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Glossary

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 peel-able, 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 effect of a watermark. Most artificial watermarks are printed inks and can be viewed from only one side of the sheet.  See Watermarks.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality.  By contrast, virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one.  Augmentation is conventionally in real-time and in semantic context with environmental elements, such as sports scores on TV during a match. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable.  See an example of print used to drive AR HERE.

BarCodes

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 are 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.  Video

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 from 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 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.

A 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.

A 2 of 5 Standard

Standard 2 of 5 is a low-density numeric symbology that has been with us since the 1960s. It has been used in the photofinishing and warehouse sorting industries, as well as sequentially numbering airline tickets. The symbology is called "2 of 5" due to the fact that digits are encoded with 5 bars, 2 of which are always wide (and the remaining three are narrow).  Standard 2 of 5 is a very simple symbology in that all encoding information is encoded in the width of the bars. The spaces in the barcode exist only to separate the bars themselves. Additionally, a bar may either be wide or narrow, a wide bar generally being 3 times as wide as a narrow bar. The exact size of the spaces is not critical, but is generally the same width as a narrow bar.  NOTE: A more efficient implement of Standard 2 of 5 is the newer Interleaved 2 of 5. The encoding method is essentially the same except that Interleaved 2 of 5 allows information to be encoded in both the bars and spaces, whereas Standard 2 of 5 only encodes information in the width of the bars. Thus, Interleaved 2 of 5 is a slightly higher-density symbology. The main advantages of Standard 2 of 5 are its simplicity and the fact that it can encode any number of numeric values, whereas Interleaved 2 of 5 must always encode an even number of numeric values.

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 include 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 driver's license, credit cards and other identity documents. The term is normally used in conjunction with counterfeiting.  Download our whitepapers on Document Security.

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. "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 transportation 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.  See our video on the Healthcare market.

Check Encoding

Flesh Co 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.

Coated

Coated is the term used to describe types of paper that have been coated for special printing purposes.  Coated stocks are sealed and therefore do not let the ink penetrate into the substrate.  The ink hold out creates brighter color and better images.   Stocks may be matte coated, gloss, semi-gloss, high gloss and other levels depending on the desired effect and type of printing equipment to be used.   Typically coated stocks are used in the commercial printing industry and require some form of drying as the inks are not drying through penetration and evaporation. 

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 tag 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 unattended printing.

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.   See Whitepapers.

Crimping and Interleaving

Crimping is an application used in continuous multi-part 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.

DPI

DPI is an abbreviation for "dots per square inch", a term used in digital imaging to describe the level of print quality.   A typical ink jet printer may print at 150 or 200 DPI while other printers may print from 300 to 600 DPI.  A high DPI resolution results in a higher quality printed image.   Photographs are often printed in 600 DPI or higher.    Most people see only at a 300 DPI level so most printing is manufactured in that range.

Dandy Roller

A watermark is made by impressing a water-coated metal stamp or dandy roll onto the paper during manufacturing.  The dandy roll is a light roller covered by material similar to window screen that is embossed with a pattern. Faint lines are made by laid wires that run parallel to the axis of the dandy roll, and the bold lines are made by chain wires that run around the circumference to secure the laid wires to the roll from the outside. Because the chain wires are located on the outside of the laid wires, they have a greater influence on the impression in the pulp, hence their bolder appearance than the laid wire lines.  This embossing is transferred to the pulp fibers, compressing and reducing their thickness in that area. Because the patterned portion of the page is thinner, it transmits more light through and therefore has a lighter appearance than the surrounding paper. If these lines are distinct and parallel, and/or there is a watermark, then the paper is termed laid paper. If the lines appear as a mesh or are indiscernible, and/or there is no watermark, then it is called wove paper. This method is called line drawing watermarks.   See watermark.

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 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 barcoding and/or numbering to a business document or label. Digital imaging, in most cases, is done in-line for efficiency and security utilizing variable data print technology.

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.

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 cataloged 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.  See our whitepapers on Document Security.

Double Faced Carbon

Double faced carbon is a thin paper substrate coated on the face and back with a special carbon coating.  The coating is released under impact typical of normal carbon paper.   Double faced carbon is typically used in conjunction with translucent paper in the first position.  The document is placed in an impact printing device which creates an image on the back of part one yet readable from the face through the translucent paper.   Meter tickets are a common type of business form using double faced carbon.   It may also be used in two write systems.

Drilling

The process of adding holes to a document so that it may be used within a binder application.  Drilling is normally an off-line bindery process when spacing does not allow punching in-line on the press.

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, 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.

Errata

A document listing errors and their corrections.

Facestocks

Facestocks are papers or other substrates used for printing labels that are compatible with a variety of adhesives and printing systems.

Fanfold

Fanfold describes the format in which a form is delivered for processing.  Fanfold is a continuous format which allows the forms to be fed into a continuous feed printer using pin feed (sometimes called tractor feed) systems.  In these applications, line holes are punched on the left and right margins to allow for feeding and alignment.   One part continuous forms may be used on pinless, friction fed printers.   This is especially common with business forms and label applications processed in thermal printers. (Direct thermal or thermal transfer)

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 a filing device such as a ring binder. Various types of punching can be applied in-line 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, it may not maintain the registration and print quality of commercial litho.

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, reflect or glow, 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.

Folding

Folding includes a comprehensive line of paper folding equipment suitable for a wide variety of sizes, configurations and applications.

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.

Fulfillment Services

Fulfillment services is a term used to describe the processing of mailing, packaging products or other marketing related functions.

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.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

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 a document to create 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 to create a removable label which can then be applied to another document, product or package. Most often these are used in mailing, chain of custody or product marking applications.

Integrated Magnets

The process of applying a liner and die cut to a document to create a removable object with a magnetic backer which can then be applied to metal objects. This is most often used in promotional markets to create marketing magnets.

Integrated Magnets

 

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 applications.

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.

Law label

A law label is a legally required tag or label on new items describing the fabric and filling regulating the United States mattress, upholstery and stuffed article (e.g.: pillows, plush toys, comforters, etc.) industry. Typically these tags begin with a phrase such as "This tag may not be removed under penalty of law except by the consumer". Some states require tags on used bedding as well. The purpose of the law label is to inform the consumer of the hidden contents, or “filling materials” inside bedding & furniture products. The law label was born in the early 1900s to prevent these articles from being further manufactured with contents such as horse hair, corn husks and whatever else a manufacturer could find to use that the consumer would never see, similar to food labeling.

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.

Marketing

The process of promoting a person, product, service or company using various types of media. Marketing precedes the sales process to create 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. Specialized inks are also used to allow 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 barcode 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 traditional 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.   See our whitepapers on Document Security.

Padding

Padding produces tightly glued pads of forms, notepads, tablets and more. The process connects loose paper sheets with hot glue.

Pantograph

Typically used in security printing, pantographs are large background images printed over a portion or all of a document.  Checks normally have a security pantograph in the check area where additional information is then imaged.  The pantograph helps to protect the check from fraud due to duplication or copying while adding some level of branding for marketing purposes.   Pantographs may be in a single based color or blended versions called "prismatic" printing.   They may also contain hidden messages that appear when a copy is made.   In most cases the hidden word appears as the word "VOID".

Perforation

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.

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.

Prismatic Printing

Prismatic printing is the process of combining two or more colors with the background of a document creating a rainbow effect.  Typically, color A will be on the left and color B on the right.  As the colors move to the center of the document they blend creating various tonal shades.   This process creates a background (Pantograph)  that is more difficult to counterfeit or replicate.   Prismatic effects may be created using laser screening or allowing two or more colors to blend naturally.   This process is common in the printing of documents targeted by counterfeiters such as checks, titles, certificates, money orders and birth/death certificates.

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 thermochromic inks, special papers, modulus numbering, micro-printing, MICR, watermarks 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.

Security Thread

Security thread is a thin poly material that is layered into the paper during the papermaking process.  The thread is added during the early stages where the pulp has a high water content which allows the thread to float within the pulp layer.  As the paper is milled and dried, the thread becomes sealed within the paper.   Security thread is used only in documents requiring high levels of counterfeit deterrent and that require a visual form of authentication.   U. S. currency carries security thread as do many vehicle titles.    Security threads can be customized using laser imaging, however, the delivery time and cost make this acceptable only in high risk applications.   Threads may also be encoded so they may be scanned with specific readers for authentication purposes.

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 a later time. Sometimes this process is called "Hybrid printing".

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.

Snap Out (Unit Set)

Unit set forms, sometimes called "snap outs", are typically hand executed.  They range from 2 part up to 6 part construction though higher numbers of parts are available.   Unit set applications are often used where digital printing is not a solution.  Examples of unit set applications would be traffic tickets, guest checks at a restaurant or work orders within a manufacturing company.   Labels and envelopes can be incorporated into the design to add higher value and improve efficiencies.   Unit set forms are typically produced using carbon-less paper to allow the handwritten information to transfer to interior parts.   Documents that may require long storage periods, such as contracts, may use carbon paper to ensure the image will stay for many years.

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 book applications.

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" applications actually use 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 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

Thermochromic 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.  See our whitepapers on Document Security.

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.

Translucent

Translucent is a term used with papers that provide a level of opacity that allows you to see through the substrate.  In business forms printing, translucent paper is used in meter tickets which are inserted into an impact printer.  Double faced carbon is used beneath the sheet so the impact creates an image on the back of the page.  As the paper is translucent, the image is viewable from the front.  

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 this fashion as well.

UV Ink

UV inks produce a stronger color and must be cured using in-line 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.

Uncoated

Uncoated papers are often used in the business forms and document industry where high color is not the norm.  Though full four color process printing is used, the effect of the color is muted on un-coated materials.   Typical uncoated paper examples would be bond, offset and ledger papers.

Unit Set (Snap Out)

Unit set forms, sometimes called "snap outs", are typically hand executed.  They range from 2 part up to 6 part construction though higher numbers of parts are available.   Unit set applications are often used where digital printing is not a solution.  Examples of unit set applications would be traffic tickets, guest checks at a restaurant or work orders within a manufacturing company.   Labels and envelopes can be incorporated into the design to add higher value and improve efficiencies.   Unit set forms are typically produced using carbon-less paper to allow the handwritten information to transfer to interior parts.   Documents that may require long storage periods, such as contracts, may use carbon paper to ensure the image will stay for many years.

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

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.

Visible/Invisible Fibers

Visible fibers are special paper fibers added during the paper making process that are viewable to the naked eye.  These are used in applications requiring some level of security against duplication as well as providing a means for authentication.  In most cases, visible (overt) fibers are combined with invisible (covert) fibers which can be viewed only under a UV light.    This combination of covert and overt security increases the difficulty in counterfeiting.

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.   See our security video.

Warning Band 

A printed security option that informs the holder of a document about 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 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 artificial watermarks must be viewed while holding the document at an angle.  See Artificial Watermark.

Wire Ties

Wire Ties are pieces of wire attached to tags or certain types of forms so they can 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

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