Glossary

4 Colour Process:

This process is the application of Cyan Magenta Black and Yellow. By using the four base colours we are able to produce all the colours imaginable.

Bindery:

When a job is printed it goes to the bindery for finishing ie. trimming, folding, collating, stapling, binding etc.

Black Light Ink:

A security ink which is invisible to the eye.

Coated Paper:

Paper that has a coating on surface. Often used for high quality brochures of many colours.

Creasing:

Any paper or board weight over 200gsm requires a crease to enable folding without cracking on the material (through the printed image).

Die:

This is needed if the paper or board is to be cut into certain shapes, for example, if you wanted a Christmas card in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Die Line:

A key line needed to make the die.

Download:

When we receive a disk or email from a client we then download this image to film.

Duo Tone:

The use of two spot colours to add life to a picture or image that would appear on a two-colour job.

Dylux:

A single colour document is made from film instead of the plate so that the client can check layout, text etc.

Emboss:

The surface of the paper is raised into the required image or design.

Embossing Block:

Before an image can be embossed onto paper a block has to be made. This block carries the required design or image. They are usually made from zinc/aluminium. Brass is sometimes used for longevity but is very expensive.

Film:

Film is required to put the image of the job on to a plate.

Foil:

Using a heat process coloured foil can be applied to the surface of the paper just like ink.

Form Proof:

A larger version of a colour laser. This doesn't require film.

GSM:

Grams per Square Metre. A measure of weight.

Heat Raising:

Special crystals are put on to the printed material as it comes off the printing press. The material is then subject to a special heat process, which raises the ink off the paper.

Image Setter:

This is required to produce film.

Imposing:

When printing a book we need to impose (layout) each page a certain way on the sheet size we print on to get the final folds in the correct position.

JPEG:

Small, low memory file. Image can be manipulated further.

Laminate:

(Celloglaze) Applied after printing. It can be either matt or gloss.

Matt/Gloss Seal:

If ink is wet or not setting on uncoated boards then matt/gloss seal is used. This type of seal is also used to make the job sharper in contrast.

NCR:

No Carbon Required. The self-carbonating paper found in invoice books, purchase order books etc.

Negative Film:

This is used for the plate image.

Offset Printing:

Ink and water are combined to make an image.

Perforation:

A specially designed wheel on the machine puts small slits on a section of the paper, creating a tear line.

Positive Film:

This is used to produce an embossing block.

Plates:

Usually made of aluminium. The image of the job is carried on the plate.

Prepress:

All aspects of printing prior to the printing press.

PDF:

Secure file for printing.

Screen:

The light shading of a spot colour, eg. 50% screen of black is grey.

Spot Colour:

Colour is applied on its own basis eg. PMS 364 is green.

Tri Tone:

The same as Duo Tone but with three colours.

UMS:

Microns. A measurement of thickness, usually used for board weights over 300gsm.

Uncoated Paper:

This is used more for everyday stationery such as letterheads and pads.

Vynette:

This gives a spray gun effect to an image.

Paper Sizes:

A0 - 1188mm x 840mm

A1 - 594mm x 840mm

A2 - 594mm x 420mm

A3 - 297mm x 420mm

A4 - 297mm x 210mm

A5 - 148mm x 210mm

A6 - 148mm x 105mm

CTP - Computer to Plate:

Has replaced traditional film to plate process.

FTP - File Transfer Protocol:

Allows the user direct access to the Server for file uploading.