Flexo Terms
Our label solutions are produced using Helpful label terminology from P&L LabelGraphics Caribe flexographic and digital printing processes and are available in multiple materials, adhesives, sizes, and finishes.
Flexography
Is a method of printing utilizing resilient relief image plates of rubber or photopolymer material. Our Flexo Convertors are designed for high speed printing of roll labels with the capability of color processing die cutting perforating and UV coating.
Offset Printing
Is the process of printing digital-based images directly onto a variety of media substrates. directly onto a variety of media substrates. Digital printing differs from traditional, analog printing methods – such as offset printing – because digital printing machines do not require printing plates. Instead of using metal plates to transfer an image, digital printing presses print the image directly onto the media substrate.
Plate Making
Making Plates or Printing Mats, for both internal and external utilization, involves the creation of art electronically and the photographic transfer of art to a photopolymer plate through UV curing.
Common Label Terms
Adhesive
The glue substance is applied to the back as a pressure-sensitive material for adhesion to surfaces
All-temperature
The type of pressure-sensitive adhesive designed for use at both room and colder temperatures
Bar code
One of several machine-readable codes used at retail, manufacturing, and shipping levels
Bleed
When the ink coverage of the copy runs beyond the cut edge of a label
Butt cut
A label made with square corners and no spacing between labels
Carrier width
Measurement of the liner or backer from edge to edge of the label or roll
Cold temperature
Refers to adhesives designed for application and performance at colder temperatures above freezing
Color changes
Refers to the wash-up and changeover of ink colors within a production run.
Color matches
Refers to the mixing of ink colors to match a specific color requirement or PMS (Pantone Matching System) standard
Color proof
A pre-press color prototype is typically supplied from a laser, color print, color key, chromalin or press proof to approve before production
Copy
The printed image and/or wording on a label
Coupon label
A coupon made as a pressure-sensitive label which can be applied to a surface and subsequently peeled off and redeemed as a dry coupon with no adhesive to the touch. Also called an IRC (instant redeem coupon)
Cut marks
The lines on the outer edges of artwork and plates that show where the actual cut of the label will be
Die
The tool that cuts the shape of the label (often available in a label maker's tooling inventory)
Die cut
Refers to the cut that produces a label shape. In rectangles, it distinguishes rounded corners from the square corners common to butt cut labels and is a requirement for automatically applied labels
Die line
The outline of the die cut; often required to match artwork properly to the finished shape
Direct thermal
Imprinting process using heated pins to strike specially coated paper to produce an image
Exact repeat
Usually means a label reorder to the exact specifications as previously followed without change
Face material
Top layer of a label construction is sometimes also called the substrate (i.e. paper, foil, mylar, vinyl, etc.)
Fanfold
Finishing labels with a perforation and zigzag fold so that it can be imprinted or used continuously
Fanfold length
The distance from perforation to perforation on a fanfolded label
Flexo
The flexographic printing process uses round printing cylinders and cutting dies, requiring roll materials to be fed into the press. It runs thin, fast-drying inks and raised-surface plates at high speeds.
Four-color process
The print combination of magenta, cyan(blue), yellow, and black in dot patterns, called screens, is used to produce a variety of graphics, images, or photos in all the color shadings desired
Freezer temp
Refers to pressure-sensitive adhesives specifically designed for use and performance at temperatures below 32°F.
Gradient
The variation of printed dots from lighter to darker, as a single or in multiple colors.
Halftone(s)
The use of dots to create a lighter-shaded version of a base color.
Label length
The label's dimension from one side to the other in the direction of the pull of the roll.
Label width
The label's dimension is from one side to the other in the direction from one edge of the roll to the other.
Lamination
The process of combining one or more surfaces together to accomplish a particular purpose
Laser stock
Face material, often paper, is required when using heat and toner to produce an image
Latex-impregnated
Face material with rubber additive to improve moisture and weather resistance, and flexibility
Liner
The silicone-coated base material used to facilitate release of the adhesive coated face while holding it together during printing, die cutting and automatic application
M
Represents 1000 in the printing industry.
Matrix
The waste face material around the die cut edges of a label that is stripped away and discarded
Opaque adhesive
Also called "greyback" or "block-out," used to eliminate any show- through of previous printing
Overlaminate
The application of a clear material (usually a lacquer coating, film, or UV) for appearance or protection.
Pattern adhesive
The application of adhesive in a striped pattern for the purpose of a specific construction
Perforation
A series of cut and uncut areas used to aid in tearing, folding, or some other facilitation
Permanent
Common term for pressure sensitive adhesives designed to give a permanent or lasting bond
Piggyback
A multi-layered material made to allow for the secondary use or positioning of the label
Pin feed
Relates to the tractor-feed marginal holes required by certain impact imprint systems. Plate: The raised surface, usually of photopolymer or rubber, which transfers the ink to print an image
PMS
Pantone Matching System of color standards and matching, indicated by a universal number given to each specific color and shade
Positive Print
Refers to any image that is created by the raised surface of a plate, like a rubber stamp. (See Reverse print)
Registration
The correct placement of all colors and copy within a label or one color to another.
Release
The chemical bond of the face to the liner allowing for proper converting, application and adhesion.
Removable
A type of adhesive that is designed for clean removal from a surface(s)
Repositionable
Refers to the ultra removable type of adhesive allowing for easy release and reapplication to most surfaces.
Reverse print
The application of adhesive in a striped pattern for the purpose of a specific construction
Screens
Any dot pattern used to produce various concentrations of color such as process, halftones, or gradients.
Tamper resist
Labels created in any combination of fashions to defeat removal after application or indicate evidence of tampering with package integrity.
Thermal transfer
The application of adhesive in a striped pattern for the purpose of a specific construction
Tints
Solid ink coverage on a label
Tool/Tooling
Refers not only to cutting dies but also other mechanicals such as cylinders, sheeters, blades, punches, etc.
UV
Stands for "Ultraviolet" which is a method of curing inks, coatings and laminations by ultraviolet light.