Glossary of
Screen-Printing Terminology

A
Attachment
A file included with an e-mail message.

B
Binary File
A file consisting of characters that describe an image, document, or application. Binary files are read by computers rather than by people.

C
Compression
The process of reducing the size of a file by changing its format so that it requires less storage space or takes less time to transfer.

Custom Screen Printing
Non-standard (stock) items - produced to your specifications. Using color, design and application as created by you. We can help engineer any product to meet your requirements.

CNC Routing and Cutting
A computer controlled, precision process that cut a wide variety of rigid and flexible substrates. Cutting to virtually any shape required. Large format kiss cut vinyl can be larger than regular die cutting.

D
Die-Cutting
Process of cutting with the use of sharp steel rule tooling into various substrates with an exacting shape; not square.

Design Assistance
Helping a customer develop an idea from concept to completion utilizing printing processes, end use and design conventions.

E
Emulsion
The side of printing films that contains active halide emulsion. Screen printing films are emulsion side up.

F
Fulfillment
Production and inventory of customers standard products for scheduled shipment and distribution.

G
Ganging
Placing a number of jobs on the same plate for cost saving purposes.

H
HTML
Acronym for HyperText MarkUp Language. The code used to develop web pages and commands.

I
Interpolation
A technique used to increase the size of a graphic image by adding pixels.

J
Lamination
Protective bonding materials.

K
Kerning
Space between letters.

L
Large Format Digital Printing
No plates or screens - computer generated art printed directly to substrate. Full color, no size or quantity limitations, no minimum quantities. Excellent for banners, decals, trade show displays, POP applications, etc.

M
MIL Weights
A substrate manufacturers method of measuring thickness.

N
Native Files
Original artwork from the original software.

O
Overprinting
Printing one ink over another for the purpose of accurate trapping.

P
PDF
Acronym for Portable Document Format. An Adobe format permitting the viewing of designs cross-platform without special software.

Q
Quality Factor
A measure of pixel ratios in a halftone.

R
Rastered Type
The appearance of text when it becomes jagged or stair-step looking. Usually the result of images saved at low resolution.

S
Scothprint
This brand-name is owned by 3M. This process is an electrostatic transfer method permitting graphic transfer onto vinyls.

T
Tack
A description of the adherence quality of an adhesive.

U
UV Resistant Inks
Specially designed inks that resist discoloration caused by ultra violet rays.

V
Vector Art
Art created as lines or paths, rather than pixels.

W
Windows
A brand name associated with Microsoft operating systems.

X
X-Windows
A Unix based version of the Windows operating system.