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.
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.
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 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.
CROP MARKS
Marks made on the outer edges of artwork to designate the area to be printed.
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.
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
INK JET
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 roll or sheet fed 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
PROCESS PRINTING
Multi-colour 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 colours and hues being present in a composite picture.
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 label.
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 preset 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 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 coloured. Its high stretch is due to the addition of plasticizer.
WEATHERABILITY
Capability of a label to withstand the effects of outdoor conditions such as sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, and time.