Glossary N-Z

	Goto Top
	N, K CODE: This is a method for encoding information. N refers to the number of modules in a character width and K refers to the number of bars and spaces. These codes require a fixed number (N) of modules for each character, and they also require a fixed number (K) of bars and spaces.
	NANOMETER: Unit of measure used to define the wavelength of light. Equal to 10-9 meter.
	NEGATIVE: A photographic image of originals on paper, film or glass in reverse from that of the original copy. Dark areas appear light and vice versa.
	NEOPRENE RUBBER: A polymer of chloroprene, it is used as an adhesive base. Commonly used where oil and gasoline resistance is required. Resistance to swelling action of aromatics (pure and fuels) is poor but much better than natural rubber. Also used to coat doctor or metering rolls.
	NIP: Line of contact between two rolls. Often referred to as the pull or draw rolls of a web press.
	NOMINAL: The exact (or ideal) intended value for a specified parameter. Tolerances are specified as positive and negative deviations from this value.
	NON-CONTACT READER/SCANNER: Bar code readers, which do not require physical contact with the printed symbol.
	NON-READ: The absence of data output from a scanner after an attempted scan. This may be due to a defective code, scanner failure or operator error.
	NUMBER SYSTEM: This is a method of identifying individual or groups of objects.
	NUMERIC: A character set that includes only numbers.
	Goto Top
	OD: Outside diameter of a cylinder, roller or roll of labels.
	OEM: This is an abbreviation for "original equipment manufacturer". It refers to a manufacturer who produces a component or components used in the making of a finished assembled product.
	OFFSET PRINTING: Process of indirect printing in which an impression on a flat plate is printed on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, from which it is impressed, i.e. offset, upon the surface to be decorated.
	OMNIDIRECTIONAL: Bar codes which scanners can read from many orientations.
	OOZE: Adhesive moving out of ends of rolls or stacks of sheets causing ends to feel sticky and possible causing material to block. Also referred to as adhesive cold flow.
	OPACITY: This is the property of a substrate material that minimizes show-through from the backside or the next sheet. This is the percentage of reflectance with a black backing to the reflectance with a white backing. Ink opacity is the property of ink that prevents the substrate from showing through.
	OPAQUE INK: Ink that is not transparent and reflects only its color regardless of what colors it overprints.
	OPERATING SIDE: This is the side of a press on which the printing unit adjustments are located. It is opposite to the driving side or gear side.
	OPP: Oriented polypropylene.
	OPTICAL THROW: The distance from the scanner face to the closest point at which the symbol can be read; also, optical throw is the difference between range and depth of field.
	OPTICITE FILM: Trademark of a label film supplied by Dow Chemical (polystyrene).
	ORIENTATION: The alignment of the symbol's scan path. Two possible orientations are horizontal with vertical bars and spaces (picket fence) and vertical with horizontal bars and spaces (ladder).
	OVERHEAD CHARACTERS: Overhead characters are the number of non-data characters, such as start/stop characters and check digits that must be encoded in the symbol.
	OVERHEAD: The fixed number of characters required for start, stop and checking in a given symbol. For example, a symbol requiring a start/stop and two check characters contains four characters of overhead. Thus, to encode three characters, seven characters are required.
	OVERLAMINATING: Applications of a clear film to a label stock for the purpose of protection or to enhance graphic quality, usually done in-line on the press.
	Goto Top
	PATTERN COATED: Refers to the width and spacing arrangement of strips of adhesive laid down parallel to machine direction and across the width of pressure sensitive label stock during its manufacture. Also refers to adhesive coating applied in a pattern that is not related to web direction.
	PCS (PRINT CONTRAST SIGNAL): This is a measure of the ratio of the reflectivity between the bars and spaces of a symbol.
	PEEL ADHESION: The force required to remove a pressure sensitive from a standard test panel at a specific angle and speed after the label has been applied under specified conditions. The strip of test material is usually one inch wide, and the angle of measurement can be 90 to 180 degrees from the surface.
	PEN SCANNER: A pen-like device either connected by wire to a device, or self-contained, used to read bar codes. Requires direct contact with the symbol.
	PENETRATION: Change of appearance of the face material due to movement of one or more components from the adhesive or the labeled surface. Bleed through, migration.
	PERFORATED: Refers to a series of small incisions make in laid-on labels and/or their release liner to facilitate tearing along a pre-determined line, or for fan folding.
	PERMANENCY: A measure of an adhesive's ultimate holding power or bond strength. A permanent adhesive will develop a bond that makes label removal difficult or impossible without distorting the face stock.
	PERMANENT ADHESIVE: An adhesive characterized by having relatively high ultimate adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces.
	PHOSPHORESCENT FACE: A face material coated with phosphorescent ink that emits light in a visible spectrum.
	PHOTO COMP (PHOTO COMPOSITION): A system to produce very high quality labels by computer / photography.
	PHOTOPOLYMER: Plate material that is photosensitive and upon exposure, its compounds polymerize to form a tough, abrasion resistant surface which becomes the inking media.
	PICKET FENCE CODE: See Horizontal Bar Code.
	PIGGYBACK: This is a multi-ply pressure sensitive laminate consisting of a face stock, a layer of adhesive, a standard release liner, a layer of adhesive, and a standard release liner. This type of product provides a single label that can be applied to a substrate using the adhesive on the middle liner; then the top ply is removed and applied to a different substrate using the adhesive on the face stock.
	PIGMENT: Finely ground, solid particles used to give color opacity to printing inks and coatings, usually insoluble in such a mixture.
	PINCH ROLL: See nip roll or pull roll.
	PITCH: This refers to the rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis parallel to the direction of the bars.
	PLATE: The image carrier in letterpress and flexographic printing.
	PLATEN PRESS: Printing press in which a flat surface bearing the paper is pressed against a flat surface bearing the inked type.
	POLYCARBONATE: A high clarity film having the versatility of acetate with the durability of polyester.
	POLYESTER LINER: A polyester film that is silicone release coated. It provides an excellent die cutting surface and is also used on over laminating films to provide a smooth, glass-like surface of adhesive.
	POLYESTER OVERLAM: A clear, glossy polyester film coated with clear acrylic adhesive. Can also be supplied with a matte surface.
	POLYESTER: A strong film having good resistance to moisture, solvents, oils, etc. Usually transparent, although available with opaque ester formed by polymerization or condensation. It has excellent strength, clarity and dimensional stability.
	POLYETHYLENE: A tough, stretch plastic film having very good low temperature characteristics, also frequently used for producing semi-rigid recyclable bottles.
	POLYMER: A compound formed by the reaction of simple molecules called monomers, having functional groups that permit their combination to proceed to high molecular weights under suitable conditions. It is a long-chain molecular structure.
	POLYOLEFINS: A group of unsaturated hydrocarbons of the general formula CnH2n, and named after the corresponding paraffin by the addition of 'ene' or 'ylene' to the stem.
	POLYPROPYLENE: This is similar to polyethylene but stronger and having a higher temperature resistance. Various thermoplastics are polymers of propylene exhibiting excellent clarity. Also used in various thickness in the printing of labels as well as backing or liner materials.
	POLYSTYRENE: A thermoplastic produced by the polymerization of styrene. The electrical insulating properties are outstanding and the material is relatively unaffected by moisture.
	POLYVINYL: Refers to a group of resins formed by polymerizing various vinyl monomers.
	POROSITY: In paper the degree of air permeability measured in terms of air floe through the sheet.
	POSTNET BAR CODE: The code developed by the U.S. Postal Service to assist in the automatic sorting of mail.
	PREPRINTED SYMBOL: This is a symbol that is printed in advance of application either on a label or on the article to be identified.
	PRESSURE BRIDGE: The steel support mechanically secured over the die stations, through which the pressure screws are threaded.
	PRESSURE SCREWS: Steel shafts threaded through the pressure bridge which are used to apply pressure (in rotary die cutting station) to facilitate die cutting.
	PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL: A label product that is processed through roll or sheet fed equipment utilizing a face stock, adhesive and liner components. The manufactured product is generally in the form of rolls, sheets, or fan folded packs.
	PRESSURE SENSITIVE TAPE: This refers to a combination of a pressure-sensitive adhesive with a carrier. Tapes are either self-wound or utilize release liners or films.
	PRIMARY LABEL: Label that acts as the main identification of a product. Often designed to attract attention and contains information to appeal to a buyer and is usually applied at the time of its manufacture.
	PRIMER: Coating applied to the face material on the side opposite to the printing surface to improve anchorage of the adhesive and prevent migration of adhesive components into face material.
	PRINT CONTRAST: See PCS.
	PRINT QUALITY: This is a measure of compliance of a bar code symbol to the requirements of dimensional tolerance, edge roughness, spots, voids, reflectance, PCS, quiet zone, and encodation.
	PRINT TREATED: A proprietary chemical alteration of the surface by the film manufacturer done during the film making process.
	PRINTABILITY: Refers to surface characteristics on the face stock that relate to printing quality and is an indication of which face stocks are the best choice for the print quality desired.
	PROCESS PRINTING: Multi-color printing utilizing a variety of printing screens, depth of etch, etc., and usually using yellow, magenta, cyan and black inks to give an optical effect of all colors and hues being present in a composite picture.
	PRODUCT ID: In the U.P.C. code, the 5 digit number assigned by a manufacturer to every consumer unit in its product catalog. The Product ID is different for every standard package (consumer unit) of the same product.
	PROTECTIVE COATING: Coating that protects printing on and the face material of a pressure sensitive label from abrasion, chemicals and moisture.
	PSI: This is an abbreviation for "pounds per square inch".
	PULL TAB: Area on a face stock that facilitates easy removal of the label, usually a cut area on a sheeted label. Also called a peel tab or tear tab.
	PUNCHED OUT LABELS: Anvil cut or sheeted labels. Also referred to as metal-to-metal cutting due to the die cutting edge coming in contact with the anvil.
	Goto Top
	QUICKSTICK: The property of a pressure sensitive adhesive that allows it to adhere to a surface under light pressure. It is also a measure of the bond strength immediately after application.
	QUIET ZONE: See Clear Area
	Goto Top
	RADIO FREQUENCY DATA COMMUNICATION (RFDC): Hand-held or vehicle mounted units that send and receive messages by radio frequency. Information from the units is displayed on a screen for workers. It allows real-time, two-exchange of data between terminals, one often mobile and the other a host computer at a distant location.
	RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID): This refers to the ability to identify products through the use of small radio transponders, activated by a transmitter, to identify products. The transponder can carry a unique ID code or other information in its memory, and can be read at a distance without line of sight.
	RADIO FREQUENCY TAG: This is an electronic tag capable of receiving/storing and/or transmitting digital information.
	RADIO FREQUENCY TERMINALS (RF TERMINALS): A portable device used to interact with a remote host computer.
	RADIO FREQUENCY: Non-wired automatic identification devices that use radio waves to transmit data.
	REAM WEIGHT: The amount which one ream of paper weighs.
	REAM: Five hundred sheets of paper.
	REFLECTANCE: Amount of light reflected back from a surface. Reflectance is measured under specified conditions in which a surface coated with barium sulfate is considered to be a perfect diffuse reflector of light.
	REGISTER MARKS: Symbols attached to original copy prior to photography, used for positioning films in register, or registering two or more colors when printing.
	REGISTER: A term in pressure sensitive label production that describes exact, corresponding placement of successively printed images and/or successively die-cut pressure sensitive labels.
	RELATIVE HUMIDITY: The amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere, expressed as a percent of maximum that could be present at the same room temperature.
	RELEASE LINER: The component of the pressure-sensitive label stock that functions as a carrier for the pressure-sensitive label. Prior to application, it protects the adhesive, and readily separates from the label immediately before the label is applied to product.
	RELEASE: The force required to free or separate a pressure-sensitive label from its release liner, using a specific measuring device.
	REMOVABILITY: A relative term to describe the force or condition under which a P.S. label can be removed from a substrate. A removable label is one in which no damage or staining occurs to the substrate or face material and no adhesive residue is left on the substrate upon removal.
	REMOVABLE ADHESIVE: An adhesive characterized by relatively high cohesive strength and low ultimate adhesion. There are different degrees of removable adhesive. It can be removed easily from most surfaces; however, some adhesive transfer could take place depending on the affinity of the adhesive to the surface.
	REPEAT: The printing length of a plate cylinder, determined by one revolution of the plate cylinder gear.
	RESIDUE: Adhesive left on substrate when a label is removed.
	RESOLUTION: This defines the narrowest element dimension that can be distinguished by a particular reading device or printed with a particular device or method.
	RFID: Abbreviation for "Radio Frequency Identification" Go to Main Warehousing Page
	RIBBON, RESIN: A ribbon commonly used in thermal transfer applications. It has a resin coating applied to a polyester base film. Resin ribbons provide the highest scratch and smudge resistance, but must image at slower speeds and higher temperatures. Results are best on synthetic substrates.
	RIBBON, WAX/RESIN: A ribbon commonly used in thermal transfer applications. It has a combination of wax and resin coatings applied on a polyester base film. Wax/Resin ribbons offer more durable print results that wax ribbons and can image on a variety of paper and synthetic substrates. The more resin in the blend, the higher the scratch resistance.
	RIBBON, WAX: A ribbon commonly used in thermal transfer applications. It has a pure wax coating applied to a polyester base film. Wax ribbons are typically soft and allow printing at high speeds and at lower temperatures. Wax ribbons are best for paper labels or tags.
	ROLL LABEL: Pressure-sensitive labels that are produced in a continuous roll form.
	ROLL-TO-ROLL: This is a method of running materials through a printing machine. A roll of material is fed into a printing unit, is printed, and then is rewound into a roll as it exits the machine.
	ROLL-TO-SHEET: This is a method of running material through a printing machine in which you begin with roll material and sheet it at the end of the press. A roll or material is fed into a printing unit, and then is sheeted as it exits the printing machine.
	ROTARY PRESS: A press that in normal use features a roll-to-roll operation.
	ROTARY PRINTING: Accomplished by means of a cylindrical impression cylinder and a cylindrical printing plate.
	ROTATED BAR CODE: This is a bar code symbol in which the lines are imaged in the opposite direction as the printing path. Also known as ladder or rotated (vertical) style.
	RUBBER BASE ADHESIVE: This is a pressure sensitive adhesive with a natural or synthetic rubber base. Can be coated as a solvent, hot melt or emulsion system.
	Goto Top
	SANDWICH CONSTRUCTION: Panels composed of a lightweight core material to which two relatively thin, dense, high strength faces or skins are adhered.
	SCANNER: An electronic device that converts reflected optical information into electrical signals.
	SCK (Super-calendared Kraft): A bleached, white paper used as a release liner with most standard roll label products.
	SCORE: To make an impression or a partial cut in a material for the purpose of bending, creasing, folding or tearing.
	SCREEN PRINTING: Method of printing in which the ink is forced through a design on a taut screen and onto the object to be printed. This process results in a heavy ink deposit that provides excellent outdoor durability.
	SELF-CHECKING: A symbology is said to be self-checking when it is designed to ensure that a single printing defect cannot transmute one character into another. Symbologies that are not self-checking require the use of a check character.
	SELF-WOUND: A roll of material with a single liner, which is coated on both sides with a release coating and a carrier having a pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides. This also refers to a material that has pressure sensitive adhesive applied to one side and then rolled upon itself (no liner).
	SERIAL ITEM CONTRIBUTION IDENTIFIER (SICI): This is the ANSI/NISO Z39.56-1991, Serial Item and Contribution Identifier standard. It provides a systematic way to code in condensed form an identifier that includes ISSN, chronology, enumeration, page number, and contribution title.
	SERVICE TEMPERATURE: The temperature range that a pressure sensitive label will withstand after a 24-hour residence time on the substrate. The range is expressed in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
	SHEAR CUT: This is a term describing a cut of a continuous web of stock using an action similar to the action of scissors.
	SHEAR STRENGTH: The internal or cohesive strength of the adhesive.
	SHEETING: Process whereby rolls of P.S. base stock are converted into sheets of finished labels by cutting them to the desired length in the sheeting stations on a rotary press.
	SHELF LIFE: The period of time during that a product can be stored under specific conditions and still remain suitable for use.
	SHELF LIFE: The period of time during which a product can be stored under specified conditions and still remains suitable for use (normally one year).
	SHOW-THROUGH: The generally undesirable property of a substrate that permits underlying markings to be seen.
	SILICONE COATING: A unique polymer system that can be a very effective release coating.
	SILICONE STAIN TEST: A water based stain used to test silicone coating coverage and continuity on die cut paper release liners.
	SKEW: This refers to the rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis parallel to the symbol's length.
	SKU: Stock Keeping Unit; a number assigned to a specific item of merchandise.
	SLIT: To cut rolls of stock to specified widths. Either rotary or stationary knives or blades are used with mechanical unwinding and rewinding devices.
	SLOT: A cut make in a material of a specific size and location. May have the face material removed when used to feed through imprinters.
	SMART BAR CODE: This is a bar code containing unique identifying information about an item that allows the user to have knowledge on that specific product.
	SMUDGE RESISTANCE: The degree to which a label surface, including printing and protective coatings, is able to resist rubbing or wearing away by friction.
	SMUDGE RESISTANCE: The resistance of a printed surface to smearing.
	SOLID STATE LASER SCANNER: This is a new type of laser scanner that emits light at a wavelength of 670 nm and also at 780 nm.
	SOLVENT ADHESIVES: Adhesives' components are dissolved in a variety of organic solvents for coating. Rubber or acrylic-based systems can be coated this way.
	SOLVENT: This is a chemical substance capable of thinning or reducing the viscosity of ink, coating or adhesives. Specifically, a solvent is a liquid that dissolves another substance.
	SOURCE MARKING: This is the process of labeling an item with a bar code at the point of its initial production.
	SPACE WIDTH: The thickness of a space measured from the edge closest to the symbol start character to the trailing edge of the same space.
	SPACE: The lighter element of a bar code usually formed by the background between bars.
	SPECIFICATION: A precise definition of the requirements needed to complete a task.
	SPECTRAL REFLECTION: This is the mirror-like reflection of light from a surface.
	SPECTRAL RESPONSE: This refers to the variation in sensitivity of a reading device to light of different wavelengths.
	SPLIT BACK: Slits in the release liner to facilitate its removal by hand.
	SPLIT FACE: Slits in face or pressure-sensitive product usually for facilitating removal from the release coated backing.
	SPUNBONDED OLEFIN: Describes a synthetic plastic material formed by the random distribution of very fine continuous fibers which are self-bonded by heat and pressure.
	STAC: Symbol Technical Advisory Committee to the Uniform Code Council, Inc. (see "Uniform Code Council").
	STACKED SYMBOLS (2D SYMBOLS): 16K and Code 49 are examples where a long symbol is broken into sections and "stacked" one upon another similar to sentences in a paragraph. Extremely compact codes. Conventional, linear bar code scanners using the proper decoding software can scan stacked Code Symbols. These include laser scanners, linear CCD scanners, and the 2-D cameras required by Matrix symbols. Stacked Code Symbols are easy to scan with hand-held devices.
	STACKER: Device on the take-off end of a press that automatically stacks sheeted labels.
	STANDARD: A set of rules, specifications, instructions and directions to use a bar code or other automatic identification systems to your profit. Usually issued by an organization, e.g. LOGMARS, HIBCC, UPC, etc.
	START/STOP CHARACTER: A bar code character that provides the scanner with start or stop reading instructions as well as code orientation. The start character is usually at the left-hand end and the stop character at the right-hand corner of a picket fence oriented code.
	START-STOCK CHARACTER OR PATTERN: This is a special bar code character that provides the scanner with start and stop reading instructions as well as scanning direction. The start character is normally at the left-hand end of a horizontally oriented symbol. The stop character is normally at the right-hand end of a horizontally oriented symbol.
	STATIC CLING: An induced property of a film that enables it to grab onto a smooth clean surface without using a pressure sensitive adhesive. Static cling is a phrase applied to both mechanical grabbing and grabbing by electrical static.
	STATIC ELIMINATOR: A device for neutralizing static electricity.
	STATIC: Electrical charges generated in handling materials that cause materials to cling together. Can jump to humans or equipment causing shock or fire if solvents are present. With reference to films, causes them to cling to one another or to other insulating surfaces.
	STEEL-TO-STEEL LABEL: See anvil cut or sheeted labels.
	STEPPED ANVIL: An anvil that has had either the bearer or body area reduced in order for die blades to cut to different depth than originally intended.
	STICKYBACK: Double-faced adhesive coated material used for mounting printing plates to the plate cylinder.
	STUB ROLL: This refers to a short roll of face material.
	STYRENE: This is a liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon. See polystyrene.
	SUBSTITUTION ERROR: This refers to a situation in which a poorly encoded, misread or human key entry error in which a character that was to be entered is substituted with erroneous information.
	SUBSTRATE: In printing, this is referred to as the material being printed and/or processed, or the surface on which a bar code symbol is printed or surface on which a label is affixed.
	SCM: Abbreviation for "Supply Chain Managemnt" Go to Main Warehousing Page
	SYMBOL DENSITY: The number of data characters per unit length; usually expressed as Characters Per Inch (CPI).
	SYMBOL LENGTH: Symbol length can refer to the physical length of a complete bar code symbol, or to the number of data characters that can be encoded in a given symbology. Most symbologies are of variable length, which means that they can encode any number of characters, although this is often limited by available space. Overall length = the distance between the outside edges of the quiet zone.
	SYMBOL TYPE: The symbology type can be either continuous or discrete. Characters in a continuous symbology begin with a bar and end with a space; the following character helps to define the previous. Discrete symbologies contain characters which begin and end with a bar, making necessary an inter character gap to distinguish the characters.
	SYMBOL: A combination of characters including start/stop characters, quiet zones, data characters, and check character required by a particular symbology, which form a complete, scannable entity. There is an important difference between the terms "symbol" and "code." Symbol refers to the visual representation of the bar code, i.e. the actual printed bar code, whereas code refers to the data contained within the bar code symbol. In this respect, the term "bar code" is perhaps an unfortunate choice, since it helps to confuse these terms.
	SYMBOLOGY STANDARD: A symbology standard specifies the bar code structure. It also specifies printing tolerances, minimum allowable reflectivity of the symbols' spaces, the maximum allowable reflectivity of the bars, the minimum value of X, and limits on dimensional tolerances, spots, voids and edge roughness.
	SYMBOLOGY: A symbology is a definition of how to construct a particular bar code symbol. Every bar code symbology explains the way to encode data into bars and spaces so that the bar code reader can properly interpret the resulting symbol.
	Goto Top
	TACK: The property of a pressure sensitive label that causes it to adhere to a surface instantly with a minimum of pressure and contact time.
	TAGS: Any identification that is only partially affixed to the product/item. System tags: converted through roll-fed production equipment. Merchandise tags: converted through narrow web roll-fed production equipment.
	TAKE UP CORE: Mechanism to rewind a thermal transfer ribbon after it has been used.
	TAMPER-EVIDENT LABEL: A pressure-sensitive construction made of materials that will partially destruct upon removal, indicating that a package, label or container has been tampered with.
	TEDLAR: DuPont's trademark for bi-axially oriented polyvinyl fluoride. This is one of the most durable, chemical-resistant, protective films.
	TELEPEN: A continuous bar code that encodes the full ASCII character set.
	TENSILE STRENGTH: The force parallel to the plane of the specimen required to break a given width and length of stock under specified conditions.
	TENSION: The mechanical control of unwinding a rewinding paper, film, foil and other roll materials. The stress caused by a force operating to extend, stretch or pull apart.
	THERMAL PAPER: A label paper having a heat activated coating that will accept an image from a thermal graphic printer.
	THERMAL TRANSFER PAPER: A face paper specifically designed to accept heat-activated ink from the ribbon of a thermal-transfer printer.
	THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER: Uses elective heating of pins to produce images. The pins strike a thin film or paper-based ribbon with a waxy coating. The heat melts the coating, causing pigment to flow onto the substrate.
	THERMAL TRANSFER: A printed system like thermal except a one-time ribbon is used and common paper is used as a substrate; eliminates the problems of fading or changing color inherent in thermal.
	THERMAL: A printing system where dots are selectively heated and cooled and dragged upon heat-sensitive paper. The paper turns dark in the heated areas.
	THROUGH CUT: A die cut in a pressure sensitive label that has been made through all components of the label stock and liner.
	TIE: A term used to denote the uncut portion of a perforation.
	TILT: This is the rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis perpendicular to the substrate.
	TMS: Abbreviation for "Transportation Management System" Go to Main Warehousing Page
	TOLERANCE: This is a measure of acceptable deviation from a given target or standard.
	TOOLING: Usually refers to die cutters, butt cutters, etc., used to cut out the labels.
	TOOTH COUNT: Refers to the actual number of teeth there are on the gear which is attached to the dies and printing cylinders. Each tooth count refers to a separate and actual repeat length.
	TOP COATING: A chemical coating applied to the surface to improve ink and toner anchorage.
	TRAILER: The last few feet of a ribbon, after the ink coverage: used to complete the ribbon thread through the printer.
	TRANSLUCENT LABEL: Material capable of transmitting light yet not totally transparent.
	TYVEK: DuPont's trademark for spun bonded polyolefin material frequently used as a face stock where very high tensile strength is required.
	Goto Top
	UCC: This is an abbreviation for "Uniform Code Council", formerly Uniform Product Code Council. It is the organization, which administers the UPC and other retail standards. Address: 8163 Old Yankee Road, Suite J, Dayton, OH 45458.
	UCC: Uniform Code Council; an organization formed to administer the UPC symbol and other retail bar code and EDI standards. This council is responsible for the assignment of UPC vendor numbers.
	UL: This is an abbreviation for "Underwriter's Laboratories". www.ul.com.
	ULTIMATE ADHESION: The resistance to removal of a label after adhesion has been allowed to build for a period of time. The time required to reach ultimate adhesion varies with the adhesive, substrate and labeling conditions, but is approximately 24 hours.
	ULTRA-VIOLET RESISTANCE (UV): This is a measure of the ability of a material to withstand extended exposure to sunlight (ultra-violet) without degradation, hardening, or excessive discoloration.
	UNBLEACHED: This refers to paper or pulp which has not been treated with bleaching agents.
	UNDERCUT PLATE CYLINDER: See plate cylinder.
	UNIDIRECTIONAL CODE: This is a code that can be read in only one direction. (Compared to bi-directional code).
	UPC: This is an abbreviation for "Universal Product Code". It is the bar code symbology that is the standard in the retail marketplace. It uniquely identifies a product and the manufacturer.
	USS: This is an abbreviation for "Uniform Symbol Specification". The current series of symbology specifications published by AIM; currently includes USS-I 2/5, USS-39, USS-93, USS-Codabar and USS-128.
	Goto Top
	VARIABLE LENGTH CODE: A code whose number of encoded characters can be within a range, as opposed to a code with a fixed number of encoded characters.
	VARNISH: A clear protective coating, usually glossy, applied to a printed we in-line on a label press just prior to die cutting.
	VERFICATION: This is the process of verifying a printed bar code is within specifications.
	VERIFIER: A device that makes measurements of the bars, spaces, quiet zones and optical characteristics of a symbol to determine if the symbol meets the requirements of a specification or standard.
	VERTICAL BAR CODE: A bar code pattern presented in such orientation that the symbol from start to stop is perpendicular to the horizon. The individual bars are in an array appearing as rungs of a ladder.
	VINYL: Also known as PVC or polyvinyl chloride. This is a tough durable plastic film having excellent resistance to oils, chemicals and many solvents. It has excellent abrasion-resistance, and can also be colored. They can be manufactured in rigid or flexible constructions. They are generally more flexible and formable than polyesters.
	VLD: This is an abbreviation for "visible laser diode".
	VOID: The undesirable absence of an area intended to be imaged either in ribbon, ink, or toner.
	Goto Top
	WAND SCANNER: A hand-held scanning device used as a contact bar code or OCR reader.
	WMS: Abreviation for "Warehouse Management System Go to Main Warehousing Page
	WEATHERABILITY: Capability of a label to withstand the effects of outdoor conditions such as sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, and time.
	WEB DIRECTION: See machine direction.
	WEB TENSION: The amount of pull or tension applied in the direction of travel of a web of paper through a web press.
	WEB: The paper, foil, film or other flexible material, from a roll, that moves through the machine in the process of being formed, converted, and printed, etc.
	WEDGE: This is a device that plugs in between a keyboard and a terminal. It allows data to be entered either by keyboard or by various types of scanners.
	WIDTH CODE: Width codes assign each bit to a bar or space element. The width of the element, not whether the element is a bar or a space is used to determine its value. Bars and spaces of the same width will have the same value.
	WRAP-AROUND LABEL: Label that extends completely around the labeled surface.
	Goto Top
	X DIMENSION: This is a measure of the narrowest bar or narrowest space in a bar code.
	XML: Abbreviation for "Extensible Markup Language" Go to Main Warehousing Page
	Goto Top
	YELLOWING: Gradual color change in the original appearance of a P.S. label, characterized by the development of yellowish and brownish hues.
	Goto Top


	©Pointil Systems 12807 NE Airport Way Portland, Or 97230 503.257.5097