A Guide to Label Terminology

The label industry is brimming with terminology that can be quite perplexing. Keeping pace with these terms is essential whether you're in the market for labels or simply seeking to expand your knowledge. Understanding these key phrases can be remarkably beneficial. In this article, we will explore some of the fundamental label terminology and unravel their meanings.

Defining "Label" Let's begin by establishing what a label is. A label is a small piece of paper, fabric, or another material affixed to an object, furnishing information about it. This attachment can take the form of a tag or be backed with adhesive, creating a label.

While it may appear simple on the surface, the creation of a label involves a multitude of intricacies. Below, we decipher some of the terms commonly encountered in the label-making process.

Label Terminology: A Decoded Landscape

• Across the Web: In the realm of labels, "across the web" doesn't refer to the internet. Instead, it signifies the number of labels present on a single backing sheet.

• Black Mark: Black lines or marks, known as black marks, are occasionally printed on the rear of label sheets to guide printers. They are particularly essential when dealing with clear labels, aiding the printer in recognizing gaps between labels. These marks serve as reference points in situations where traditional gaps between opaque labels would remain undetectable.

• Bleed: The term "bleed" pertains to designing your label slightly larger than the label's physical dimensions. This overage ensures that any potential shifting during the printing process doesn't leave uncovered spaces on the label. Caution is advised to avoid placing critical information within the bleed area, as it may not be printed.

• Die: In labeling, "die" is a tool employed to cut labels and materials into their intended shapes.

• Direct Thermal: Direct thermal printing involves using heat to create images on surfaces. Instead of using ink, this method induces a color change when heat is applied.

• DPI: DPI, or "dots per inch," signifies the number of ink dots that can be accommodated within an inch-long line. This term has also migrated into computer terminology, often interchangeable with "pixels per inch."

• Emboss: To emboss is to raise a surface slightly on the material.

• Face Stock: Face stock constitutes the layer of paper containing all the printed information that forms the visible front of the label. Typically, a label's adhesive backing is complemented by the desired information or design printed on the face stock.

• Flexographic Printing: Flexographic printing employs flexible photopolymer printing plates to produce labels. It's the preferred choice for high-volume label production, capable of printing up to 2000 feet of labels per minute.

• Four-Colour Process: Four-colour printing deploys cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink to generate full-colour labels. Each ink is separated into a distinct component, overlapping with others during printing to produce a full-colour image.

• Initial Tack: Labels and adhesives exhibit two stages of stickiness. "Initial tack" represents the first stage, where the adhesive holds two components together. The second stage is referred to as "set," signifying a well-established bond.

• Kraft Backing: Kraft backing is constructed from wood pulp, rendering it sturdier and more resilient than standard paper backing. Although not commonly used for labels, it finds applications in the backs of picture frames.

• Pin Feed: The pin feed, also known as a tractor feed, directs paper through the printer and ensures proper alignment. It consists of evenly spaced holes on the left and right of the feed.

• Substrate: This refers to the surface onto which the final label is affixed.

• Thermal Transfer: Unlike direct thermal printing, thermal transfer printing employs heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto a label.

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