ION PRINT SOLUTIONS
Accordion Fold - Sometimes called a "Z" fold, this bindery term means two or more parallel folds which open like an accordion.
Adobe Acrobat - Software package created by Adobe for converting any document to an Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file. A file type where anyone can open your document across a broad range of hardware and software using the downloadable, free software Adobe Acrobat Reader, and it will look exactly as you intended—with layout, fonts, links, and images intact. Click here to download Adobe's free software reader which allows you to view and interact with PDF files.
Adobe Type 1 Font - See Postscript Font
Against The Grain - Printing at right angles to the direction of paper grain. This will cause folding problems. One way to work around folding against the grain is to score the paper before folding.
Attachment - When referring to e-mail, an electronic file placed within an e-mail for the purpose of sending through the Internet.
Banding - When the changes from screen percentage to screen percentage in a gradient can be seen, instead of a solid blending from dark to light or from color to color.
Bind - To fasten sheets or signatures with wire, thread, glue, or by other means.
Bindery - Where materials go for assembly. Cutting, folding, binding and boxing are some of the activities performed in bindery.
Bleed - Ink which prints beyond the trim edge of the page, created for the purpose of allowing ink to extend to the edge of the page after trimming. Without bleed, cutting the product becomes extremely difficult and may sacrifice the quality of the product. For best results, create 1/8" (.125) bleed (past trim edge) on all edges where bleed is desired.
Blind Debossing - An image pressed into a sheet without ink or foil, creating a lowered area.
Blind Embossing - An image pressed into a sheet without ink or foil, creating a raised area.
Blueline - A blue photographic proof used to check position of all image elements. Similar to a blueprint. Universal does not utilize this type of proof; instead, a color, full-size, low-resolution proof is output for our clients.
Camera-Ready Copy - An archaic term meaning print-ready, mechanical art.
Carbonless - Pressure sensitive writing paper that does not use carbon paper.
Center Justified - Type that is justified to the center of the left and right margins; the line lengths vary on both sides.
Collate - A finishing term for gathering paper in a precise order.
Color Bar - A line of colored blocks in a row or a single color placed at the tail of a press sheet and used to measure the density of color across the width of a press sheet.
Color Correction - Improving color separations by altering either the electronic file or the amount of color burned onto a plate or the amount of ink applied to a press sheet.
Color Matching System - A system of formulated ink colors used for communicating color (typically Pantone)
Color Separations - The process of preparing artwork, photographs, transparencies, or computer-generated art for printing by separating color into the four primary printing colors: cyan, magenta, yellow and black.
Comb Bind - To plastic comb bind by inserting the comb into punched holes.
Crash Number - Numbering paper by pressing an image on the first sheet which is transferred to all parts of the printed set.
Crop - To cut off parts of a picture or image.
Crop Marks - Printed lines showing where to trim a printed sheet.
Cyan - One of four standard process colors. The icy blue color.
Debossing - Pressing an image into paper so that it will create a lowered area.
Densitometer - A quality control devise used to measure the density of printing ink.
Density - The degree of color or darkness of an image or photograph.
Die - Metal rule or imaged block used to cut or place an image on paper in the finishing process.
Die Cutting - The process of using a die to cut images in or out of paper.
Digital Printing - Printing performed on a digital copier, such as a laser color copier or Docutech.
Digital Proof - A proof delivered electronically, as opposed to physically. The most typical example is a .pdf proof.
Direct-to-Plate - The process by which plates are created using information sent to a direct-to-plate device from a computer, bypassing film.
Dot Gain or Spread - A term used to explain the difference in size between the dot on film versus the dot on paper.
Double Burn - Exposing a plate to multiple images.
Duotone - A halftone picture made up of two printed colors.
Embossing - Pressing an image into paper so that it creates a raised area.
Emulsion - Light-sensitive coating found on printing plates and film.
Flood - To cover a printed page with ink, varnish or plastic coating completely.
Foil - A metallic or pigmented coating on plastic sheets or rolls used in foil stamping and foil embossing/debossing.
Foil Emboss / Deboss - Foil stamping and embossing/debossing an image on paper with a die.
Foil Stamping - Using a die to place a metallic or pigmented image on paper.
Four Color Process - The process of using cyan, magenta, yellow and black to build/create any and all colors. The price of printing in process is generally equal to that of printing three spot colors.
French Fold (Eight panels) - Two folds at right angles to each other.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) - An accredited certification standard used to ensure that forest resources are harvested, produced, distributed and printed in a responsible manner.
FTP - An acronym meaning File Transfer Protocol. The process of sending or receiving files electronically through the Internet. Not to be confused with attaching an attachment to an e-mail, FTP is performed using an FTP client (software) or a Web page with FTP capabilities.
Full Justification - Type that is justified to the right and left margins, creating no variation between line lengths on either end; except the last line, which is left justified.
Ghosting - A faint printed image that appears on a printed sheet where it was not intended. More often than not, this problem is a function of graphical design. It is hard to tell when or where ghosting will occur. Sometimes, you can see the problem developing immediately after printing the sheet, other times the problem occurs while drying. However the problem occurs, it is costly to fix, if it can be fixed. Occasionally, it can be eliminated by changing the color sequence, the inks, the paper, changing to a press with a drier, printing the problem area in a separate pass through the press, or changing the racking (reducing the number of sheets on the drying racks).
Gloss - A shiny look, reflecting light.
Gradient - A transition of color, creating a blended change between screen percentages of a single color or between two different colors.
Grain - The direction in which the paper fiber lie.
Gripper - A clamp-like device which grabs the front of the press sheet and pulls it through the press. Also refers to the edge of the press sheet which leaves the press first.
Halftone - Converting a continuous tone to dots for printing.
Hard Copy - The output of a computer printer, or typed text sent for typesetting.
Hickey - Reoccurring, unplanned spots that appear in the printed image from dust, lint or dried ink.
Image Area - Portion of paper on which ink can appear.
Imposition - Positioning printed pages so they will fold in the proper order.
Impression - Putting an image on paper.
Imprint - Adding copy to a previously printed page.
Indicia - Postal information placed on a printed product.
JDF (Job Definition Fomat) - Think of it as an electronic job docket or template that accompanies your job though the ION digital workflow.
Justification - The act of specifying how a block of type will look on a page.
Kiss Die-Cut - To cut the top layer of a pressure-sensitive sheet and not the backing. Sticker sheets use this technique.
Knock Out - To mask out any area of ink.
Left Justified - Type that is justified to the left margin and the line lengths vary on the right.
Magenta - One of the basic colors in process color. The pink color.
Makeready - All the activities required to prepare a press for printing.
Mask - Blocking light from reaching parts of a printing plate.
Matchprint - The process of using gels or naps to create a color proof which accurately represents how a job will look when printed on press when printed in 4-color process. There are some spot color gels, but the selection is extremely limited and may not be a true representation.
Matte - A dull look, reflecting light poorly.
Offset Printing (Lithography) - Printing performed on a traditional printer, where plates mounted onto rollers are used to transfer ink onto paper.
Offsetting - Using an intermediate surface used to transfer ink. Also, an unpleasant happening when the images of freshly printed sheets transfer images to each other.
Opacity - The amount of show-through on a printed sheet. The more opacity—or the thicker the paper—the less show-through.
OpenType™ Font - OpenType is a new cross-platform font file format developed jointly by Adobe and Microsoft. The two main benefits of the OpenType format are its cross-platform compatibility (the same font file works on Macintosh and Windows computers), and its ability to support widely expanded character sets and layout features, which provide richer linguistic support and advanced typographic control. On a Windows machine, OpenType fonts have the extension .otf.
Overrun - Copies printed in excess of the specified quantity.
Overs - See Overrun.
Page Count - Total number of pages in a book, including blanks.
PDF - See Adobe Acrobat
PDF/X - A variant of the Adobe PDF format in which all extraneous information to the print process is removed to maximize efficiency and minimize errors in the new digital workflows.
Perfect Bind - A type of binding that glues the edge of sheets to a cover, i.e. a telephone book, an Adobe software manual, or Country Living Magazine.
Plate - An object, onto which an image is burned using light, which is placed onto a press for the use of printing ink onto paper.
PMS - The abbreviated name of the Pantone Color Matching System.
Point - For paper, a unit of thickness equaling 1/1000 inch; for typesetting, a unit of height equaling 1/72 inch.
Postscript - The computer language most recognized by printing devices. The current version being level 3.
Postscript font - As opposed to TrueType and OpenType™ fonts, postscript fonts contain two files: a screen font and a printer font. When sending to your printer, please make sure to attach both files. On a Windows machine, postscript files have these extensions: .pfm and .pfb.
Printer font - The file a computer uses to help the printer print a font correctly. This file is necessary for printer output. Without the printer font, a font may look correct on screen, but will print incorrectly. On a PC, printer fonts have the extension of .pfb.
Process Color - The process of using cyan, magenta, yellow and black to build/create any and all colors. The price of printing in process is generally equal to that of printing three spot colors.
Proof - A print out or mock-up of a job.
Proofing - When a job has been sent to the proofreader, to the sales representative or customer service representative, or to the client to be looked over.
Ragged Left - Type that is justified to the right margin and the line lengths vary on the left.
Ragged Right - Type that is justified to the left margin and the line lengths vary on the right.
Ream - Five hundred sheets of paper.
Registration - To position print in the proper position in relation to the edge of the sheet and to other printing on the same sheet.
Registration Marks - Cross-hair lines or marks on film, plates and paper that guide strippers, platemakers, pressmen and bindery personnel in processing a print order from start to finish.
Right Justified - Type that is justified to the right margin and the line lengths vary on the left.
Saddle-Stitch - Binding a booklet or magazine with staples in the seam where it folds.
Scanner - Device used to make color separations, halftones, duotones and tritones. Also a device used to scan art, pictures or drawings in desktop publishing.
Score - A crease put on paper to help it fold better.
Screen - See Screen Percentage.
Screen Angles - The angles at which halftones, duotones, tritones and color separation printing films are placed to make them look right.
Screen Font - The file a computer uses to display the font correctly on screen. Without this file, the font may print correctly, but will look incorrect on screen. On a PC, screen fonts have the extension of .pfm.
Screen Percentage - The amount of ink coverage applied.
Self Cover - Using the same paper as the text for the cover.
Side-Stitch - Binding by stapling along one side of a sheet.
Signature - A sheet of printed pages which, when folded, become a part of a book or publication.
Spot Color - Ink which has been mixed before printing, creating a solid flood of color more easily matchable from printing to printing.
Spot Varnish - Varnish used to highlight a specific part of the printed sheet.
Stamping - Term for foil stamping.
Stock - The material to be printed.
Stripper - The individual responsible for the positioning of film on a flat prior to platemaking.
Stripping - The positioning of film on a flat prior to platemaking.
Tail - The edge of the press sheet which leaves the press last.
Targeted Communication - The combination of digital print and aligned HTML-based communications to create a unique personalized, cross-platform marketing medium.
Tints - A shade of a single color or combined colors.
Trap - An area where two colors overlap minutely. Trap is used to make sure any shift in printing does not result in areas where paper is seen where there should be ink.
Trim Marks - Similar to crop or register marks. These marks show where to trim the printed sheet.
Trim Size - The final size of one printed image after the last trim is made.
Tritone - A halftone picture made up of three printed colors.
TrueType Font - As opposed to a Postscript font, TrueType fonts are used by both the screen and the printer to display and print the font correctly. On a Windows machine, TrueType fonts have the extension of .ttf.
UV Coating - Liquid laminate bonded and cured with ultraviolet light. Environmentally friendly.
Varnish - A clear liquid applied to printed surfaces for looks and protection.
Washup - Removing printing ink from a press by washing the rollers and blanket. Certain ink colors require multiple washups to avoid ink and chemical contamination.
Wiki - A wiki is a collection of web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content, using a simplified markup language. Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites and to power community websites. The collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia is one of the best-known wikis. Wikis are used in business to provide intranets and Knowledge Management systems.
Wire-O - A bindery trade name for mechanical binding using double loops of wire through a hole.
Wire-O Binding - A method of wire binding books along the binding edge that will allow the book to lay flat using double loops. See Wire-O
With The Grain - Folding or feeding paper into the press or folder parallel to the grain of the paper.
Work And Tumble - Printing one side of a sheet and turning it over from the gripper to the tail to print the second side using the same side guide and plate for the second side.
Work And Turn - Printing one side of a sheet and turning it over from left to right, using the same side guides and plate for the second side.
Vegetable-based Inks - The best option on the market at this moment is vegetable-based inks as they contain less VOCs and IPA solvents than petroleum-based inks. If you also print using waterless or alcohol-free methods, you will lessen your environmental impact. Some vegetable inks could contain soya oil.
Soya-based Inks - These inks are also agricultural-based and contain less VOCs than petroleum-based (mineral-based) inks. However it is difficult to determine if the soybeans used were GMO in origin. Moreover, there is no universal standard for what “soy-based” ink means. It could have anywhere from one drop of soy oil to 100% soy oil content. However, it is important to mention that both vegetable- and soya-based inks could contain petroleum. And obviously, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, these inks are manufactured and shipped using fossil fuels. Ideally, their method of manufacture and shipping would be local and renewable. Soy-based inks would be the next best option after vegetable-based inks.
UV Inks - UV Inks are a mixed bag. They typically use less solvents and contain small amounts of VOCs but they are not from renewable sources. It is best to avoid petroleum-based inks as they emit higher VOCs (typically 25-40% distillates in printing) and are not renewable. Also avoid finishes like foil stamping, varnishes, and laminates as they are difficult to de-ink and consequently make it difficult to recycle the paper.
Petroleum-based Inks - Petroleum-based products have serious health and environmental implications. Traditional petroleum-based inks emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming and indoor air pollutants that carry serious health effects.
VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) - VOCs are organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures under normal conditions to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere. A wide range of carbon-based molecules, such as aldehydes, ketones, and other light hydrocarbons are VOCs.
Aqueous Coating - Aqueous coating is available in gloss, dull or satin finish, and is applied on top of a printed piece to avoid smudging the ink. You cannot "spot" aqueous coat an area due to the application process.
Aqueous coating is a water-based lacquer coating that is often the best overprint choice in terms of environmental impact. Paper with aqueous coating can be recycled and does not emit harmful byproducts. These coatings are also the most cost-effective. The cleanup process does not require toxic cleaning detergents nor does it necessitate high temperatures for drying.
UV Coating - UV coating is applied like ink to paper and dried by ultraviolet light. It can be used as an overall protective coating or "spot" applied to an area of the printed piece. The process of UV coating emits no toxic byproducts. However, the clean-up process from UV coatings requires utilizing dangerous chemicals that necessitate strict safety measures and could be hazardous to workers' health if not handled properly. In addition, the UV coating process requires high energy use due to UV drying lamps and air conditioning requirements. The ability to recycle paper with heavy UV coverage may be limited. Too much of this coating in a batch may contaminate the pulp which prevents the paper from being used to make recycled paper products.
Varnishes - Think of varnish as ink without pigment, requiring it's own printing unit on press. This coating comes in gloss, dull and satin and is extremely strong. Varnishes recycle more easily than the UV coated stock. However, they emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the coating process which can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, and the central nervous system. VOCs are also suspected to cause cancer in humans.
Alcohol-Free Printing - Alcohol-free printing offers lower ink and water settings along with the ability to print a given density using an ink film that isn’t diluted by alcohol. The result is better quality printing with sharper dots and less tendency for emulsification.
Digital Printing - Toner-based digital printing avoids using film, plates, and the harmful chemicals used in traditional offset printing. This process is the least environmentally impactful because it is completely digital. It eliminates large volumes of waste during set-up and proofing, and there are no chemical washes or solutions on press. Digital printing is considered "print on demand", allowing for small quantities and less excess.
Carbon Management - Carbon management is an emerging trend for both companies and individuals. Being carbon neutral is a very simple concept involving the purhcase of carbon offset credits which fund emission-free energy projects as wind farms and solar installations.
Carbon Neutral - Being carbon neutral, or carbon neutrality, refers to neutral (meaning zero) total carbon release, brought about by balancing the amount of carbon released with the amount sequestered or offset.
When an individual or an organization sets out to become carbon neutral it is usually achieved by combining the following three steps:
Carbon Offest - A carbon offset is a credit for CO2 emission reduction that can be bought. If you add polluting emissions to the atmosphere, you can effectively subtract them by purchasing ‘carbon offsets’. Carbon offsets are simply credits for emission reductions achieved by projects elsewhere, such as wind farms, solar installations, or energy efficiency projects. By purchasing these credits, you can apply them to your own emissions and reduce your net climate impact. Carbon offsets are bought and sold through brokers, online retailers, and trading platforms.
Green Energy - Green energy refers to electricity generated by renewable resourcesx such as wind power, hydro, and biogas.
Biogas - Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Biogas originates from biogenic material and is a type of biofuel.
Recycled Content - Recycled papers may contain either pre- or post-consumer waste. The mobius loop (the three arrow symbol) is commonly used on printed recycled materials. Its use is not monitored, nor does the symbol represent any specific waste content.
Recyclable - This term simply means that the product is able to be recycled; it does not mean that the product contains any amount of recycled content.
Post-Consumer Waste - Paper that has completed its life cycle to the end user then re-enters the production process through recycling bin collection.
Pre-Consumer Waste - Pre-consumer recovered fibres come from paper scraps generated during the papermaking, converting, and printing processes – paper that has not reached the end user. These are regularly reused to make new paper.
Mill Broke - Mill broke means any paper waste generated in a paper mill prior to completion of the papermaking process. It is usually returned directly to the pulping process.
Virgin Fibres - Virgin fibre paper is manufactured without the use of any recycled/alternative fibres. Trees are the usual source of the virgin fibre. However, they can also be drawn from fibres such as kenaf and hemp.
Mixed Fibres - Quite often paper is made up of a mixture of recycled and unrecycled fibres as well as pre- and post-consumer fibre. The reason a number of papers have mixed content is because paper cannot be recycled indefinitely. Paper can be recycled about 5-8 times before the fibres become too short and weak to hold together.
Bleaching Process - When wood is pulped, it is naturally discoloured. The environmental challenge is to bleach the pulp white while minimizing harmful side effects on the environment.
Chlorine - Chlorine is an ideal chemical to remove lingin from paper pulp to increase its strength and also make the paper a brilliant white. However Chlorine also releases deadly organochlorines, PCBs, and dioxin into our water supply (from releases at paper mills.)
Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF) - Paper is made from fibre recycled from post-consumer waste (PCW) and unbleached or bleached without Chlorine compounds. PCF paper is the most environmentally friendly type.
Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) - Paper made from 100% virgin fibre (including alternative fibre from sources other than trees) that is unbleached or bleached with non-Chlorine compounds. TCF cannot apply to recycled papers, because the source fibre cannot be determined.
Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) - Paper made from virgin or recycled fibre that is bleached using alternative Chlorine compounds as a substitute for elemental Chlorine.
Forest Management Systems - Papers from Forest Management Systems are partially or totally derived from resources that are managed to ensure their renewability for generations to come.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is a world-wide group of people dedicated to better utilize, manage and promote responsible use of our forests. Through its chain-of-custody certification program, the FSC ensures that the world’s forests are managed in an environmentally responsible , socially acceptable, and economically viable manner. In an unbroken chain of commitment from forest to consumer, the FSC label carries the promise that a product comes from a forest friendly source.
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certificaiton (PEFC) - The PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, founded in 1999 which promotes sustainably managed forests through independent third party certification. The PEFC provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and paper products that they are promoting the sustainable management of forests.
Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) - The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) program is based on the premise that responsible environmental behavior and sound business decisions can co-exist.
SFI program participants practice sustainable forestry on all the lands they manage. They also influence millions of additional acres through the training of loggers and foresters in best management practices and landowner outreach programs.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) - The Canadian Standards Association is a not-for-profit, membership-based association serving business, industry, government, and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace.
Rainforest Alliance - The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices, and consumer behavior.It sets standards for sustainability that conserve wildlife and wild lands and promote the well-being of workers and their communities. Farms and forestry enterprises that meet the comprehensive criteria receive the Rainforest Alliance certification seal. The Rainforest Alliance also works with tourism businessesx to help them succeed while leaving a small footprint on the environment and providing a boost to local economies.
Bullfrog Power - Founded in 2005, Bullfrog Power is a leading provider of 100% green electricity with service available to Ontario and Alberta residents and businesses. Bullfrog Power provides Canadians with a convenient way to support locally generated renewable power. Bullfrog sources power exclusively from generators which meet or exceed the federal government's Environmental Choice Program EcoLogo standard for renewable electricity. Its power comes from clean, emission-free sources like wind power and low-impact water power instead of carbon-intensive sources like coal.
Green-e - Green-e is the nation's leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green-e offers certification and verification of renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products.
Ancient Forest Friendly Paper - Ancient Forest Friendly papers are free of ancient forest fibre and contain 100 percent recycled fibre or 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) virgin fibre or papers with high recycled content and the remainder of the fibre content being FSC.
Markets Initiative - Markets Initiative works collaboratively with publishing and printing companies to develop and implement environmental paper procurement policies.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) - External certification and ongoing monitoring systems are designed to assure continuous reduction of environmental impacts. An EMS is designed to identify, evaluate, plan, manage, improve, and monitor the environmental policy throughout an organization.
EcoLogo-certified - EcoLogo is North America’s most widely recognized and respected certification of environmental leadership. By setting standards and certifying products in more than 120 categories, EcoLogo helps consumers identify, trust, buy, and sell environmentally preferable (“green”) goods and services.
Launched by the Canadian federal government in 1988, EcoLogo has grown to serve buyers and sellers of green products throughout the United States and Canada, and around the world. In fact, EcoLogo is North America’s oldest environmental standard and certification organization (and the second oldest in the world). It is the only North American standard accredited by the Global Ecolabeling Network as meeting the international ISO 14024 standard for environmental labels.
ISO 14001 - The ISO 14000 environmental management standards exist to help organizations minimize how their operations negatively affect the environment.
ISO 14001 is the international specification for an environmental management system (EMS). It specifies requirements for establishing an environmental policy, determining environmental aspects and impacts of products/activities/services, planning environmental objectives and measurable targets, implementation and operation of programs to meet objectives and targets, checking and corrective action, and management review.
Eco-Management Audit System - EMAS - the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, is a voluntary initiative designed to improve companies’ environmental performance.
Its aim is to recognize and reward those organizations that go beyond minimum legal compliance and continuously improve their environmental performance. In addition, it is a requirement of the scheme that participating organizations regularly produce a public environmental statement that reports on their environmental performance. It is this voluntary publication of environmental information, whose accuracy and reliability has been independently checked by an environmental verifier, that gives EMAS and those organizations that participate enhanced credibility and recognition.
Green Seal - Green Seal is a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services.