Label Terminology

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Here are some commonly used terms and phrases that Steven Label uses in describing the printing of different kinds of labels. You can also check out our Glossary of Barcode Terms.
• Backscore • Cutting Method • Dead Front • Format • Imprinting	• Label Shape • Orientation • Pattern Adhesive • Perforation • Read Both Ways	• Serial Numbers • - Missing Identified • Serial Numbers • - No Missing • Sub Surface • Weed Waste

Also, for your viewing pleasure, here is a handy dandy measurement chart: Measurement Reference Chart

Linear 1 inch 1 millimeter (mm) 1 inch 1 point Weight 1 ounce (437.5 grains) 1 gram (g) Temperature Degrees Celsius Degrees Fahrenheit	=  25.4 millimeters (mm) =  0.03937 inches =  72 points =  .01389 inches =  28.350 grams (g) =  0.03527 ounces =  degrees Fahrenheit – 32 x 5/9 =  degrees Celsius x 9/5 + 32		Fraction 1/32 1/16 3/32 1/8 5/32 3/16 7/32 1/4 9/32 5/16 11/32 3/8 13/32 7/16 15/32 1/2	Decimal = .03125” = .0625” = .09375” = .125” = .15625” = .1875” = .21875” = .25” = .28125” = .3125” = .34375” = .375” = .40625” = .4375” = .46875” = .50”		Fraction 17/32 9/16 19/32 5/8 21/32 11/16 23/32 3/4 25/32 13/16 27/32 7/8 29/32 15/16 31/32 1	Decimal = .53125” = .5625” = .59375” = .625” = .65625” = .6875” = .71875” = .75” = .78125” = .8125” = .84375” = .875” = .90625” = .9375” = .96875” = 1.00”

Backscore: The liner is scored to facilitate its removal. The location is not critical. It is normally done in the center of the part when not otherwise specified. Back to top of page Cutting Method: The method that is used to cut the parts. Laser cut: Equipment using laser technology. Normally used for first articles and prototypes. This method can be used for small production quantities (with prior approval). Kiss cut: A method of cutting through the face stock of pressure sensitive material but not cut through the liner. Butt cut: Parts are “kiss cut” on a liner but have no space (waste) between the parts. This term is normally used when describing a rotary die. The artwork should be designed to not have any graphics bleed off the edge of the label. Sheared: Scissor action equipment operated by hand. Normally used for heavy gage materials and aluminum’s. Face score: Normally a two step cutting method. Sheets of labels are first “kiss cut” in one direction, then guillotine cut in the other creating “strips” of parts. This process cannot hold normal tolerances associated with steel rule dies due to its two stage method. Parts requiring tolerances of +/- .02 or less should not use this method. Thermal die cut: A process using heat and pressure to “kiss cut” pressure sensitive materials. This method is used when the shape of the final parts cannot be made using conventional steel rule dies. No cutting: The label the customer is buying does not have a specific shape. Example: A continuous roll of material not die cut in any way. Die cut: Parts are cut into individual pieces using a steel rule die to achieve the final shape. Guillotine: Parts are cut into individual pieces with equipment that uses a large blade to cut the final shape of the parts. Similar to “sheared” but multiple sheets are cut with greater speeds and accuracy due to the automated nature of the equipment. Back to top of page Dead Front: Applies to overlays only. Used to describe an LED type window or copy that only appears to the user when back lit. When this area is not back lit it is indistinguishable from the background color or “dead”. Back to top of page Format: The final configuration in which the parts will be shipped. Pieces: This is a generic term. The format is determined based on the number of labels across and down specified by the person entering the part for the first time. See definitions below. Strips: One label across by some number down. Sheets: Two or more labels across by some number down. Individual pieces: A single part(s). Rolls: Labels in a continuous roll of a given quantity. Fanfolded: Labels supplied with perforations at regular increments that are folded at a specific repeat (12 inches is the most common). Back to top of page Imprinting: The method that is used to print data on the label surface. Impact printer: As the word “impact “ implies, this printing method uses pressure to transfer the pigment on a ribbon to the substrate i.e. dot matrix, typewriter etc. Although this was the method of choice a few years ago it is being replaced by a thermal transfer process due to its increased flexibility in materials and printing options. Sheet fed laser: Standard desk top laser printer. Normally 8 1/2 x 11 sheets. Material selected must be specifically made for this type of imprinting method. Caution must be exercised when design calls for the imprinting to be done on a surface coated with ink. Thermal transfer: This method is done in rolls and normally has a maximum O.D. of 8 inches depending on the printer used. It is a ribbon based system using a print head and heat to transfers the pigment to the substrate. It requires a minimum of .125” space between the labels or a black bar printed on the liner for the sensor on the printer to read. This process requires materials specifically made for this type of imprinting in conjunction with a particular ribbon type. Direct thermal: This method is done in rolls and normally has a maximum O.D. of 8 inches depending on the printer used. It is similar to thermal transfer but does not require a ribbon, instead, It uses material (paper) that is chemically treated to change color (black) when heat is applied by the print head. This method should only be used for labels with a short life span due to it’s tendency to turn black when exposed to sun light. Roll fed laser: Continuous form printing using a laser imaging process. This method normally requires the material to have EDP holes to drive the stock through the printer. The same considerations listed under “Sheet fed laser” apply. Hand marking: The customer intends to use a pen or other writing utensil to write on the face of the label. Matte finishes work best in these situations reducing the tendency for the ink to smear. Samples should be provided for the customer to test to ensure their marking method is compatible with the material. Typewriter: Customer intends to use a standard typewriter to imprint the labels. The format is normally strips one across. A matte surface material works best with this method. Due to the number of different ribbons used, samples should be provided for the customer to test before parts are produced. Back to top of page Label Shape: All labels have a shape that falls into one of six categories. Rectangle square corners: This shape is normally achieved using a butt cut die in roll label or a line die in screen printing. This shape would not require a radius corner designation. This shape can also be achieved using a “guillotine” process. Rectangle round corner: This shape does require a radius corner designation. Circle: This shape is self explanatory. Oval: This shape is self explanatory. Special: In the event that the label shape is not a rectangle, circle or oval, this designation should be used. Also, any label with internal cutout(s) should be classified as special. No shape: This designation is used when the label the customer is buying does not have a specific shape. Example: A continuous roll of material not die cut in any way. Back to top of page Orientation: This term applies to roll label formats and is used to describe the direction of the label copy as it comes off the roll. The orientation of the die and the way the artwork is created determines this direction.                      No orientation: This option would be selected when no orientation applies. Rolled out: The labels are on the outside of the roll (see illustrations above as examples). This is how we would normally supply your labels to you unless you specify that they should be “rolled in.” Rolled in: The labels are on the inside of the roll. Back to top of page Pattern Adhesive: In the case of screen printed products, a double linered adhesive is die cut to a specific shape that “mates” with an overlay or nameplate design. This normally applies to screen printed products. It is most commonly used when the customer needs LED windows that are adhesive free. Roll products can also need a pattern adhesive but the requirement is achieved differently. Special tooling, unique waste weeding techniques and adhesive deadeners are some of the methods used to achieve this type of specification. Back to top of page Perforation: Cutting rule with a series of teeth or “ties” per inch that die cut the material but keep the part intact. The strength of the perforation depends on the number and size of the teeth per inch. The customers application should determine the strength of the perforation. The purpose is to allow the end user to separate or break apart the label design as they use the parts. Back to top of page Read Both Ways: The label copy appears on both sides of the part. This is similar to “Adhesive on face” but also can be read from the non-adhesive side. Back to top of page Serial Numbers - Missing Identified: The part contains a sequential number. This designation allows manufacturing to ship a certain percentage of missing numbers as long as those numbers are documented and provided to the customer with each shipment. Back to top of page Serial Numbers - No Missing: The part contains a sequential number. The customer requirement does NOT allow us to ship any missing numbers. Any defects discovered in inspection must be replaced. This can be a time consuming process and as a result, reflects in the pricing to the customer. Back to top of page Sub Surface: The printing is done on the back side of a clear material (not on the face). This is normally done to provide the part with more abrasion resistance. This method is commonly used for overlays on polycarbonate. Back to top of page Weed Waste: The excess material around the kiss cut part is removed. On a roll press this is normally done in line during the printing process. On a sheet fed press this has to be done by hand. Back to top of page

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