The resistance of rubbing or wearing away by friction of a label surface, including its own materials, the printing or any protective coatings that might be present.
Procedures for subjecting pressure- sensitive label stock to special environmental conditions in order to predict the course of natural aging.
A plastic synthesized from cellulose dissolved in acetic acid which exhibits rigidity, dimension stability, and ink receptivity.
Pressure-sensitive adhesive based on high-strength acrylic polymers. Can be coated as a solvent or emulsion system.
A steady or firm attachment established on contact between two surfaces.
Glue type substance that enables a substrate to adhere to a surface.
Rolls of pressure sensitive adhesive pre-applied to a special release liner. For application, the tape is simply pressed adhesive side down to a surface and the release liner is peeled off. There are many types of adhesives available, applications vary, and the correct adhesive transfer tape needs to be selected appropriately.
A pliable, lightweight metal that has good electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to oxidation.
Screenable dyes for structured color printing of anodized and unsealed aluminum.
The controlled oxidation of aluminum using an electro-chemical process to create a porous surface that is receptive to color dying.
To serialize with numbering machines using ink and powder prior to the etch process; therefore the numbers are anodized. (See Anodized)
The part of a lower case letter, which rises above the main body, as in "b".
An internal designation for a label that has most of the color on the background and the wording is aluminum.
The process of applying light to the backside of a LCD through the use of LEDs, optical fibers, light rods or tubes.
A series of lines of varying thicknesses that represent alpha or numeric information that can be read by a machine. A wide range of symbologies are available with code 39 and 128 being the most common.
A denser, more compact symbology that supports the lower 128 ASCII characters. Used whenever space is at a premium. Variable length strings with a mandatory check digit. It has three variations: code set A, code set B, and code set C. The latter is numeric-only and employs simple compression. Each data character encoded in a Code 128 symbol is made up of 11 black or white modules. The stop character, however, is made up of 13 modules. Three bars and three spaces are formed out of these 11 modules. Bar and spaces can vary between 1 and 4 modules wide. The symbol includes a quiet zone (10 x-dimensions), a start character, the encoded data, a check character, the stop character, and a trailing quiet zone (10 x-dimensions).
Code 39 (Code 3 of 9) is the most popular symbology for ID, inventory, and tracking purposes. The Code 39 barcode is the easiest to use of alphanumeric barcodes and is designed for character self-checking, eliminating the requirement for check character calculations. It can encode numbers 0-9, the uppercase alphabet A-Z, SPACE, and the following symbols: - . * $ / % . Code 39 is a discrete barcode. This means that a fixed pattern of bars represents a single character. Each character is made up of 9 bars - 3 of which are wider than the others. A single character therefore consists of 5 black bars and 4 white bars.
A grooved rim, which holds another covering or item. Similar to a frame.
A 2" x 1 1/4" anodized aluminum label with 3/16" radius corners with or without security cuts.
When color continues off the edge of the label.
The labels are separated by a single cut through the substrate and do not have a removable matrix between the labels.
The thickness of a sheet material. The thickness is usually expressed in one thousands of an inch and in millimeters (i.e. 0.050 is expressed as 50 mils).
Artwork submitted in its final form on paper or film. Artwork ready to be photographed or scanned and reproduced.
The area on a die where blades are formed to cut. A die with 1 or more cutouts that are the same size for each label cut.
CE is the mark of testing for the European Union. When the CE marking is affixed to industrial products, it symbolizes the fact that the product conforms to all set standards and that it has been subject to the conformity evaluation procedures.
An electronic path between 2 or more points in a membrane switch that is printed with a conductive ink, also referred to as a Static Layer.
A protective coating that is applied to the surface of the part to guard against abrasion, ultra violet (UV) exposure, chemicals, and other environmental elements. Commonly used clear coats are lacquer and spraying.
Using a computer to scan and analyze customer%u2019s unique colors to ensure accuracy in color reproduction in manufacturing.
An adhesive that incorporates conductive fibers. These fibers have the ability to conduct electricity through the thickness of the adhesive and/or in the plane of the adhesive. Ideal for EMI/RFI shield and EMI/RFI gasket attachment.
Inks that have the ability to generate and conduct electricity. These inks are used most commonly in membrane switch technology via printed circuit boards.
The process of taking a material or adhesive and altering it from one form to another.
The text on the label.
Canadian Standards Association symbol. Mandates approval of label content, material, and adhesive. (Lustre-Cal is a CSA approved label maker and places a pyramid on all labels with CSA symbols).
The spaces or holes designated in the label. This material is punched and removed during the manufacturing process.
The use of a variety of materials to deaden or damp a vibration.
An overlay LED type window, text, or graphic that is unnoticeable unless backlit.
A process of forming a portion of the substrate to go below the normal level of the substrate.
The degree of darkness (light absorption or opacity) of a photographic image.
The part of a lower case letter, which extends below the main body, as in "p".
See Tamper Evident
When parts are cut into individual pieces using a steel rule die. Sharp steel rule dies are formed to desired shape in a wooden carrier for cutting labels. A die may be one or more "up" (one cavity or more). Common knife refers to a multiple-up die with a kiss cut or a single knife cut to the release liner between labels, known at Lustre-Cal as a strip die. The other basic format is a multiple die with space between cavities, known at Lustre-Cal as an individual units die. The space between cavities allows for cutting down to individual units. A single cavity die is an individual units die.
A guide around a label that assists with positioning of die and /or keeping art to edge tolerances.
A piece of material that has been cut with a die, but not cut all the way through.
The process a embossing numbers that are engraved into copper or steel plates.
Image of random dots of consistent size as opposed to a conventional screen, which consists of dots of varying size.
Metal domes or formed polyester domes are used to provide a tactile response to the keys on a membrane switch. These domes can vary in height depending on the degree of tactility required.
A tape that has adhesive on two sides of the material.
Dots per inch. A measurement used to determine the dot resolution in graphic images. Not to be confused with LPI (lines per inch).
Dwg, an engineered detailed drawing with an identification number, such as a part number (p/n) or drawing number (dwg#) not meant to be used as art- meant to be used as a guideline for art creation. Sketches are not meant to be used as art. They are meant to be used as a guideline for art creation.
A membrane switch containing a silicone rubber keypad. Elastomer membrane switches have a flex static layer or rigid static layer (PCB). The simplest elastomer membrane switch is made with two layers using a decorative elastomer internally tactile over a PCB. Elastomer Membrane Switches are commonly used in remote controls and cell phones. If a silicone rubber keypad is used as the graphic layer and/or membrane layer, it would fall in this category.
Electro-luminescent displays offer the thinnest profile of any color flat panel technology. This technology is commonly used in the illumination of watches, mobile phones, or any equipment that needs to be read in a low light environment. EL displays consist of an upper and lower substrate and upper and lower electrodes sandwiching a material, which will give off light when high frequency voltage is applied.
The ability of a device or system to function without error in its intended electromagnetic environment.
Electromagnetic emissions from a device or system that interfere with the normal operation of another device or system.
Computer-generated art sent by the customer over the internet, via modem, or disk. Refer to the Art Transfer Form for acceptable transmission formats.
A process of forming a portion of the substrate to rise above the normal level of the substrate. An example is a button or a raised logo.
Photosensitive coating on one side of graphics film or paper.
A pull-tab on only one side of a label.
To produce a pattern or design on a hard material by eating into the material's surface.
Any substrate (aluminum, polyesters, polycarbonates, vinyls, papers, etc.) bonded to an adhesive and a release liner to become a pressure sensitive label.
Using color in a gradient (a gradual decrease of color) fashion as a graphic design element.
Creating a continuous strip of labels that are perforated in regular increments.
Thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower index of refraction and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections.
Photosensitive material which reproduces an image.
The application of ink to an entire surface. Bypassing an art stencil, so the substrate is "flooded" with ink. Commonly used to accomplish solid backgrounds and opacity.
In composition, type set to line up at the left (or right).
Another name for thin gauge aluminum (see Aluminum).
A printing method that involves separating full-color images into four different halftones - cyan, magenta, yellow, and black- to print and reproduce full color images with infinite number of colors. The optical blending of these colored dots recreates a continuous tone image.
The surface of the substrate is slightly roughened to create a finish that is textured with a matte appearance. This finish is commonly used with metal and glass surfaces.
A component produced to make a joint fluid-tight. Commonly manufactured from rubber.
The thickness of a material.
A finished surface that has a mirror-type appearance.
The arrangement of a pattern on the material.
The reproduction of a continuous-tone artwork- such as a photograph, converting the image into dots of various sizes and densities to recreate the detail of the original image. Used in 4-color process.
An abrasion resistant coat applied to a substrate (typically polycarbonates and polyesters by the manufacturer. This texture can also be screened using UV inks.
The permanent visual record of artwork or graphics (i.e. a fax, photocopy, or an original)
Aluminum foil greater than .008" thick (8 mils).
The printing method that involves a film carrying a thin layer of color that is transferred via heat and pressure to a substrate.
The numbers below a bar code that are readable by an individual.
Supplied in a single label format.
A method of forming articles (such as plastic) by heating the molding material until it can flow and injecting it into a mold
A complex technology of second surface printing, forming, and molding of a decorated film, which becomes an integral part of the final molded product.
In composition, to space out lines uniformly to correct length to fill a specified area.
In typesetting, subtracting or adding space between two characters, making them closer together or further apart.
In artwork, an outline drawing of finished art to indicate the exact shape and design.
Cutting through the face stock of pressure sensitive material but not cutting through the liner.
The combination of a substrate and an adhesive to form a pressure sensitive part that can be uniquely printed and shaped into a unlimited number of designs
A thin film is applied to the surface of a label. This film is applied to protect the surface and/or for aesthetic purposes.
Lasers are commonly use to produce prototype or first articles. These parts are individually cut using laser equipment.
A area on a panel overlay that is transparent or semi-transparent for viewing the light from a LED.
A GE trademarked material, made of polycarbonate. A non-metallic material that comes in different thicknesses and textures. Refer to the Materials Selection Guide for details.
Special diodes that emit light when connected in a circuit. The LED consists of two wires that have been encapsulated in a small amount of plastic. Between these two wires are two pieces of semi-conductor. When electricity is applied through one of the pieces of wire, it travels up the wire through the one piece of semi-conductor and "jumps" to the other side. When it "jumps", it emits a tiny photon of light. Different semi-conductors produce different colors.
The number of lines per inch measures the fineness of a halftone screen. The more lines per inch, the more detailed the printed image.
A distinctive identifying symbol. Example, McDonald%u2019s golden arches.
Information is directly usable by a computer.
The area of substrate surrounding die cut labels, which is discardable upon use of the label.
A satin or flat finish on the surface of a label.
A non-metallic material derived from polyester.
A momentary switch device in which at least one contact is on, or made of, a flexible substrate. As a momentary switch, it must contain a Membrane Layer and a Static Layer. Other layers for decoration, backlighting, adhesive, tactile response and rigid support are all optional.
A caliper for making precise measurements that has a spindle moved by a finely threaded screw
A government specification that requires the label supplier to meet specific criteria.
Referring to serializing.
A non-metallic material derived from polyester.
A custom identification product that bears the identification of an organization. For example, a company name and logo.
A reverse film image.
Any material that lacks the characteristics of a metal.
A dense ink that blocks the passage of light when applied.
An adhesive specifically designed for applications requiring an optically clear laminating adhesive. These highly specialized free-film adhesives offer exceptional clarity and adhesion capabilities for use in touch screen displays and other applications requiring an optically clear bond.
A decorated film that is placed on a component for graphic enhancement and for functional purposes. Multiple finishes (shiny, gloss, matte, frosted, textured) are available. Incorporated LEDs, optical fiber devices, cut outs, selective adhesives, windows, shielding or membrane switch technology.
Based on a color swatch book system that gives printers recipes for how to mix inks to match the colors shown, Pantone is the most widely used ink color matching system in America.
The number assigned by the customer to represent a particular label.
The force required to remove a strip of pressure- sensitive material, usually 1" wide, from a stainless steel surface at a fixed rate of removal (one test uses 12" per minute). Peel adhesion can be measured at 90 degrees or 180 degrees from the surface.
To make a line of holes for purposes of easing the separating of two or more items.
Holes along two edges of a strip of labels for purposes of feeding through a printer.
A highly durable substrate that is resistant to heat, lightweight and has good electrical properties. It is resistant to mineral acids, organic acids, grease, and oils. Meets MILP-46144 specifications.
A durable substrate that is resilient to moisture, solvents, oils, and chemicals. It is available as clear or white material and with a metallized finish.
A positive image.
Letters or numbers that come before a serial number sequence.
In graphics, all production up to the point of plate burning.
Material that already has adhesive applied to it.
The PCB is the static layer that also doubles as the rigid layer of a membrane switch.
Several labels, one after another, on a strip. The strips can be produced horizontally or vertically.
Copy of the art sent to the customer for approval before the job goes into production.
Identification / asset labels that attach to physical property: computers, printers, electronic devices, machinery, desks, chairs, tables, etc. Most labels are produced using anodized aluminum that is etch to create text and graphics that are impossible to scratch or wear off. Many Property ID Labels incorporate serializing or bar coding. Destructible and tamper evident labels are available. Common sizes include 1 1/2" x 3/4" or 2" x 3/4", with 1/8" radius corners.
A first production unit designed at full-scale, not meant for use in production. Usually produced for sign off and costing purposes.
An area around a label that is free of adhesive for ease of application to a surface.
Rounded corners. Measurement from the center of a diameter to its circumference.
Means of printing a composition of more than one color, in order that the second and all succeeding colors are printed in the desired location with each color in alignment with all others.
Crosses or other image devices used for positioning graphics in perfect register or for color register of two or more colors in printing.
A silicone coated liner that adhered to the adhesive. This liner is removed when the label is ready for application.
Labels produced and distributed in a roll format.
Example for reference.
See MATTE
A ruler measuring in .01" increments.
Marking the substrate with lines, grooves, or notches for bending or contouring purposes.
Angle of the rows of dots in a screen tint or half tone.
The process of using a porous mesh screen with an ink-resistant image on its surface as a template to transfer ink to substrates. The type of material used to make a screen depends on the substrate being used as well as the desired appearance of the product. Non-image areas of the screen must be blocked and image areas open to allow ink to pass through to the substrate
Reducing ink coverage by printing an area of consistent sized dots to achieve a lighter shade without printing a second color.
The process of screen-printing the adhesive onto the component or part that requires selective adhesive.
A line, groove, or ridge formed by the joining of edges. A seam can be a weak or vulnerable area, especially for EMI considerations.
Semicircle cuts in the interior of a label which prevents the label from being pulled off in one piece.
An adhesive that is die-cut from roll or sheet stock and then hand applied to select areas of the printed substrate or an adhesive that is screen printed directly onto the substrate in select areas.
A screen-printing process that applies a coating to only select areas of the surface of the substrate. This process allows for the protection from chemical attack, it can improve the light distribution of a LED, and it can protect the surface of an overlay from scratches. Selective texture coatings are available in fine or coarse finishes.
A stamping procedure that debosses numbers onto a property ID label or other identification labels. The number process is sequential and can vary in size depending on the requirements.
The force required to pull a pressure sensitive material from a standard flat surface in a direction parallel to the surface to which it has been affixed. Expressed as the time required for a 1" square sample to slide off a metal panel when pulled by a specific weight.
The length of time a product can be stored, under specific conditions, before the product expires. Each product varies depending on the material, adhesive, and printing process (check with Production for specifics).
Shielding consists of placing a conductive material between the source and the receiver to solve the issue of electromagnetic or radio frequency interference going in or out of the circuits.
See GLOSS
A material used in separating electronic switches to prevent signal interference. This material also holds domes in place, protects conductive leads, and can be used as a substrate for membrane switch circuitry. A commonly used material is polyester with a single or double coat adhesive. These materials are tested for UV and chemical resistance.
The details of a part: dimensions, material call outs, type style, size information, etc.
Stock screen-printing colors.
A vinyl label that adheres to particular surfaces via the static electricity created between the surfaces. The vinyl is available in white and clear.
See CIRCUIT LAYER
The measurement from one label to the next on the sheet.
A technique of repeating a single image to obtain multiple exposures of the same design on a single sheet of film.
The base material (aluminum, polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, etc.) being used to produce the final part. The pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to this material.
Screen printing text or graphics on the underside of a substrate. This surface is protected when the label is applied, therefore, preventing the ink from ever being scratched or worn off.
Number or letter that comes after a serial sequence.
Printing that puts ink on the top of the substrate. Viewed from the printed side.
Quick adhesion, sometimes called "grab" or "finger tack". It is the feeling of stickiness obtained when the surface of an adhesive is touched or when a label is applied to a surface and quickly pulled away.
A membrane switch that incorporates metal, formed polyester, or elastomer domes to create a physical touch response when pressed.
A pressure sensitive label that is impossible to remove without physical evidence or destruction.
A pressure sensitive material that has adhesive on one or both sides (See DOUBLE COATED).
A screen-printing process that applies a coating to the surface of the substrate. The coatings are available in fine or coarse finishes. This process allows for the protection from chemical attack, it can improve the light distribution of a LED, and it can protect the surface of an overlay from scratches.
A term for the process of producing plastic parts from a flat sheet of plastic under high temperature and pressure. This technology offers close tolerances and sharp detail.
The number of labels that can be produced on a sheet of material.
The specification of allowable deviation from exact original (measurable) specifications. Lustre-Cal standard tolerance is /-.015.
A protective coating that is applied to the surface of the part to guard against abrasion, ultra violet (UV) exposure, chemicals, and other environmental elements. Varnishes and lacquers are commonly used for this purpose.
Translucent inks commonly used in panel overlay windows or in areas of a label that need to be see-through.
In prepress, refers to how much overprinting colors overlap to eliminate "white" lines between colors in printing.
Marks placed on a label to indicate the area to be trimmed after the printing is completed.
A vertical strip of labels with a tab at the bottom. This allows the label to be fed thru a typewriter.
An Underwriters Laboratory symbol indicating approval of a label material, adhesive and fabrication of process.
The maximum bond established between a product and the surface to which is adhered. The time required to reach ultimate adhesion varies with the adhesive, but is usually in the range of 72-96 hours.
The technology of curing/drying inks by exposing them to high intensity ultraviolet light.
VOC-free inks that cured with ultraviolet (UV) energy.
Number of pieces, quantity.
See HARD COAT
A rating set up by the government requiring materials to have burn stop within 10 seconds on a vertical specimen; no drips allowed.
Very High Bond tape has replaced many mechanical fasteners due to its strong adhesion properties. The tape evenly distributes the stress weight across the adhesive surface versus a mechanical fastener that carries the stress at the connection points. The tape allows for the use of a thinner, lighter-weight material with less material fatigue.
Vinyl is cost effective and highly versatile. Vinyl is strong, durable, abrasion and moisture resistant; withstands rust and corrosion; is electrically non-conductive and has excellent fire performance properties. Vinyl can be produced in almost any color, with products ranging from opaque to crystal-clear.
A vinyl coating on an aluminum product.
Commonly used in panel overlays for purposes of viewing displays located behind the overlay.
