Glossary of Terms, Q - S
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.
Q
QUALITY
Those characteristics of a product that allow the following criteria under
controlled repeatable conditions:
- Manufacture at a given cost-value relationship.
- Uniformity to meet parameters of customer specifications.
- Calibre of competitive performance.
QUALITY CONTROL - TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT - QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
A system of inspections and/or tests instituted at various stages of production
in manufacturing or printing to ensure that the end product will meet pre-determined
standards of quality
Refer NS, LM, IM & O. All Standards of any kind
affect quality.
QUICK STICK
That property of a pressure sensitive adhesive which allows it to adhere to
a surface under light pressure. Also a measure of the bond strength right
after application; quick tack, quick adhesion
Refer NS & LM.
QUIET AREA - See CLEAR AREA
R
RATE OF SET
The time required for an adhesive, under a specific set of conditions, to arrive
at a fibre tearing bond
Refer NS & LM.
REACTIVE DILUENT
A liquid used to reduce the viscosity or tack of an ink. The diluent becomes
an integral part of the polymer which forms when the ink is cured.
READ AREA
A term used to refer to the scan path or scan area of a bar code.
REAM
Five hundred sheets of paper.
REAM WEIGHT
The amount which one ream of paper weighs. eg. 80gsm = 80 grams per square
meter x 4 (number of sheets per square) = 125 square meters x 80 grams = 10,000
grams = 10 kilos for that ream
Refer LM.
RECYCLE
Process that describes reuse of a product.
REDUCERS
In printing inks, varnishes, solvents, oily or greasy compounds used to reduce
the body and/or viscosity for printing.
RE/EPS - See POLYSTYRENE
REEL
A finished roll of Labelstock.
REFLECTANCE
The amount of light returned from an illuminated surface.
REFLECTIVE ART
Art which must be photographed by the light reflected from its surface. As
apposed to non-reflective art.
REGISTER
The corresponding placement of one colour to the next, etc., as well as the
printing placement as it relates to die cutting, scoring, perforating, etc.
REGISTER MARKS
Symbols attached to the original copy prior to photography, used for positioning
films in register, or registering two or more colours when printing. In some
cases, the register marks are produced on the cutting die as well as the plates.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere, expressed as a percentage
of maximum that could be present at the same room temperature. Relative humidity
affects sheeted labels converted off the press from rolls of Labelstock for
use in Laser and Ink-Jet printers
Refer NS & LM.
RELEASE
The force required to free or separate a pressure sensitive label from its
release liner, using a specific measuring device
Refer NS & LM.
RELEASE AGENT
Materials used to facilitate the removal of moulded items from their moulds.
These agents can cause serious problems in adhesion when applying labels to
the moulded products.
RELEASE COAT
The release liner treatment material that allows pressure sensitive labels
to release from the release liner. Usually made from silicone sprayed onto
the release liner at about 2 grams per square meter
Refer NS & LM.
RELEASE COAT TRANSFER
The transfer of release coat from the release liner to the pressure sensitive
adhesive during release.
RELEASE LINER
The component of the pressure sensitive labelstock 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
Refer NS & LM.
RELIEF ANGLE
The angle of the raised portion of a printing plate.
REMOVABILITY
A relative term applied to pressure sensitive labels to describe the force
or condition under which they can be removed from a substrate. A removable
label would be one in which no damage or staining occurs to the substrate
or the face material on removal
Refer AS & LM.
REMOVABLE ADHESIVE
A pressure sensitive adhesive characterised by low ultimate adhesion and clean
removability from a wide variety of surfaces
Refer AS & LM.
RENDERING
The finished production of a design, drawing, painting, etc., by hand using
any of various artists tools, ie. pencils, pens, knives, brushes or air brushes.
REPEAT
The printing length of a plate cylinder, determined by one revolution of the
plate-cylinder gear.
REPOSITIONAL
The ability of a pressure sensitive label to be bonded to a surface, removed
and repositioned. This can only be done for a limited period of time (20 minutes).
Beyond that time, the bond may begin to become permanent, expect in cases
where a removable adhesive is used.
REPOSITIONAL ADHESIVE
A permanent adhesive that can be removed and repositioned for a short, finite,
time after application.
REPOSITIONING
The relamination of labels to a different location on the backing sheet following
diecutting.
RESIDUE
Something that remains after a part is removed, such as removing a label and
leaving adhesive on the surface.
RESISTIVITY
The ability of a material to resist passage of electrical current either through
its bulk or on a surface. The resistivity unit of volume is the ohm-cm.
RETARDERS
Combination of liquids, solvents and extenders that are added to an adhesive,
coating or ink to slow down the drying rate of the material
Refer IM.
REVERSE ANGLE DOCTOR BLADE - See DOCTOR BLADE
REVERSE PRINTING
Printing on the underside of a transparent film. Also a design in which the
copy is ‘dropped-out’ and the background is printed making the copy
appear in the colour of the background.
REVERSE ROLLER COATING
The coating is pre-metered between two rollers, then wiped off onto the web,
which is driven by a third back-up roller. The amount of coating is controlled
by the gap between the metering and applicator rollers and also by relative
speed or rotation between the same two rollers.
REWIND (SHAFT) - or TO REWIND
The take-up spindle or mandrel on a press. Also the act of winding a roll of
material through a machine to effect the opposite unwind.
REWINDING AND INSPECTION
The operation of winding the material from a press roll onto a core (or coreless)
to produce rolls of the desired width, diameter and tension. Out-of-specification
or damaged labels can be removed and replaced during this operation. Slices
and/or joins are also made during this operation.
RIGHT READING
An image whose parts are spatially oriented to each other as they are on the
original or as they are to be printed, in contrast to the way they would appear
reflected in a mirror.
ROCKWELL HARDNESS
A method of determining the surface hardness of a substance. Degree of hardness.
Also called ‘Shore’.
ROLLER COATER
A machine utilising rollers to mechanically apply an adhesive or coating to
flexible substrates.
ROLL LABEL
Pressure sensitive labels that are produced in a continuous roll form.
ROLL-TO-ROLL or REEL-TO-REEL
A method of running material through a printing machine. A roll of material
is fed into a printing unit, is printed, die cut etc., 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 of material
is fed into a printing unit, is printed, die cut etc., then is sheeted as
it exits the printing machine.
ROTARY PRESS
A press that in normal use features a roll-to-roll (reel-to-reel) operation.
ROTARY PRINTING
Accomplished by means of a cylindrical impression cylinder and a cylindrical
printing plate.
ROTOGRAVURE PRINTING - GRAVURE
Printing process that utilises cylinders that have the design etched into the
metal surface. The material to be printed comes in contact with the etched
cylinder (which is carrying the ink) and the ink is transferred. A rubber
pressure roller facilitates this transfer. Also known as Gravure printing.
ROUGH SKETCH - Also called THUMB NAIL SKETCH
An impromptu drawing of a picture or design to present a concept, often in
colour. Often developed into comprehensive artwork for reproduction. Note
that copyright is automatic for sketches and artwork.
RUB TEST
Test performed to determine the durability and abrasion resistance of the printed
surface of a label
Refer NS, LM & IM. Also refer to PAGE>>>
for the Sutherland Rub Tester and a description of the equipment as recommended
by the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, and contained in the Australian
Standard.
RUBBER BASE ADHESIVE
Pressure sensitive adhesive based on natural or synthetic rubber. Can be coated
as a solvent, hot melt or emulsion system
Refer LM.
RUNNING REGISTER
That control on a flexographic press which accurately positions, while in the
run mode, the printing of each colour station in the direction of the web
travel. Also called circumferential register or longitudinal register.
RUPTURE
A cleavage or break in the adhesive film, resulting from physical stress.
S
SANDWICH CONSTRUCTIONS - Also known as PIGGYBACK
Panels composed of a lightweight core material to which two relatively thin,
dense, high strength faces or skins are adhered. Also refers to sandwich of
pressure sensitive materials - two liners and a facestock. Facestock has adhesive,
laminated to liner that also has adhesive and is laminated to the base liner.
The resulting label is three part and can be used twice, and with NCR added
to the adhesive, becomes a self copying label after the first image is impressed
onto the face stock
Refer LM.
SATURATION (IMPREGNATION)
The addition of various materials such as latex or rubber to a face material
so as to improve its various physical properties.
SCAN
The electronic search for a symbol which is to be optically recognised. A search
for marks to be recognised by the recognition unit of an optical scanner.
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
SCRAP - See WASTE
SCREEN PRINTING
A method of printing in which the ink is forced (squeegeed) through a design
on a taut screen (fine mesh) onto the object to be printed. Usually in flat
format, but now screen printing units are available for rotary type presses.
SCUFF - See RUB TEST
The action of rubbing against a surface with applied pressure. Also the damage
which has taken place through rubbing
Refer NS, LM & IM.
SEALER - See BARRIER COAT
A coating designed to prevent the passage of a substance through a substrate;
barrier coat.
SECOND SURFACE PRINTING
Refers to printing on another surface in addition to the primary surface.
SECONDARY LABEL
Sometimes smaller than a primary label with information covering ingredients,
nutrition, instructions for use, cautions and warnings, prices, promotional
advertising, rebates, etc.
SELF-ADHESIVE LABEL - See PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL
SELF-ADHESIVE PRODUCTS - See PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL
SELF-CHECKING
A bar code or symbol using a checking algorithm which can be applied to each
character to guard against undetected errors. Non self-checking codes may
employ a check digit or other redundancy in addition to the data message.
SELF-EXTINGUISHING
A somewhat loosely used term describing the ability of a material to cease
burning once the source of flame has been removed.
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).
SELVEDGE
That part of the roll of pressure sensitive along the web, that does not have
adhesive
Refer LM.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC
A labelling machine in which only part of the operation is controlled by the
direct action of a human. The automatic part of the operation is controlled
by the machine.
SEMI-GLOSS PAPER
Coated one sided lithography (litho) paper.
SEPARATOR - See PATTERN COATED
SERIAL CODE
A bar code symbol typically used with a fixed beam scanner where the scanning
action is caused by the motion of the symbol past the scanning head. The bits
of the symbol are evaluated one at a time as the symbol passes.
SERVICE TEMPERATURE
The temperature range that a pressure sensitive label will withstand after
24-72 hours residence time on the labelled surface. The range is expressed
in degrees Fahrenheit and/or Celsius
Refer NS & LM.
SET
The point during the bonding process when the adhesive has reached such structural
proportions so as to prevent the movement of the substrates surface.
SET-OFF
Improperly dried or cured inks or coatings that transfer to the back of the
liner material either in roll form or sheet form
Refer NS, LM & IM.
SETUPS - See MAKEREADY
SHARPEN
To decrease in colour strength, as when half-tone dots are made smaller.
SHEAR - See COHESIVE STRENGTH
The relative movement of adjacent layers in a liquid or plastic during flow.
SHEAR CUT
Term that describes a cut of a continuous web of stock using an action similar
to the action of scissors.
SHEAR RATE
Time required for breakdown of the shear strength.
SHEAR STRENGTH
The relative resistance of an adhesive coated film or paper to a stress applied
in such a manner that the adhering surfaces slide in a plane parallel to their
plane of contact; the internal or cohesive strength of the adhesive
Refer
NS & LM.
SHEAR STRESS
Where normal stress is perpendicular to the designed plane, shear stress is
parallel to the plane.
SHEAR TEST
A method of separating adhesive bonded materials by forcing the interfaces
to slide over each other. The force exerted is distributed over the entire
bonded area at the same time. Strengths are recorded in kilos per square centimetre,
or in minutes or hours to failure
Refer NS & LM.
SHEET FED
Designates a printing press to which paper is fed in sheets rather than in
rolls.
SHEET FORM
Pressure sensitive labelstock packaged in sheets, designed for use on a sheet
fed press
Refer NS & LM.
SHEETING
A method of converting rolls of labelstock into sheets (usually A4 size with
die cut labels positioned) on a roll label press.
SHELF LIFE
The period of time during which a product can be stored under specified conditions
and still remain suitable for use. Normally 6-9 months. Also called storage
life
Refer NS & LM.
SHELL CUP
A device for measuring viscosity.
SHELLAC
An alcohol soluble natural resin widely used in flexography inks.
SHORE HARDNESS
A method of determining the hardness of a material using a scelroscope.
SHRINK WRAPPING
A method of packaging where labels are overwrapped with a heat sensitive polymer
or cellophane shrink film and then passed through a heat tunnel to shrink
the film tightly against the labels.
SHRINKAGE
Reduction in any dimension.
SIDE ROLL - See OFF-CUT
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, and used extensively in the coating of release liners
Refer NS
& LM.
SILICONE ADHESIVE
Adhesive compounds of this base have remarkable stability through a wide temperature
range. Chief limitations for present use are their high temperature cure,
and sensitivity to aliphatic and aromatic fuels; pressure sensitive adhesive
which permits bonding to difficult surfaces; outstanding high temperature
and low temperature performance; highly resistant to oxidation, ozone and
corona radiation and has good dielectric properties
Refer LM.
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
the die cut paper release liners.
SINGLE FACED
Where adhesive is applied to one side of a carrier, as in self-wound laminating
films and tapes.
SIZE - See PRIMER
SIZE PRESS
Section of paper machine where surface treatments, such as a starch solution,
are applied to the paper to give it special qualities.
SKELETON - See MATRIX
SKID
Wooden or plastic platform on which most materials are now shipped. Not usually
a full sized pallet, but undersized in height from the ground.
SKIPPING
Missing print, tints or coatings on a substrate due to dry-in of ink or coatings
in the cells of the anilox roller.
SKIPS
Areas wherein the adhesive or the release coating are missing from the lamination.
SLIP ADDITIVE
Additive to inks or varnishes to effect improved slip or lubricating qualities.
SLIP SHEET OR INTERLINER
Interleave layer of material utilised to assist converting thin, unmanageable
materials. This layer is later removed.
SLIT
To cut rolls of labelstock to specified widths. Either rotary (scissor action)
or stationary (razor or air) knives or blades are used with mechanical unwinding
and rewinding devices that are controlled to ensure that correct tracking
and tension of the roll from the master reel to the converted widths takes
place. Most Labelstock converters purchase their stock - pre-slit by the Labelstock
Manufacturers.
SLIT BACK - See SPLIT BACK
SLIT FACE - See SPLIT FACE
SLITTER
A machine to cut roll labelstock in the long direction and rewind onto useable
core diameters. Three types are used:
- Razor blade slitter
- Shear slitter
- Score slitter
SLOT
A cut made in a material of a specific size and location. May have the face
material removed when used to feed through imprinters.
SLUG
Old term - a strip of linotype or Ludlow (printers’ type letters in one
piece - lead). New term - small piece of flexographic printing plate used
to print variable information.
SMOOTHNESS TEST
The relative smoothness of paper is determined in a precision instrument which,
under closely controlled circumstances, measures the length of time for a
specified volume of air to pass the surfaces of the samples being tested.
The result is expressed in seconds and fractions thereof.
SMUDGE RESISTANCE
Resistance of a printed paper surface to ink blurring or smearing and thus
related to the absorption of the paper
Refer NS, LM & IM.
SOFT DOT
A dot is referred to as ‘soft’ when the halo surrounding it is excessive
and almost equals the area of the dot itself.
SOLIDS CONTENT
The percentage weight of non-volatile components in an ink, coating or adhesive.
SOLVENT
A chemical substance capable of thinning or reducing the viscosity of ink,
coating or adhesive. Specifically, a solvent is a liquid that dissolves another
substance.
SOLVENT ADHESIVE
Adhesive components that are dissolved in a variety of organic solvents for
coating. Rubber or acrylic based systems can be coated this way
Refer LM.
SOLVENT-FREE
The absence of any solvent in an ink, coating or adhesive.
SOLVENT RESISTANCE
The resistance of a pressure sensitive label to the action of specific organic
liquids. May apply to either adhesive, printing or the labelstock
Refer LM
& IM.
SOLVENT RETENTION
The solvent that remains in the adhesive or ink. If the adhesive is not thoroughly
dried, solvent retention could reduce the efficiency of the adhesive. If all
the solvent is not removed from the ink, the retentive portions will tend
to keep the ink soft
Refer LM & IM.
SOLVENTLESS SILICONE
A silicone release coating applied without the use of any organic solvent or
water. Also known as 100 percent solids silicone
Refer LM.
SPACE
The lighter element of a bar code formed by the background between bars.
SPECIFIC ADHESION
The force required to remove a pressure sensitive adhesive from a specific
product under specified conditions. Also the relative tendency of adhesives
to form bonds on specific surfaces. Some may be permanent on one surface and
removable from another
Refer NS & LM.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
The ratio of the weight of a specimen to the weight of an equal volume of water.
SPLICE
A method of joining webs to produce an operational continuous web
Refer NS
& LM.
SPLIT BACK
Slits in the release liner to facilitate its removal by hand.
SPLIT FACE
Slits in face of pressure sensitive product usually for the purpose of facilitating
removal from the release coated backing (liner).
SPLIT LINER - See SPLIT BACK
SPOT LABEL
Label that does not extend completely around can or bottle. Usually confined
to less than half the circumference.
SPOT VARNISH - See PATTERN VARNISH
SPREAD
The enlargement of a printed image from a printing plate to the printed image.
Also a photographic spread of artwork to achieve required ink bleeds or traps.
SPREADS AND CHOKES - See CHOKES and SPREADS
SPUNBOUND OLEFIN
Describes a synthetic plastic material formed by the random distribution of
very fine continuous fibres which are selfbonded by heat and pressure.
SQUEEZE-OUT
The flow of excess adhesive or coating when pressure is applied. Can be caused
by very tightly wound rolls of labelstock or converted labels
Refer NS &
LM.
STABILISE
To increase the steadiness of a film, keep it from changing or fluctuating.
Usually vinyl films are stabilised by laminating a polyester to one or both
sides of the vinyl.
STABILISED KRAFT
Term used to describe paper that is treated to provide moisture resistance
and dimensional stability
Refer NS & LM.
STABILISER
An ingredient used in formulation of some plastics, especially elastomers,
to assist in maintaining the physical and chemical properties of the compounded
materials at their initial values throughout the processing and service life
of the material.
STACK PRESS
Flexographic press where the printing stations are placed one above the other,
each with its own impression roller.
STACKER
Device on the tale-off end of a press that automatically stacks sheeted or
single labels.
STAIN RESISTANCE
The ability of a label to be applied to a surface without discolouring that
surface. Also the ability of a printed label to resist staining due to exposure
to the product being labelled.
STAINING
A discolouration of a surface caused by adhesive residue.
STANDARD CONDITION
The condition reached by a specimen when it has attained equilibrium under
a specified temperature and humidity; usually 73 F +/- 2 degrees and 50 +/-
3% RH.
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 normally at the left hand
side end of a ‘picket fence’ oriented code. The stop character is
normally at the right hand end.
STATIC
Electrical charges generated when handling materials which cause those materials
to cling together. Static charges can jump (earth) to humans or equipment
causing shock or fire if solvent is present. With reference to films, static
causes them to cling to one another or to other insulating surfaces.
STATIC ELECTRICITY
A build-up electrical charge on the surface of a substrate or other surfaces,
usually induced by friction and usually under low atmospheric humidity conditions.
STATIC ELIMINATOR
A device for neutralising static electricity.
STATIC NEUTRALISER
On printing presses, it is an attachment designed to remove static electricity
from paper to avoid ink set-off and trouble with the feeding of the paper.
On flexographic presses, static can cause problems when sheeting takes place
at the delivery end of the machine.
STEEL-TO-STEEL LABEL - See ANVIL CUT or SHEETED LABELS
STEP AND REPEAT
The act of or equipment for the positioning and exposing multiple complete
images onto film in preparation for plate making. ie. If a job is printed
16 up (2 across web x 8 down) and positioned to fit a die, then to prepare
one image 16 times in registered position is called to ‘step and repeat’.
STEPPED ANVIL - See UNDERCUT ANVIL
STICK
To stick. Designating adhesion or stickiness (tack).
STICKYBACK
Double faced adhesive coated material used for mounting printing plates to
the cylinder, or flat-bed cutting dies to the platen
Refer NS & LM.
STIFFNESS
The measure or degree of resistance to bending stress of a material.
STOCK
Paper or other material to be converted. Also called substrate.
STORAGE STABILITY
The ability of a material to be stored under normal conditions of temperature
and humidity without change in its properties
Refer NS & LM.
STRETCH/SHRINK FACTORS
Calculations of dimensional change which occur in rubber plate moulding and
mounting and photopolymer plate mounting when applied to the plate cylinder.
STOCHASTIC (Screening) - Also known as Crystal Raster and Diamond Screening.
Non conventional screening. No moire pattern and the dot is measured in microns.
There is no set pattern or angle to the screen, and the plates are used to
increase detail and give a sharper image to a screen image. Usually utilised
with four (4) colour tone printing.
STRIATION
A fine streaky pattern of parallel lines, usually in the cross direction of
the web travel.
STRIKE-THROUGH
The penetration of the adhesive or ink through the substrate.
STRINGINESS
A condition of the adhesive in which it feels very soft and mushy, and on close
examination relatively ling ‘strings’ of adhesive can be pulled
out of the adhesive.
STRIP COATED - See PATTERN COATED
STRIPPED
When separate pieces of film are taped together to create the complete printing
image. Also refers to die cut labels from which the matrix has been removed.
STRIPPER PLATE - See PEELER PLATE
STRIPPING
The removal of the face material (usually with the adhesive) outside and around
the die cut shape of the label, around a roller which assists the matrix on
its way to be re-wound.
STUB ROLL
A short roll of face material or pressure sensitive label stock.
STYRENE - See POLYSTYRENE
A liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon (C8H8).
SUBSTRATE
The surface to which a label is applied, adherend. Converters also refer to
the face stock being printed as the substrate
Refer NS & LM.
SUBSURFACE PRINTING
Printing the underside of a transparent film. Ultimately the ink will be sandwiched
between the film that was printed and the film or surface to which it is applied.
SULFITE
Acid process of cooking pulp. Also the pulp cooked by this process.
SUNLIGHT RESISTANCE
The ability of a material to resist the deteriorating effects of sunlight especially
those wavelengths in the ultraviolet and the Infrared ends of the spectrum
Refer IM.
SUNLIGHT RESISTANT ADHESIVE
An adhesive which contains an inhibitor to resist destruction by ultraviolet
rays
Refer LM.
SUPER CALENDER (Paper)
A calender stack used to alter the surface properties and appearance of a paper.
It is constructed on the same general principle as a calender, except that
alternate chilled cast-iron and soft rollers are used in the super calender.
The soft rollers are constructed of highly compressed cotton or paper. It
is not part of the paper machine, whereas the regular calender stack is.
SURFACE COATED (Paper)
A term applied to any paper which has one or both sides coated with a pigment,
clay or other suitable material
Refer LM.
SURFACE PREPARATION
The physical and chemical methods used to prepare a surface for further processing.
SURFACE RESISTIVITY
The electrical resistance of a material between the two opposite points of
a unit of its surface.
SURFACE SIZED
Paper that has been treated with starch or other sizing material at the size
press of the paper machine. This term is used interchangeably with the term
‘tub-sized’ although ‘tub-size’ more properly refers to
surface sizing applied as a separate operation where the paper is immersed
in a tub of sizing (starch or glue), after which it passes between squeeze
rollers and is air dried.
SURFACE TENSION
The property, due to molecular forces, by which all liquids through contraction
of the surface, tend to bring the contained volume into a form having the
least area. If an ink is to be compatible with a substrate, the surface tension
of the ink must approximate that of the substrate
Refer LM & IM.
SURFACE TREATING - See PRIMER, SIZING and CORONA DISCHARGE
SURFACTANTS
A coined word used in industry to include all surface active agents.
SYMBOL LENGTH
The length of a symbol measured from the beginning of the quiet area adjacent
to the start character to the end of the quiet area adjacent to the stop character.
SYNTHETIC RESIN
Resins prepared by chemical means.
SYNTHETIC RUBBER
Elastomer manufactured by a chemical process as distinguished from natural
rubber obtained from trees.
SYNTHETICS
Those materials developed and manufactured
through chemistry, which tend to replace natural products.
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