROUND LABEL
Label that extends completely around the labeled
surface.
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Y
YELLOWING
Gradual color change in the original appearance of a P.S.
label, characterized by the development of yellowish and brownish hues.
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Coast Label Company
Your partner in label solutionsTM
17406 Mt. Cliffwood Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708 USA
TEL: 800.995.0483 | 714.426.1410
FAX: 714.426.1440
EMAIL: inquiry@coastlabel.com
© Copyright 2000 Coast Label Company