Glossary of Terms, A - C
NS = Refer relevant National Standard.
LM = Refer Labelstock Manufacturers specification sheets.
IM = Refer Ink Manufacturers specification sheets.
O = Other manufacturers specification sheets - Die or cutter, plates, etc.
A
A, AA, AAA
Often used as client credit rating system.
A = Good Client, AA = Very Good Client, AAA = Excellent
Client
ABHESIVE
A material that resists adhesion. Abhesive coatings are applied to surfaces
to prevent sticking, etc.
ABRASION RESISTANCE
The inherent ability of a surface to inhibit deterioration or destruction by
friction. Also called `rub or scuff resistance’, it relates to the toughness
of an ink or coating.
Refer NS & IM.
ABRASIVENESS
The tendency of a paper, coating or ink to abrade or wear away die edges, slitting
blades, printing type, plates, etc., by friction.
Refer NS.
ABSORBENCY
That property of a porous material which causes it to take up liquids or vapours.
ABSORPTION
The penetration of one substance into the mass of another. ie. Ink absorbed
into paper.
ACCELERATE
To hasten the natural progress of an event or a series of events. To speed
up a reaction or process. ie. This can be accomplished by using heat, fast
drying solvents, moving air or using chemical agents in inks to cause a reaction.
ie.
- Drying an adhesive or sealer faster than normal by increasing the
temperature.
- Adding an accelerator (Chemical), to Ultra Violet inks to assist a
faster cure.
Refer NS & IM.
ACCELERANT - Chemical. (Not to be confused with Accelerated Aging)
A material (catalyst), added to a liquid compound to convert the whole mass
into a solid, or speed up its cure as in Ultra Violet Inks. (Was known as
ACCELERATOR - misnomer)
ACCELERATED AGING
Procedures for subjecting pressure sensitive label stock to special environmental
conditions in order to predict the course of natural aging. (Can also be printed
for ink & paper aging tests combined).
Refer NS, LM & IM.
ACETATE
A plastic synthesised from cellulose dissolved in acetic acid which exhibits
rigidity, dimensional stability & ink receptivity. Transparent or matt
films, sometimes used for label stocks.
ACETATE FILM
A clear film made from cellulose acetate.
ACID-FREE PAPER
A paper made for use where acid is harmful to the material with which that
paper is in contact. (See Neutral Papers or pH Value).
ACIDITY
A general term applying to paper on the Acid side of neutral (Degree of Acidity).
ACRYLATE RESINS
A type of copolymer used in UV inks, adhesives and coating formulations.
ACRYLIC
A general chemical term of a particular family of thermoplastic resins based
on acrylic acid and its derivatives.
ACRYLIC BASED ADHESIVE
A pressure sensitive adhesive based on high strength, acrylic polymers. Can
be coated as a solvent or emulsion system.
ACRYLIC EMULSION
A water based latex made with acrylic polymers, used in coatings and adhesives.
ACRYLIC INK
Ink containing acrylic polymers used for printing on some plastics and other
substrates, especially where outdoor exposure may be involved.
ADHERE
To stick or hold fast. To bond; to cause two surfaces to be held together by
adhesive (Stuck).
ADHERENCE
See Adhesion
ADHEREND
The substance or surface to which the adhesive is applied. ie. Face Stock.
ADHESION
The quality or condition of sticking together or holding fast two surfaces
- one to the other. Term is also used to describe the measure of strength
with which one material sticks to another
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESION BUILD-UP
An increase in the ‘peel’ adhesion value of a pressure sensitive
material after it has been allowed to dwell on the applied surface.
ADHESION, MECHANICAL
Adhesion caused by the physical interlocking of the adhesive with the base
surface irregularities of the adherend.
ADHESION, PEEL
The measure of the force required to remove a pressure sensitive material from
another surface at a specified angle and speed, after the material has been
applied under specific conditions
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESION PROMOTER - See PRIMER
ADHESION, SHEAR
A measure of the time required to slide a specific sized area of pressure sensitive
label material from a standard flat surface in a direction parallel to that
surface. Weight and heat are sometimes used to accelerate the test
Refer
NS & LM.
ADHESION, SPECIFIC
The adhesion to a specified surface.
ADHESION TEST
Any of a variety of test methods used to determine the adequacy of ink, coating
or adhesive adhesion to a substrate
Refer NS, LM & IM.
ADHESION, ULTIMATE
The mature or final bond achieved, under controlled conditions, between ink,
coating or adhesive to any flexible or rigid substrate.
ADHESIVE
A substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment.
ADHESIVE BLEED
Ooze - Adhesive ooze, flow or excretion from between pressure sensitive material
or label and the surface to which the material or label is bonded, as a result
of cold flow or edge ooze
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE BUILD-UP
The transfer of adhesive from pressure sensitive label material to label machinery
parts during conversion or applicator parts during dispensing and applying
of labels. Also may be transferred from leading edge of sheets in laser or
ink-jet printer hoppers and photocopiers
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE, COLD TEMPERATURE
An adhesive that will induce a bond to cold surfaces in a cold environment
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE DEPOSIT
See Adhesive Residue
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE FILM
Thin layer of dried adhesive (1 - 3 mils) provided in dry film form, with or
without reinforcing material, which is cured by means of heat and pressure.
(Iron-on Labels).
ADHESIVE, HIGH TEMPERATURE
An adhesive that will enable a pressure sensitive label material to withstand
sustained high temperatures
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE, PERMANENT
An adhesive characterised by relatively high ultimate adhesion. May be removed
if the force used overcomes the bond, however permanent is considered non-removable
under normal circumstances
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE
A type of adhesive which in dry form is aggressively tacky at room temperature.
It has the capability of promoting a temporary bond to dissimilar surfaces
on contact, but needs pressure to complete the action of being stuck - hence
pressure sensitive label
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE, REMOVABLE
An adhesive characterised 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
to which it is stuck
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE RESIDUE
The pressure sensitive adhesive remaining behind on a surface due to cohesive
or priming failure when a pressure sensitive label is removed from that surface.
This also refers to the release from the liner or backing
Refer NS &
LM.
ADHESIVE SPLITTING
Failure within the adhesive mass when labels are placed under stress or removed.
If splitting occurs, part of the adhesive remains on the substrate, and part
on the labelled object. Appearance is like stringing of adhesive or like stringing
chewing gum.
ADHESIVE STRIKE-THROUGH
When adhesive penetrates through the face material of a pressure sensitive
label. Also called Migration of adhesive
Refer NS & LM.
ADHESIVE TRANSFER
The transfer of adhesive from the label to the surface of the labelled article
Refer NS & LM.
AFFINITY
Chemical attraction - The attraction between the adhesive and the surface to
be labelled.
AGED RELEASE
After premature aging in a laboratory - The force required to remove a release
liner from an adhesive after a measured period of time, often at elevated
temperatures in controlled test conditions
Refer NS & LM.
AGING
The change or changes undergone by a material or adhesive as a result of the
passage of time, or adverse climatic changes
Refer NS & LM.
AIR DRIED
Forced air drying of coatings or inks. (Usually heated air)
Refer NS &
IM.
ALCOHOL
A colourless flammable liquid (organic solvent) used as a solvent in flexographic
inks.
ALIGNMENT (Line-up)
Refers to the relative alignment of printing stations to each other and to
die stations on a label press. Also used to describe the relative position
of a scanner or light source to a bar code.
ALLIGATORING
Term used to describe the appearance of an adhesive, coating or sealer film
that is cracked into large segments. Also called Cracking or Crazing.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
A term used to describe the temperature of the surrounding air. Atmosphere
Refer NS & LM.
ANALYSIS
The division of a substance into its constituent parts with the purpose to
examine or determine their relationship to each other
Refer NS & LM.
ANCHORAGE
The specific adhesion of a pressure sensitive adhesive to a face material or
an anchor coat
Refer IM.
ANILINE DYES
Coal-tar derivatives classified according to the degree of fastness to light
or brightness. Basic dyes have extreme brightness, but are not fast to light.
Acid dyes are less brilliant, but have greater light fastness. Direct dyes
are much more fade resistant than basics and, in some cases, than acid dyes.
ANILINE PRINTING
Early name for rubber plate printing, using fast-drying liquid inks.
ANILOX INKING
In flexography, a two roller inking system consisting of a smooth roller which
sits in an ink trough and transfers the liquid ink to an engraved metal roller
with cells of a fixed size that then transfer the ink controllably (metered)
to the plate.
ANILOX ROLL (ROLLER)
Mechanically engraved steel or chrome coated or ceramic metering roller used
in flexographic printing presses to meter a controlled film of ink from the
contacting rubber covered doctor roller to the printing plates which then
transfer the ink to the web. Volume of ink is affected by the cell count per
linear inch and dimension of the cell and cell wall of the engraving. Sometimes
manufactured from copper and chromium plated steel, but ceramic rollers, which
are laser engraved, are becoming more common.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Agents which retard the action of oxygen in substances subject to oxidation.
ANTISTATIC AGENTS
Ingredients in coatings that make the coating antistatic.
ANTISTATIC BAR - DEVICE
A bar or device fitted to a Label machine that disperses static to ground.
ANTISTATIC COATINGS
Coatings applied to one or both surfaces of a substrate to reduce the electrostatic
build up, so that the material can be further processes. ie. Sheeted, stacked,
collated etc.
ANVIL CUT LABELS
A pressure sensitive label which has been die-cut through all components of
the label stock, including the liner, steel to steel cut. Full punch out of
labels.
ANVIL ROLLER
Hardened steel roller upon which bearers of a rotary die cutter ride which
also provides the hardened surface for die cutting.
APPLICATION
Refers to a pressure sensitive label actually being adhered to a product.
APPLICATION TEMPERATURE
Temperature of the product or ambient air at the time the label is applied.
Note: Most adhesives have a minimum and maximum application temperature rating
Refer LM data sheets to clarify this, however if in doubt, testing of labels
or labelstock on the product is highly recommended
Refer NS & LM.
APPLICATOR
A device that automatically feeds and applies pressure sensitive labels to
a product.
APPLICATOR ROLLER
Coating, print, tint, lacquer or varnish roller, or laminating roller that
actually applies any of these to a substrate.
AQUEOUS
Water containing or water based
Refers to adhesive or inking systems which
use water as the carrier or vehicle
Refer IM.
AQUEOUS INKS
Inks produced utilising a water base.
ARTIFICIAL AGING
The accelerated testing of specimens to determine a change in properties, carried
out over a short period of time. Such tests are indicative of what may be
expected of a material under actual service conditions over extended periods
Refer NS & LM.
ARTWORK
The original design, including drawings, sketches and text produced by the
artist (graphic). This may be presented as a black and white art sheet with
colour overlays, or in disk format for a computer printout using laser printers.
All elements of the design should be representative of the completed work
and printing plates should be able to be made from the artwork or disc.
ASPECT RATIO
The ratio of height to width of a bar code symbol.
AUTO IGNITION POINT
The temperature at which mixtures of solvent vapour and air will ignite without
the aid of a spark or flame.
AUTOCLAVE
A pressurised, steam heated vessel generally used
for sterilisation. In label application, label must endure a cooking
process by superheated steam under pressure
Refer to Labelstock
manufacturers’ data sheets. Label tests are highly recommended.
B
BACKGROUND
The area surrounding a printed symbol.
BACKING
Refers to the carrier sheet of a 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.
BACK PRINTING
Refers to printing on the underside of a pressure sensitive substrate or laminate,
ie. on the adhesive or back of liner.
BACK SLIT
A cut in the liner, usually along the web, but can be on the back of sheeted
pressure sensitive laminate to allow the face stock to be easily peeled away
by hand when die cutting has not been used.
BACK SPLIT (See Split Back)
BAGGINESS
A slack, floppy area usually caused by gauge variation. The material has been
stretched and is actually longer in that area. Can be caused by tight, uneven
winding of the labelstock by the manufacturer.
BALL-UP
Specific term to describe the tendency of an adhesive to stick to itself; cohesiveness.
Such an adhesive, when rolled between the fingers, will not spread smoothly
but will roll up in small spheres.
BAND LABEL
A paper wrap-around for use on cloth bags, envelope packaging, bulk banknotes,
etc.
BAR
The dark element of a printed bar code symbol.
BAR CODE
In optical reading, a system of symbols (lines) which identifies data through
length, position size or thickness of lines or symbols. Codes are normally
machine printed, but can be computer generated.
BAR CODE DENSITY
The number of characters which can be represented in 25.4mm (1 lineal inch).
BAR CODE READER
A device used to identify and read a bar code symbol.
BAR LENGTH
The bar dimension perpendicular to the bar width.
BAR WIDTH
The thickness of a bar measured from the edge closest to the symbol start character
to the trailing edge to the same bar.
BAR WIDTH REDUCTION
Reduction of the nominal bar width dimension on film, masters or printing plates
to compensate for printing gain (squash).
BARE CYLINDER DIAMETER
The diameter of the actual plate cylinder, before the stickyback and plates
are mounted.
BARRIER COAT - Also known as SEALER COAT, PRIMER or TIE COAT
A coating applied to the face material on the side opposite to the printing
surface to provide increased opacity to the face material and/or to prevent
migration between adhesive and the face material and provide anchorage of
adhesive to face material
Refer LM & IM.
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. (1 square
metre). Although sizes may vary depending on the type of stock and the country
where the measure is made.
BASIS WEIGHT
The weight in kilograms of a ream (500 sheets) of paper cut to a given size.
BATCH COUNTER
Device used on a sheeter, stacker or fanfold unit to count and group sheeted
or fan-folded labels.
BEARER
Type-high supports mounted or moulded around each end of a printing plate to
help carry part of the impression load and to help prevent roller bounce.
Also the load bearing surface(s) of a rotary die, usually positioned at each
end of the die
Refer O.
BEARING BLOCK
A device that holds the die in place and upon which pressure is added so as
to effect the actual die cutting function. Pressure is almost always applied
directly over the bearers at each end of the die
Refer O.
BEND TEST
A means of testing the flexibility of an adhesive, coating or sealer compound
at a specified temperature. The compound is applied to metal, dried or cured,
and after conditioning at a specific temperature, bent over a mandrill to
determine the product’s resistance to rupture
Refer NS.
BIAX
Biaxially oriented material, that is, oriented in the machine and transverse
directions.
BI-DIRECTIONAL READ
The ability to read data successfully whether the scanning motion is left to
right or right to left. (As in supermarket bar code readers)
BI-DIRECTIONAL SYMBOL
A bar code symbol which permits reading in complimentary directions.
BINDER
An adhesive substance, usually in liquid form, used to create adhesion between
aggregates. Distinguished from an adhesive in that it performs an internal
adhesive function rather than a surface adhesive function. Also the component
of an ink that supplies the cohesiveness.
BIT
An abbreviation for ‘binary digit’. A single character in a binary
number.
BLACK-AND-WHITE
Originals or reproductions in single colour or monochrome, usually refers to
artwork.
BLEED
When the printed image extends beyond the trim edge of the label, it is called
bleed.
BLEEDING
The diffusion or migration of an ink or adhesive or dye into an area where
it is not wanted. The spreading or running of a pigment colour by action of
a solvent. Also the diffusion or migration of an adhesive into the face material.
BLEED THROUGH
See Penetration - Migration.
BLOCKING
Undesired adhesion between the plies in rolls of pressure sensitive label stock
usually due to adhesive ooze, improper drying on inks, or improper curing
of coatings, often to the extent that damage to at least one surface is visible
upon their separation if they can in fact be separated. The same applies to
sheets.
BLOCKING TEST
A test used to measure the tendency of surface to surface sticking
Refer NS.
BLOW UP
An enlargement of artwork or photograph.
BODY STOCK - See Face Material
BOLD FACE (TYPE)
Name given to type that is heavier than type text with which it is used. Heavy
face, in contrast to light face type. Used for emphasis in captions, sub-headings
etc.
BOND
To attach materials together by adhesives.
BONDING RANGE
The time during which satisfactory bonds can be made. A bonding range of from
10 to 30 minutes indicates that maximum bonds can be achieved between 10 and
30 minutes. Times vary according to adhesive properties and the article to
which the label is stuck to
Refer LM specification sheets and NS.
BONDING STRENGTH
In paper, the force with which the fibres adhere to each other. In surface
coatings, such as inks, varnishes and adhesives, the strength with which the
dried coating adheres to the surface of the substrate. Also refers to the
degree of adhesion of a pressure sensitive face material to any surface
Refer
NS & LM for test procedure.
BOUNCE
The abnormal reaction to compression, which results in erratic rotational movement
of the cylinders, causing missed or imperfect impressions. Can also occur
with a rotary die, causing imperfect die cutting.
BREAK - See JOIN
A term used to denote a tear in a roll of face material or release liner. Such
defects are generally spliced and marked by a protruding flag or stamped with
a rubber stamp. Term is Break or Join.
BREAKING
The operation of passing material over a dull edge which `breaks’ the
adhesive layer, retarding curl and improving water absorption when re-moistened
for use.
BRIGHTNESS
The reflectivity of a sheet of paper for blue light measured under standardised
conditions on a particular instrument designed and calibrated specifically
for the purpose. Strictly speaking, brightness is not a colorimetric quantity
Refer NS & LM.
BULK
Term used to denote the thickness of a sheet or relevant thickness according
to the basis or substrate weight of a sheet. A bulky sheet refers to one lacking
compactness, resulting in a lighter weight for a given thickness
Refer LM
specification sheets.
BURN
Common term used for printing plate exposure.
BURSTING PERF - (Perforation)
A fold perforation that permits ease of 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
Refer NS for test
procedures.
BUTT CUT LABELS
Rectangular or triangular labels in a continuous form separated by a single
knife cut to the liner across the web. Usually rectangular.
BUTT LABELS - See BUTT CUT
BUTT ROLL - See STUB ROLL
BUTT SPLICE
An end to end joining of two similar materials. For continuity of surface,
design, etc. Often used in stickyback, printing plates and webs of substrates
in process.
BUTTED RECTANGLES
Die cut rectangles butted to each other with no around and/or across matrix
to remove.
BUTTED TRIANGLES
Die cut triangles butted to each other with no around and/or across matrix
to remove.
BYTE
Computer terminology - 8 bits = 1 byte.
C
C
Commonly used as symbol for 100, ie. ‘C’ note = $100.
C1S PAPER
Abbreviation for coated one side paper
CAD/CAM
Computer assisted Design - Computer Assisted Make-up or Manufacturing.
CAKING
The collecting of dried ink on rollers and plates.
CALENDER BLACKENING
A term descriptive of darkening of the intended shade of paper by excessive
calendering wet paper.
CALENDER CUTS
Defects caused by creasing or cutting of the web of paper during calendering
due to wrinkles in the web.
CALENDER FINISHED
A term applied to any paper with a surface glazed by means of a calender stack.
CALLIPER - THICKNESS
The thickness of paper measured under specified conditions, and usually expressed
in grams per square metre or microns. Can also be given as thousands of an
inch
Refer to Labelstock Manufacturer’s Specification sheets
Refer
relevant National Standard for test procedure.
CAMERA READY - (Artwork)
Copy which is ready for photography. See Artwork.
CARRIER
Sometimes used to refer to the liner material of pressure sensitive labels.
Also a term used to describe the stock to which two (2) layers of adhesive
are applied in a double adhesive construction
Refer LM.
CAST COATED
A high-gloss enamel finish.
CAST COATED PAPER - GLOSS PAPER
A paper, the coating of which is allowed to harden or set while in contact
with a finished casting surface. Cast coated papers usually have a high gloss
finish
Refer LM.
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.
CATALYST
A substance which has the capability of initiating or accelerating the speed
of a reaction between two (2) or more substances when introduced into their
presence. ie. The chemical (In this case - the photo-initiator) that is in
Ultra Violet cured inks that reacts to exposure to Ultra Violet light and
causes a catalytic reaction. ie. The `curing’ of the ink.
CAVITY
Usually refers to the engraving on a rotary die cutter that die cuts a single
shape.
CELL
A small engraved or etched depression in an anilox roller that carries the
ink to the plate.
CELLULOSE
Fibrous substance of wood, cotton and other vegetable matter.
CELLULOSE FIBRE
The fibrous material remaining after the non-fibrous components of wood have
been removed by pulping and bleaching operations. Used in paper making.
CELSIUS or CENTIGRADE
The metric scale of temperature where ‘0’ represents the freezing
point of water and ‘100’ represents the boiling point of water.
Also called CENTIGRADE.
Formula for conversion to Fahrenheit: F = 9/5 x C +
32
CENTIPOISE
One hundred of a poise; a unit for measuring viscosity.
CENTRAL IMPRESSION (Machine)
A press with a number of printing units around a large cylinder which serves
as the impression cylinder against which the substrate rides.
CERAMIC ANILOX ROLLER
Engraved inking roller used in flexographic printing. New techniques in manufacturing
allow for vastly improved anilox roller performance and life.
CHALKING
A form of coating deterioration characterised by the formation of a loose,
chalk like powder on the film surface.
CHARACTER
A single group of bars and spaces which represent an individual number, letter
or punctuation mark.
CHARGE
Usually refers to the degree or type of electrical property carried by a substrate.
(Static electricity).
CHECK DIGIT
A digit included within a symbol whose value is based mathematically on other
characters included in the symbol. It is used for the purpose of performing
a mathematical check to ensure the accuracy of the read. (Bar coding)
CHECKING - CRAZING
The presence of hairline cracks in a varnish coating, a lacquer coating, a
film or in an adhesive.
CHEMICAL CURING
The setting or curing of an adhesive, coating or sealer brought about by the
addition of a catalyst, accelerator or photoinitiator.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
The resistance of a pressure sensitive label to the deteriorating effects resulting
from exposure to chemicals under specified conditions.
CHILL ROLL (ER)
Metal roller or drum cooled internally with water, etc. Often used after press
dryer to cool the printed web prior to die cutting, rewinding, etc.
CHOKE
An image whose edges have been pulled in slightly from those of the original.
The image area remains essentially the same except for a narrow strip of reduction
around its perimeter.
CHOKES and SPREADS
Overlaps of overprinting images to prevent colour fringes or white borders
around image detail due to slight register shifts during printing.
CHROMATIC SCALE
The colours of the spectrum: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Violet.
CIRCUMFERENTIAL REGISTER - See RUNNING REGISTER
CLARITY
Degree of clearness.
CLAY COATED
A term used to describe a paper with a clay coating on either one or both sides.
CLAY COATING
The operation of coating paper and paperboards with clay containing an adhesive
as a binder.
CLEAR AREA
A required clear space, containing no dark marks, which precedes the start
character of a symbol sand follows the stop character. Also known as the Quiet
Area.
CLEAR COAT - See VARNISH
A coating that protects the printing and the surface of a pressure sensitive
label from abrasion, sunlight, chemicals, moisture, or a combination of these
Refer NS & IM for test procedure.
COAT, DOUBLE
Generally applies to two (2) successive coats of adhesive, coatings or sealers
applied to one (1) surface.
COATED PAPER
General term applying to all papers which have been surface coated with pigments.
COATING - See VARNISH - See FLOOD 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 weight of a coating per unit area. ie. gsm = grams per square meter.
COAT, SINGLE
Applies to single (1) coat of adhesive, coating or sealer to surface.
COBWEBBING
A filmy, web-like buildup of dried ink or varnish that appears on the doctor
roller or at the end of the impression rolls. (Flexography)
COD - C.O.D.
Cash On Delivery. Customer must pay in full at time of delivery. Shipper retains
title to goods until carrier obtains remittance.
CO-EXTRUSIONS
Film produced by more than one extruder through a common die. Films have been
made with as many as 13 layers.
COHESION
The internal strength of an adhesive mass; resistance to flow, and resistance
to failure in the adhesive when labels are removed or are under stress. Cohesive
Strength.
COHESION FAILURE
The mode of failure wherein the adhesive splits, leaving some residue on the
labelled surface and part on the label.
COHESIVE STRENGTH
Other terms used are: Cohesion; Internal Bond; Shear; The internal strength
of an adhesive. A measure of which its resistance to forces parallel to the
surface. ie. Resistance to adhesive splitting
Refer NS for test procedure.
COLD CRACKING
The breaking or shattering under stress of plastic coatings that have become
brittle due to lowered temperatures.
COLD FLOW
The tendency of a pressure sensitive adhesive to act like a heavy, viscous
liquid over long periods of time. Such phenomena as ‘oozing’ or
‘increases in adhesion’ are the results of this characteristics
Refer LM Specification Sheets.
COLD TEMPERATURE ADHESIVE
An adhesive that will enable a pressure sensitive label to adhere or stick
well when applied to a cold substrate, often in cold ambient temperatures
Refer LM Specification Sheets.
COLLATING
Assembling in proper order. (Sheets of numbered paper or different colours,
etc.).
COLOUR CORRECTION
Any method such as masking, dot-etching, re-etching, and/or electronic scanning
used to correct for colour errors in process inks.
COLOUR FASTNESS
Colour permanence. Colour Stability. That property of a pressure sensitive
labelstock to retain its colour in normal storage or to resist change in colour
when exposed to light, heat or other deleterious influences. This also applies
in more common terms - to the ‘colour fastness’ of the inks and
varnishes
Refer NS & IM for Colour Fast Ink test procedure.
COLOUR KEY
A series of coloured films used to check individual colours and stripping.
When overlaid in printing sequence it will produce a multi-coloured image.
A Colour Key is limited to Yellow, Orange, Dark Blue (Reflex), Magenta, Cyan,
Black, White, Gold, Brown, Green, Red, Beige and any combinations thereof.
Basically a photographic positive of the separation negatives in generic colour.
COLOUR MATCHING
To duplicate the hue, value and intensity of a given colour sample usually
by blending appropriate elements. ie. Considering the colour of the paper,
plastic, wood, etc., as well as the colour of the ink.
COLOUR PERMANENCE
See Colour Fastness.
COLOUR PROCESS
A reproduction of any subject where the colours are separated by any method
utilising at least three (3) Primary Process Colours - Yellow, Magenta and
Cyan. Using half-tone or Crystal Raster plates to produce intermediate colours
and shades. Line-work and screen-work can be utilised.
COLOUR PROOF
A printed or simulated printed image of each process colour (Yellow, Magenta,
Yellow & Black), using inks, toners or dyes to give a simulated impression
of the final printed reproduction. Colour proofs are now most often generated
by computer. However, the only real test of the plates and colours, is to
print the labelstock on the machine to prove the colours.
COLOUR RETENTION - See COLOUR FASTNESS
The property of a colour to resist fading or other deterioration on exposure
to light.
COLOUR SEPARATED ART
See Pre-separated Art.
COLOUR SEPARATION
The process of separating coloured originals into Yellow, Magenta, Cyan and
Black printing negatives. Mostly done on computer controlled scanners.
COLOUR STABILITY - See COLOUR FASTNESS.
COLOUR STATIONS
Each printing section of the press or set of rollers used to print each individual
colour.
COLOUR TRANSPARENCY
A full-colour photographic positive image on a transparent support from which
colour separations are usually produced. Can be viewed with the aid of a lighted
transparency viewer.
COLORANT
The colour portion of an ink; may be a pigment, dye, or a combination of the
two.
COMBINATION PLATE
A single engraving which includes both line and half-tone.
COMBINATION PRESS
That type of label press that can be added to with printing processes usually
not standard to that press. An example of this would be a flexographic press
that has a foil stamping module attached that can be removed and replaced
with a rotary letterpress unit.
COMPATIBILITY
The ability of ink, film, substrate and/or solvents to function together in
an acceptable manner.
CONDENSED TYPE
Proportionally narrow or slender type faces.
CONDITIONING
Process of subjecting material to specific temperature and humidity conditions
for stipulated periods of time
Refer LM Specification Sheets.
CONFORMABILITY - See FLEXIBILITY
The ability of a pressure sensitive material to yield to the contours of a
surface (curved or rough).
CONSISTENCY
Usually refers to the general body characteristics of an ink or other coatings.
CONTINUOUS CODE
A bar code or symbol where the space between characters (inter-character gap)
is part of the code.
CONTINUOUS LABEL - Also see EDP LABELS - Also known as ZIG ZAG
Fan-folded labels manufactured from a continuous web of label stock which is
not cut into units prior to execution. Usually prepared in flat Zig Zag format
in boxes. Continuous labels are mostly used for data processing applications.
CONTROLLED RELEASE
A release level greater than that provided by an unmodified release coating.
CONTROLLED RELEASE ADDITIVE
A material added to silicone release coatings to create the desired higher
release level.
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.
COPIER LABEL
A label in sheet format (usually A4) designed for overprinting by a plain paper
Photocopier. May also be used in Laser printers and Ink-Jet printers.
CO-POLYMER
Two (2) or more mixed monomers which, when polymerised, yield a complex product
having properties different from either simple polymer alone.
COPY
Any furnished material (manuscript, pictures, artwork, etc.) to be used in
the production of printing.
COPY PREPARATION
Directions for desired size and other details for illustrations, and the arrangement
into proper position of various parts of the label being prepared for reproduction.
Work being carried out for the preparation of artwork for reproduction.
CORE
A tube on which paper, film, or foil labels are wound for shipment. Also the
metal body of a roller which is rubber covered .
CORE HOLDER
Device for affixing core to shaft; core chuck.
CORE PLUGS
Metal, wood or compressed paper plugs which are driven into the paper core
of the finished roll to prevent crushing or other damage to the core and material.
Also known as Bungs.
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
Refer O.
CORONA TREATING
An electrical discharge which is used to raise the critical surface tension
of low or inert substrates thereby enhancing printability.
COUPON
Removable label either supplying information or having redeemable value. They
may be pressure sensitive or non-pressure sensitive.
COVERAGE
Ink or coating mileage (meterage); the surface area covered by a given quantity
of ink or coating material. In flexography, the extent or degree to which
a base material is covered, coloured, or hidden by an ink or coating
Refer
IM.
CRACKING - See CRAZING
CRAZING
The appearance of a network of small cracks in a varnish coat or a plastic
facestock.
CREEP
The lateral movement of a pressure sensitive label on a surface due to low
cohesive strength.
CROMALIN
One-piece colour proofing for four (4) colour process.
CROP
To eliminate portions of the copy (indicated by crop-marks).
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 roller.
CRUSH SCORE - See SCORE
CRUSHED CORE
Core that gives way and becomes out-of-round either from too much tension or
a bump.
CRYSTAL RASTER - See STOCHASTIC
C.S.A.
Canadian Standards Association.
CURE
To change the properties of adhesive, coating or ink by chemical reaction.
The ‘curing’ of inks uses high intensity mercury vapour lamps commonly
called UV lamps, whereas the ‘curing’ of rubber requires considerable
heat and pressure. ‘Curing’ is achieved by condensation, polymerisation
or vulcanisation.
UV curing usually takes 1/40th of 1 second, depending on the colour, layer
thickness of ink and the speed that the substrate passes under the lamp. Usual
rule of thumb is one (1) lamp per 50 meters minute
Refer IM.
CURING TEMPERATURE
Temperature to which an adhesive, ink or coating is subjected to for curing
Refer IM.
CURING TIME
The time/temperature combination required to bring about the desired level
of cure without chemicals or polymerisation.
CURL
The tendency of material by itself or in a laminate to bend or partly wrap
around the axis of one of its directions. Curl is often caused by humidity
or improper tension. Sometimes it can be defeated by using a de-curling bar
set-up on the paper unwind of a machine.
CURTAIN COATING
A method of coating which may be employed with low viscosity resins or solutions,
suspensions, or emulsions of resins where the substrate to be coated is passed
through and perpendicular to a freely falling liquid ‘curtain’ (or
‘waterfall’). The flow rate of the falling liquid and the linear
speed of the substrate are coordinated to control the thickness of coating
desired.
CUT
An expression commonly used to designate an engraving or photographic print.
Also to dilute an ink, lacquer, varnish, etc., with solvents or with a clear
base; to thin; Also known as dilution. Used to describe the penetration of
a difficult surface so as to permit adhesion. To cut paper is the expression
used to denote paper that is to be reduced in size to specific measurements
by guillotining.
CUT-OFF
In web printing, the cut or print length corresponding to the circumference
of the plate cylinder and/or die cutter; repeat length.
CUT RULE
Steel rule blades designed to cut materials being produced on flat-bed die
cutting equipment (stations).
CUTS
The number of rolls slit from a master roll.
CYAN
A subtractive primary colour which reflects blue and green light and absorbs
red light.
CYLINDER
In flexography and rotary letterpress, most rollers in the press are called
rolls with the exception of that upon which the plates (rubber, cyrell, etc.)
are mounted, and the one which receives the impression. These are usually
referred to as cylinders, ie., plate cylinder, impression cylinder.
CYREL
Du Pont’s trademark for photopolymer plate
material.
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