The Roman numeral for 100, "C" is often used as a unit of measure abbreviation for "100", "100 pieces", or "Per 100 pieces".

Referring to PVC (vinyl) film, calendered film is manufactured on a calender, which consists of a set of oil heated cylinders. On the calender, the sheet is formed when the cylinders distribute and press the PVC into a sheet (or film) of the required thickness. Calendered film is generally thicker (typically 4 mil) and less expensive than cast vinyl. However, it sometimes tends to shrink when subjected to heat.

A high resolution, clean piece of black & white artwork supplied in its final form for printing preparation.

Referring to PVC (vinyl) film, cast film is manufactured by coating a PVC "solution" (organosol) onto a web of coated paper. After the solvents evaporate and the PVC cures into a film, the high gloss finish of the coated paper is "cast" on the surface of the film. Cast vinyl films are usually thinner (typically 2 mil) and more expensive than calendered vinyl. However, they retain their shape better and can be heat-formed around textured or protruding objects.

See Etching on our Processes page.

The ability of a material to resist deterioration when in contact with chemical substances.

The process colors, Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K), used in the printing of color images (known as Four Color Process Printing).

The ability of a material to retain its original color or to resist change in color when exposed to (UV) light, heat, and other harmful influences.

See Paint Fill

The process of mixing together different colors of inks, paints, or dyes to achieve a color that matches the same hue of a specified color or color sample.

The pre-press process of separating a color image into its component spot colors and/or process colors - cyan, magenta, yellow & black (CMYK).

Custom printed or blank labels or decals capable of accepting printing from thermal transfer, laser, inkjet, and / or dot matrix printers.

A font in which the proportion of the letters, numbers, and symbols has been altered by reducing their width but not height.

The ability of a material to adjust itself to a contour of a substrate (curves, textures, rivets, corrugations, etc.).

The marking of items with unique numbers starting with a "start number" and proceeding in increasing or decreasing increments of one (1) until a "stop number" is reached. Commonly used for marking unique serial numbers on otherwise identical items.

In design, the use of dissimilar or opposing elements, such as light and dark areas, warm and cool colors, or script and block typefaces.

See Overlay, Bezel, and Legend Plate

Most commonly, the words or message on a label, decal, nameplate, or sign. May be expanded to include any graphics on the face.

Cure (process of Curing)

The process of effecting a chemical change in some inks, paints, and coatings to a finished condition through the application of heat, UV light, and/or through elapsed time. Curing is to a chemical change as evaporation is to drying.

(1.) The tendency of a self-adhesive film or material to bend under the influence of extreme moisture exchange.
(2.) The tendency of a sheet or laminate to bend under the influence of extreme heat.

See Manufacturer’s Nameplate

The process of producing depressed letters and/or graphics in an item. Debossed images are typically produced using dies or by engraving or etching the image itself.
See Emboss.

Text and/or graphics printed on a film substrate with an adhesive backing and then cut to a specified shape and size. Similar to a label; labels are printed on adhesive backed paper, where as decals are printed on an adhesive backed film. Decal is commonly used as a generic term for Labels, Nameplates, Overlays, Legend Plates, and Tags, as well as Decals.  VIEW SAMPLE DECALS.

The separation of layers in a laminated substrate. The main cause of delamination is adhesive failure.

At its simplest, a synonym for layout. Design can also include the process of conceptualizing an idea, choosing the colors, typefaces, and graphics and then arranging them in a way that is most affective for catching viewer attention and conveying the client’s message.

A destructible label or decal is usually produced from a very thin plastic, and once applied, is virtually impossible to remove in one piece. Destructible labels usually flake-off in tiny pieces when they are tampered with. They are designed to discourage unauthorized tampering with or transferring of labels, and also show any attempts to do so.
See Tamper Evident.

(1.) A tool or devise used for cutting a desired shape from a given material.
(2.) A tool or devise used for impressing a design upon a softer material.

To cut an item to a specific shape and size utilizing a steel rule die. Die cutting is commonly done when a large number of items are to be cut and the shape consists of something other than straight lines. Die-cut can also refer to the object that has been cut.

Digital Printing

See Digital Printing on our Processes Page.

The ability of a material to retain its original dimensions when subjected to (specific) exposure conditions (such as heat).

See Doming on our Processes Page.

An item with two parallel but opposing faces. Examples: a sign to be viewed from both sides or a decal to be adhered to glass and viewed from both sides.

Dots Per Inch (or dpi) is the unit of measure used to describe the resolution of image files, scanners, or output devices, by measuring the number of separate pixels (or dots) represented either horizontally or vertically in one inch.
See Resolution.

The removal of all solvents or water from an ink, paint or coating. Drying can be accomplished by the air with or without the application of heat.

A colorant which is dissolved in a liquid. When photo anodizing, dyes are used to reproduce colored text and images in the pores of anodized aluminum prior to sealing.

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