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Adhesives
Specialized label adhesives are available for a variety of applications dependent upon the environment in which the labels will be used. Some labels may need to be peelable, permanent, temperature sensitive, moisture resistant and so on. The proper adhesive and paper stock combinations will help a label perform properly for its intended use.
Affixing
The process of adhering a card, label or other product to a document for such applications as ID card delivery, return labels and promotional mailings.
Artificial Watermark
A custom watermark produced using a special chemical or ink to create the affect of a watermark. Most artificial watermarks are printed inks and can be viewed from only one side of the sheet.
Bar Codes
A barcode is a machine readable representation of data used to identify important information on certain products. Traditional 1D (1 Dimensional) barcoding displays data as a series of parallel lines and spaces, while 2D (2 Dimensional) barcoding represents data in patterns of squares, dots and other geometric symbols, typically in a square or rectangular pattern. 2D barcoding is ideal when your application requires a large amount of detailed information to be easily scanned and readable. Barcodes can be quickly and accurately read with optical scanners or readers that use specialized software.
Code 39
Code 39 is a barcode that can encode letters, numbers and special characters. Code 39 is a barcode symbol that can store a larger amount of encoded data than many other barcode systems. Code 39 can handle up to 26 uppercase letters, 10 numbers and 7 special characters.
Codabar
Codabar is a self checking linear barcode that can encode 16 characters plus 4 additional stop/start characters. It is often used in the medical and package handling industries.
Interleaved 2 of 5
Interleaved 2 of 5 is a high density barcode used specifically for numbers. The barcode symbol can be as long as needed, and can hold up to 18 digits per inch. An optional check digit may also be added. The “interleaving 2 of 5” quality comes form the fact that a digit is encoded in 5 bars, and another digit is encoded in the 5 spaces between those bars, thus there are 2 digits for encoded for each 5 visible bars.
Code 128
Code 128 is an extremely high density barcode used for alphabetic and numeric characters. It has the capacity to encode all 128 characters of ASCII. Code 128 is commonly used for marking containers or pallets.
UPC-A
UPC-A is a barcode commonly used for encoding products sold at a retail level. This code can be scanned by cash register systems to identify the specific product, its manufacturer and the price of the item.
PDF417
PDF417 is a two dimensional barcode that can encode about 1800 ASCII characters or 11 binary characters. Its ability to store large amounts of data makes it practical for labeling hazardous materials, encoding fingerprints and photos on drivers’ licenses and many other applications that require a large amount of information to travel directly with the item.
2D code
Barcodes evolved into rectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns in 2 dimensions (2D). Although 2D systems use a variety of symbols, they are generally referred to as barcodes as well.
Binding
The process of padding, stapling or otherwise connecting sets of business forms or loose pages in order to create a book or booklet.
Bleed Through Numbering 
Bleed through numbering makes it difficult for someone to duplicate your document, and is just one way of adding security to your documents. Bleed through numbering is printed in red dye that absorbs into the paper and bleeds through to the back of the paper, forming a reverse image of the numbers, and making it easy to check the document for authenticity
Blown-on Labels
Blown on labels are removed from a liner and applied to a document or form using suction or a blown air process. Blown on labels are removed from the document and applied to other documents for mailing, identification, marking or other tracking purposes.
Bindery Services
Bindery services including a variety of offline processes for adding value to documents. These may include booking, drilling, trimming and stapling.
Booking Services
Booking is the process where sheets or forms are fastened together to make books or booklets, and may include decorative elements for covers such as foil stamping. There are a wide variety of binding options available.
Breeder Document
Documents which create an identity for a person which can then be used to secure other identities. i.e. A birth certificate can be used to secure a drivers license, credit cards and other identity documents. The term is normally used in conjunction with counterfeiting.
Certificate of Origin
A document generated and assigned to a specific product detailing the date of manufacture and manufacturing company. Also, a document used in international trade. It traditionally states from what country the shipped goods originate, but "originate" in a CO does not mean the country the goods are shipped from, but the country where the goods are actually made.
Chain of Custody
A document or process tracking the handling, testing and transpiration of a product or data. The chronological documentation or paper trail, showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of evidence, physical or electronic.
Check Encoding
The Flesh Company is an industry leader in check encoding applications. Specialized inks, fonts and barcodes are used on bank checks, drafts, deposit slips and other items as a deterrent to fraud. The most common check encoding system is Magnetic Ink Character recognition (MICR), which allows machines to recognize numeric data printed with magnetically charged ink. Sophisticated optical character recognition methods (OCR) are also used in check encoding processes.
Clipped Corner
Clipped cornering is a punching process normally performed on press. The diagonal cut aids in sorting and filing.
Codabar
Codabar is a self checking linear barcode that can encode 16 characters plus 4 additional stop/start characters. It is often used in the medical and package handling industries.
Cohesive
A glue or "adhesive" that will only bind when it comes in contact with itself. Normally used in self seal mailing applications such as pressure seal or tags applications such as luggage tags. Sealing activation may require little to extreme pressure to secure a seal.
Consecutive Numbering
Consecutive numbering changes sequentially from one document to the next to allow each document to have a unique identity for tracking. Typically printed in red, consecutive numbering systems can also include alphabetic characters. Also see “Modulus Numbering”
Continuous
Continuous forms are manufactured with pin feed holes on left and right producing a continuous pack. Each form is identical, sometimes using consecutive numbering, and can be fed through a printer in a connected chain. This allows for un-attended printing.
Continuous forms repeat on each page, sometimes with consecutive numbering, so they can be fed through a printer in a connected chain.
Covert
Covert features are hidden or invisible security features that are added to documents or labels to deter counterfeiting. Some covert features can be activated for authentication purposes, while others chemically react to counterfeit attacks, rendering the document stained or otherwise damaged beyond use.
Crimping and Interleaving
Crimping is an application used in continuous multipart forms to attach each part of the form set together. The crimp is an interleaving of the paper that allows them to remain attached together, while being easily separable. Crimping is considered a non-permanent fastening system.
Cross media
A marketing term used to describe a campaign using more than one marketing media. For example, using direct mail, social media and email to promote a specific product, event or company would be a cross media campaign.
Cross-Web Gluing
Cross web gluing is used for special applications such as continuous forms, pocket forms or mailers. Glue is applied across the web perpendicular to the stub. Line or spot gluing can be applied at the same time creating pocket applications.
Data
Information collected and studied on which decisions and action plans can be developed. In marketing data refers to the target audience demographics, response rate, website visits and other information that can be utilized for more effective marketing using VDP and other tactics.
Data Capture
Data Capture is a means of electronically retrieving information from a printed page. Electronic data capture can be much more accurate and efficient than traditional data entry, and can dramatically reduce the costs of collecting information from paper documents.
Die Cutting
Die cutting uses sharp edged metal shape cutters to create repetitive shapes or designs in paper documents and other products. Die cutting can penetrate the depth of the sheet or “kiss cut” a single layer such as a face laminate.
Die Perforations
Die perforations are a series of tiny slits punched through paper by a cutting die to allow for easy separation of individual sheets of paper.
Digital books
Sometimes called Photo books, digital books refers to books and booklets that are printed using digital technology. These are most often small volume runs and may contain various forms of personalization using variable data. Digital books can also refer to books downloaded and read using a digital reader such as an Ipad or Kindle.
Digital File Transfer
Digital file transfer is a means of copying files between computer systems. File transfer protocol (FTP) is one of the most common methods of digitally transferring data, and is especially useful for sharing large electronic files.
Digital Imaging
The process of adding bar coding and/or numbering to a business document or label. Digital imaging in most cases is done inline for efficiency and security and utilized variable data.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a print reproduction method where electronic files are used to produce a printed piece. Modern digital printing produces high quality color images, and can be a cost effective alternative to web or four color process printing, especially in short runs. Digital printing also allows for variable data imaging so each printed document may be personalized to various degrees.
Digital Web Vault
Digital web vault is a web based system where data is stored in a secure, encrypted, backed-up environment. It allows users with permission to access data and images from any computer via internet connection, thus facilitating the sharing and viewing of electronic files.
Direct Mail
Direct Mail is advertising sent directly to a business or consumer through the mail. New digital print technologies provide the ability to personalize text, graphics and other portions of the mailer to increase response rates.
Document Management Process
A document management process is a system where documents are organized and stored for future reference. Document management can also include the use of scanners to collect and record information from paper documents so it can be catalogued and electronically archived.
Document Scanning
Document scanning or image scanning is the action or process of converting text and graphic paper documents, photographic film, photographic paper or other files to digital images. This "analog" to "digital" conversion process is required for computer users to be able to view electronic files.
Document Security
Document security is the protection of a company’s paper and electronic documents. Electronic document security systems include encryption and other electronic security methods to limit access to information only to authorized users. Paper document security applications can include specialized paper and inks, micro-printing, specialized numbering and other features that are difficult to duplicate fraudulently. Document security features may also be used to provide means of authentication.
Drilling
The process of printing the face and back of a document in one pass through a printing device.
Dual Side Printing
Dual side or duplex printing is the ability to print on both sides of a piece of paper in a single pass through the printing device.
Dual Web
Dual web (also “twin web” or “joined web”) production is a process that allows multiple printing tasks to be conducted at the same time, or in-line. The process may be used to join parts of a unit set, continuous set or laser sheet and helps ensure the matching of data on all components of a set. Dual web can also reduce costs associated with supplies and processing.
Duplex
The process of printing the face and back of a document in one pass through a printing device.
Electronic File Merging
A data processing function that allows information from one data file to be combined with that of another, as in the process of generating form letters, which combines the information from a mailing file with the information contained in the letter file.
Embossing
Embossing is a process that uses heat and pressure to create a three-dimensional image on paper. Embossing can be done on plain paper or combined with ink, foil or other applications. This is often used for high quality images or image or branding as well as security applications.
EMR
Electronic Medical Records, sometimes called EHR (Electronic Healthcare Record) is a digital means of gathering, storing and retrieving patient data without the use of printed documents.
Facestocks
Facestocks are papers or other substrates used for printing labels that are compatible with a variety of adhesives and printing systems.
File Hole punching
File hole punching is the process of punching holes into the edge of a paper page at specific distances from each other. File hole punching allows the page to be stored in filing device such as a ring binder. Various types of punching can be applied inline during the production process or off line as a bindery function.
Flexographic printing
A printing process using rubber plates to create a printed image. Flexo printing is most often associated with the printing of labels and packaging. Flexo printing transfers a larger amount of ink however may not maintain the registration and print quality of commercial litho or digital printing.
Fluorescent (Invisible) Printing
Fluorescent or invisible printing is a security feature commonly used in banknotes and other documents that need to be protected from forgery or duplication. The process uses special dyes that fluoresce under ultra-violet light.
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is the application of ink or metallic foil to a printed page using a heated stamping die. Foil stamping is typically gold or silver in color, although flat or opaque colors can also be used. This process can produce a flat stamp or raised image using an embossing die. Note: Most foil stamping is not laser compatible.
Fulfillment Services
Fulfillment services is a term used to describe the processing of mailing, packaging products or other marketing related functions.
Form and Label
A printed document utilizing an affixed or integrated label to improve the efficiency of a business process. For example, a production order with an affixed shipping label.
Frequency
A term used in marketing to understand the number of times within a specific timeline that a customer or prospect interacts with a marketing campaign. This may also reference the number of times within a specific timeline that the client or prospect receives a marketing message.
Heat Resistant Inks
Heat resistant inks are designed to resist the high temperatures associated with printing on a laser printer or for use in special, heat based applications such as foil stamping or embossing.
Holographic Foil
Holographic foil is the foil used to imprint holographic images on paper documents. Holographic foil is often used as a security feature to prevent the unauthorized reproduction of sensitive documents and may also provide a quick means of document authentication.
Hospital Punching
Hospital punching is the drilling or punching of holes in paper forms so the forms will be compatible with the specialized binding needs of many hospitals and medical facilities.
In-Line
Any process that occurs in a single pass through a printing press system. The ability to perform multiple functions or applications in line reduces costs and increases production efficiency.
In-Line Drying
In-line drying is a process where the paper coming off a printing press immediately passes through a hot air or other type of dryer to prevent sticking and smearing of the printed product as it comes off the press. The process occurs in a single pass, or “in-line” through the printing press system.
Integrated cards
The process of applying a liner and die cut to document creating a removable card. Most often the process is used in identity applications such as membership and frequent buyer programs.
Integrated labels
The process of applying a liner and die cut creating a removable label which can then be applied to another document, product or package. Most often used in mailing, chain of custody or product marking applications.
Integrated magnets
The process of applying a liner and die cut to a document creating a removable object with a magnetic backer which can then be applied to metal objects. Most often used in promotional markets to create marketing magnets.
Jumbo Numbers–Font sizes from 1/4” to 3 7/8” ; bi-directional
Jumbo numbering systems use large font sizes (i.e. typically ¼” to 3-7/8”) so coding marks can be easily read from a distance. Jumbo numbers are particularly useful for items to be stored in warehouses or large shelving systems, as well as for items like pallet or dry cleaning tags, storage drums and so on.
Kraft Banding
Kraft banding is a process where a kraft paper strip is wrapped around a stack of paper and sealed together at the ends to bind the stack into a bundle. It is commonly used for bundling items like tickets and paper currency.
Labels
A printed document with removable liner exposing an adhesive which allows the document to be applied to a product or other documents for the purpose of tracking, identification, shipping or other tagging application.
Lamination
Lamination is a plastic film or coating which is applied to entire printed sheets to create high gloss, matte or other finishes. More rigid plastic film laminations are used to protect a finished printed product. Spot laminations are often used in creating integrated cards.
Laser Compatible Papers
Laser compatible papers are designed to work efficiently with laser printers or copiers, which produce high heat levels when they print. These papers are stable enough to withstand the heat of the laser printing process, and will prevent curling and shape changes that can cause paper jams.
Laser Safe Perforations
Laser safe perforations are perforations designed to withstand the process of running through a laser printer or copier without tearing or coming apart, and without jamming the machine. This term is often associated with very fine perforations which leave a cleaner edge when torn.
Liners
Liners are the backings used for labels, cards or integrated patches that allow a label to be cleanly removed from the page. These are often referred to as “poly-liners”.
Link
When used in email and web marketing refers to the electronic connecting of a word or icon to an internet digital location. Also called a hyperlink, a reference in an electronic document that lets a user display or activate another document or program.
Folding
Folding includes a comprehensive line of paper folding equipment suitable for a wide variety of sizes, configurations and applications.
Marketing
The process of promoting a person, product, service or company using various types of media. Marketing precedes the sales process creating an environment for a sale to occur.
Marketing Service Provider
A company that provides multiple media options to their clients for the purpose of promoting their products, services or company brand.
Metal Eyelets
A metal eyelet, or “grommet” is a metal ring inserted into a hole in thin material such as paper, to prevent tearing or abrasion and to cover sharp edges. They typically have a collar on each side to fasten them to the material.
MICR
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is a special font used on bank checks and drafts as security against unauthorized reproduction. The font is designed for use with magnetic recognition and optical character recognition systems. Specialize inks are also used allowing the numbering to be accurately read by automated equipment.
Micro-Printing
Micro-printing is a security technique used to prevent unauthorized reproduction of printed items such as checks and drafts. Micro-printing uses very small text that is typically too small to be readable with the naked eye and very difficult to scan or copy. It is usually printed in an inconspicuous area.
Modulus Numbering
Modulus Numbering, also known as “check digit algorithms” or “Mod numbering” is used to enhance the ability to read or scan numbers in bar code numbering. A check digit is arrived at mathematically and appended to the data being printed. A scanner then uses the same mathematical formula to evaluate the code, and the result is compared with the printed check digit. If the comparison fails, the error causes the scan to be invalidated. There are many check digit methods, including modulus 7, 9 and 11.
Moisture Resistant Cartons
Moisture resistant cartons are often cardboard boxes that have a moisture barrier to prevent water or moisture damage to sensitive printed products such as labels or other materials. The moisture barrier may be a chemical barrier absorbed into the cardboard itself, or in some cases the cardboard is lined with a moisture resistant material such as plastic.
OCR
Optical Character Recognition is the mechanical or electronic translation of scanned images of handwritten, typewritten or printed text into machine-encoded text. It is widely used to convert books and documents into electronic files, to computerize a record-keeping system in an office, or to publish the text on a website. In most cases, documents printed for OCR scanning require specific inks allowing some data to be read while other data is not captured by the scanning process.
Offset
A tradition method of printing using a plate, blanket and impression roller to allow ink to be offset to a substrate.
Open rate
An analytic term used in marketing to track the number of customers or prospects who opened a delivered marketing message. Open rate is calculated by taking the known number of "opens" and divide that number by the total number of sent messages.
Overt
Visible or nearly visible images, text or other security devices used to deter counterfeit attacks. Overt features also provide effective means of authentication.
Padding
Padding produces tightly glued pads of forms, notepads, tablets and more. The process connects loose paper sheets with hot glue.
Perforating
A perforation is a small slit in a material such as paper, usually in an organized linear pattern. Perforations allow for the easy separation of two pages of material by tearing along the line of perforation. Perforations can be made vertically or horizontally on a page.
Personalization
A term used in digital printing to describe the process of adding names, address and other demographic information to a marketing piece to engage the recipient thus raising the response rate. Personalization is most often associated with variable data print campaigns.
Photo books
A digitally printed book most often containing photographs or images in full color. The photo book market is a growing segment of the color digital print industry.
Pocket Forms
Business forms having an envelope or pocket created using cross web gluing. In most cases, transfer tape or similar feature is applied to create a sealing system for the pocket.
Poly Wrap
Poly wrap is a polythene film used to package products. It may be a clear “plastic” film, or it can be colored or printed. Poly wrap is typically fed under and around a product and then heat sealed together. The process can be done manually or through automated equipment.
Pressure Sensitive Tapes
Pressure sensitive tape, also known as adhesive tape, self-stick tape or sticky tape, is an adhesive tape that sticks to a surface when pressure is applied to it.
Printed Book Covers
Printed book covers are usually produced on material that is heavier than the bound pages they are intended to cover, and are sometimes coated to enhance strength and durability. Printed book covers are typically used for collated forms that need to be bound together in a protected cover, including items like memo pads, citation books and so on.
Print on Demand
Print on demand (POD) is a service that allows the printer to retain copies of the files of the material you print on a periodic or regular basis, so they can be quickly and easily accessed for updates or edits. Print on demand allows the customer to quickly and easily do digital short runs as needed.
Process color
Also known as “full color” or “four color”, Process Color uses the CMYK color system (Cyan; Magenta; Yellow; Black). Halftones are used to obtain photographic full color images.
QR code
Quick response codes are 2D codes which when scanned with a smart phone equipped with the proper reader application will link the viewer to a webpage. Quick Response refers to the fact that the viewer of the document can participate faster with the marketing or service campaign associated with the printed 2D code.
Response Rate
The total number of respondents to a marketing campaign divided by the total number of marketing messages sent for that campaign.
ROI
Return on investment (ROI) is a calculation used to determine the value gained from an investment in equipment, people or marketing. ROI is calculated by taking the total gained value of the program minus the cost of implementation divided by the cost of implementation.
Security Features
Security Features are special applications used to secure paper documents against unauthorized reproduction. Some available Security Features include: Magnetic and thermocromic inks, special papers, modulus numbering, micro-printing, MICR, water marks and much more. Security features can be covert (hidden) or overt (visible). The process of layering covert and overt security features produces higher levels of security protection.
Sheeting, In-Line
The process of converting a continuous roll of paper into individual sheets directly in line through a printing press.
Shell Stock
A printed product that will be overprinted with additional print at a later time. Most often used when a large quantity of print carried some static data yet other data must be added at later time. Sometimes this process is called "Hybrid printing".
Short Run Digital Color
Short Run Digital Color is a printing process using high-speed digital color printers. Because digital printing does not require traditional press plates and other detailed setup processes, costs to do short run’s of small quantities of printed materials can be manufactured effectively.
Shrink Wrap Packaging
Shrink Wrap is a clear plastic film used as a protective wrapping to package merchandise such as printed materials. The plastic film is wrapped around the articles and then heat is used to shrink the film to form a tight fitting, sealed package.
Stapling
A bindery process used to create books. Also, referred to as saddle stitching in some cases. Business forms are often bound using stapling for log books applications. In digital printing , stapling is often produced inline to create booklets
Static Cling
A term used to describe the adhesion quality of a printed product most often used in window graphics. Static from the printed material holds the product to a glass or metal surface. Today many "static cling' application actually us a low tack, non residue adhesive for better results.
String Ties
String Ties are pieces of twine or string attached to tags or certain types of forms so they can be easily be attached to an item for tracking. String ties are often used on repair tags, so the customer’s information can be completed on the tag, and then the tag can be easily attached to the item to be repaired.
Substrate
The material on which printing may be accomplished. Substrates may be paper, plastic, poly and other materials.
Tack
The immediate bond created when a label is applied to a surface. Tack holds the label in place while the permanent bonding process can take full effect.
Taped Book Ends
Taped Book Ends is a process where a special tape is used to bind the spine edge of a book or booklet.
Thermochromic Inks
Thermochomic Inks have the ability to turn invisible or shift color with changes in temperature. They are often used as a document security feature as they are difficult to scan or copy yet provide a quick means of authentication.
Tipping
Tipping is a bindery process for incorporating loose pages such as a replacement page, an errata sheet or other insert into a bound volume.
Trade Partner
“Trade Partner” is a term used in the printing industry to describe resellers of printed materials. “Trade Only” printers are printers who sell only to “Trade Partners” or resellers on a wholesale basis…they do not sell directly to end use customers. Through partnerships with Trade Only printers, Trade Partners have access to special reduced pricing that is not available to the general business or consumer public.
Transfer Tape
Transfer tape is typically ½” in width and applied within a document to create a means of adhering or sealing. Often this process is used with pocket form designs to create a security sealing system.
Transpromo
A marketing process created by adding marketing messages to normal business transaction documents such as statements and invoices.
Trimming
Generally an offline bindery process used to cut a larger document to a smaller size. Multiple part forms may be trimmed in the fashion as well.
UV Ink
UV inks produce a stronger color and must be cured using inline UV dryers. These are often used where commercial color quality is required.
UV-Ultra Violet Drying
UV Drying uses the ultra-violet light spectrum to cure and dry coatings applied to printed materials. This process can be done in-line to produce glossy, high quality finishes on printed products such as brochures, postcards and more.
Variable Imaging (Color/Black & White)
Variable imaging uses electronic information to print materials that vary from individual piece to individual piece to customize the printed material. With Variable Image printing, text, photos and other graphic items can be interchanged automatically to personalize a printed piece to an individual.
VDP
A marketing process used to push a marketing message to customer or prospect segments rather than the same message to all customers or prospects. Versioning can be accomplished using text or graphics.
Versioning
Variable data printing is the process of taking information elements from a database and applying them in print to a direct mail or other marketing process. VDP increases response rates by escalating the relevance of the message and the personalization.
Void Feature Pantographs
Void Feature Pantographs are hidden security features in a printed document designed to protect it from unauthorized reproduction. Verbiage such as “void”, null”, “copy” or “unauthorized reproduction” will be hidden when viewed by the naked eye, but will show up if the document is copied or scanned. Un-authorized reproductions of the document would lack the hidden features.
Warning Band
A printed security option that informs the holder of a document what security features can be used to authenticate the document. Warning bands are often used on checks, titles, certificates and other documents targeted by counterfeiters.
Watermarks
Watermarks are patterns or designs which are impressed into the wet paper pulp during the paper manufacturing process. Watermarks can be seen when viewed when held up to any light source. Watermarks can also be artificially incorporated into printed products, often as a faded image or text lightly printed in the background. In some cases articial watermarks must be viewed while holding the document at an angle.
Wire Ties
Wire Ties are pieces of wire attached to tags or certain types of forms so they can be easily be attached to an item for tracking. Wire ties are often used on repair tags, so the customer’s information can be completed on the tag, and then the tag can be easily attached to the item to be repaired.