Glossary

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 is 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. 

APPLICATION TEMPERATURE

The temperature of the substrate or label material at the time the label will be applied. All adhesives have a minimum application temperature rating usually around 10^oC 

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. 

BLEED

When the printed image extends beyond the trim edge of the label, it is called the bleed. 

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.

COROPLAST

Coroplast is a brand name for corrugated plastic. Just like Kleenex is a type of facial tissue, Coroplast is a type of corrugated plastic. Corrugated plastic is simply the plastic equivalent of cardboard. It’s two sheets of plastic separated by another layer of zigzagged plastic. Coroplast, or corrugated plastic, is the same material real estate agents use for their yard signs. Coroplast is lightweight, inexpensive, and fairly sturdy. Plus, it comes in various colors.

CROP MARKS

Marks made on the outer edges of artwork to designate the area to be printed.

DPI

Dots per inch or dpi is a measure only recognized in software applications that are designed for preparing material for print, such as various office and desktop publishing applications, and is directly related to the actual measurement of the image on the printed page. It is not generally recognized by web browsers or image viewing software. This information is separate from the pixel information. For better print quality the dpi value should be 300 or more dpi. This is why it is important to keep original, large images. Pixels or dots can not be added later.

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 LINES

A hand-drawn or computer-generated layout of the die-cut shape or shapes on a clear or matte finish acetate or mylar. 

FOAM CORE

Foamcore, foam board, or paper-faced foam board is a lightweight and easily cut material used for mounting of photographic prints, temporary signs, as backing for picture framing, for making scale models, and in painting. It consists of a board of polystyrene foam clad with an outer facing of paper on either side, typically white clay-coated paper or brown kraft paper. Foamcore is easily dented. 

FOIL

A very thin metal sheet that can be used as a face stock material in label production. 

FOUR-COLOUR PROCESS

Printing with yellow, magenta and cyan inks plus black, using screens to create full-colour images 

GATORBOARD

Gatorboard (or gator board) is a type of display board with a dense inner core made of foam and a rigid exterior made of wood-fiber veneer. This exterior is water-resistant and will not easily break or warp. Essentially, gatorboard is a tougher and more durable build of foam board, but that toughness comes at a cost. To determine which material is better suited for your needs, there are several factors to consider. For example, will your display be mounted outdoors? In that case, the weather-resistant coating on gatorboard may be necessary. Are you using the board to market a temporary indoor event?

INKJET

A method of printing using liquid ink projected a drop at a time against a substrate. 

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. 

MATTE FINISH

A low-gloss or no-gloss finish. 

OPAQUE INK

An ink that is not transparent and reflects only its colour regardless of what colours it overprints. 

PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL (Self-adhesive Label)

A label product that is processed through a 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 fan-folded packs 

PROCESS PRINTING

Multi-colour printing utilizing a variety of printing screens, depth of etching, etc., and usually using yellow, magenta, cyan and black inks to give an optical effect of all colours and hues being present in a composite picture. 

PVC

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a plastic product used in manufacturing packaging, toys, shower curtains, and art and for graphic design. PVC is a flexible, lightweight and durable material that can be made into sheets suitable for inkjet printing. Art and graphic designs can be printed on PVC sheets and then laminated for greater durability. 

REMOVABLE ADHESIVE

A pressure-sensitive adhesive characterized by low ultimate adhesion and clean removability from a wide variety of surfaces. 

SELF-ADHESIVE LABEL

See pressure-sensitive labels.

SINTRA BOARD

An affordable, durable, lightweight and moisture-resistant 48″ x 96″ board. It can be cut, routed, machined, heat-formed or bonded. It’s easily painted and can be used effectively with vinyl lettering and many adhesives. Great for screen printing, models, displays, exhibit booths, indoor and outdoor signs, and photo mounting. UV Resistant. It contains no leads or heavy metals.

STATIC CLING

An induced property of a film which enables it to grab onto a smooth clean surface without using a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Static cling is a phrase applied to both mechanical grabbing and grabbing by electrical static.

SUBSTRATE

The surface to which a label is applied; adherend. Converters also refer to the face stock being printed as the substrate. 

TOLERANCE

Dimensions within a given range of pre-set standards. 

ULTRA-VIOLET RESISTANCE (UV)

The ability of a material to withstand extended exposure to sunlight (ultra-violet) without degradation, hardening, or excessive discolouration.

VINYL

Synthetic plastic products 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 coloured. Its high stretch is due to the addition of plasticizer. 

WEATHERABILITY

The capability of a product to withstand the effects of outdoor conditions such as sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, and time.