Technical reference

Flexographic printing & label converting glossary

The vocabulary of narrow-web label production — inking, printing, converting and finishing — defined in the terms a label converter actually specifies.

55 terms · 16 with an extended definition · 46 with a verified primary source

Inking & ink transfer2 terms

Anilox rollersource verified
also: anilox, anilox roll, anilox cylinder

An engraved, ceramic-coated metering roll that picks up ink from the ink system and delivers a controlled, repeatable ink film to the printing plate. Its engraved cells determine ink-transfer capacity; the doctor blade wipes the surface so primarily the cell volume reaches the plate.

In detail

An anilox roller is an engraved metering roll that transfers a controlled film of ink from the ink supply to the printing plate in a flexographic press. Its surface cells carry the ink, while the engraving pattern and cell capacity govern how much reaches the plate. A doctor blade wipes away the excess so the cells hold a repeatable, uniform load before contact. In narrow-web label production the anilox roller affects colour strength, tonal range, ink coverage, drying demand and consistency across successive rolls. Selecting and maintaining the correct engraving is therefore essential when changing process colours, spot colours, coatings or substrates. Contamination, scoring, plugged cells or wear reduce effective ink transfer and produce weak colour, streaks or variation across the web. Operators match the anilox specification to the ink, plate and job, then clean and inspect it routinely to keep press performance predictable.

  • anilox engraving, cell capacity and ink transfer — source

Doctor bladesource verified
also: doctor blade, chambered doctor blade

A doctor blade meters ink from the anilox roll by wiping excess ink from its surface. In the press line, it helps deliver a controlled, repeatable ink film to the printing plate.

In detail

A doctor blade is a precisely positioned blade that meters ink on the anilox roller, wiping excess material from the roll surface while leaving ink inside the engraved cells. The resulting controlled ink film transfers to the flexographic plate far more uniformly than an uncontrolled flood of ink would. In a narrow-web label press the blade's condition, angle, loading, alignment and contact all affect colour density, print cleanliness and run stability. A damaged edge, a nick, improper pressure or a contaminated blade produces streaks, uneven coverage, excessive wear or premature anilox damage. Consistent metering also controls dot gain, drying load and ink consumption, which matters when several stations must register and match colour. Operators install the blade correctly, keep the chamber or ink system clean, and replace worn blades before defects reach finished labels. Proper doctor-blade control turns the anilox into a repeatable ink-delivery device.

  • doctor blade meters ink by wiping the anilox surface — source
  • doctor blade metering and resulting print defects — source

Prepress5 terms

Photopolymer platesource verified
also: flexo plate, printing plate

A photopolymer plate is a relief printing plate made from light-sensitive polymer that is selectively hardened during imaging and processed to leave raised image areas. Mounted on a plate cylinder or sleeve, it carries the inked image onto the substrate in a flexographic print station.

In detail

A photopolymer plate is a relief printing plate made from a light-sensitive polymer that hardens where imaging exposure preserves the printable surface, while unexposed material is removed. Its raised image areas receive ink from the anilox roll and transfer it to the label web, and the plate backing and relief geometry influence impression, dot reproduction, ink laydown and print durability. Digital imaging reproduces fine type, solids and tonal transitions with controlled detail, but plate quality depends on exposure, processing, cleaning and storage. In the press line the plate must stay dimensionally stable and uniformly relieved as it rotates through ink, impression and drying conditions. Poorly formed or contaminated plates produce plugging, pinholing, uneven colour, excessive dot gain or premature wear. Because the plate is the final image carrier, its relief, surface and circumference directly affect registration, ink transfer and repeatable label quality.

  • photopolymer relief plate in flexographic reproduction — source
  • plate imaging and processing — source
  • photopolymer plates and in-the-round sleeves — source
  • FTA FIRST 5.0 Design Guide — plate imaging and reproduction — source

Plate cylindersource verified
also: print cylinder

The rotating press cylinder that carries the mounted flexographic printing plate and presents its raised image areas to the substrate. It works with the anilox and impression cylinder to transfer the metered ink image in the correct repeat and register.

  • plate cylinder carries the mounted plate — source

Plate mountingsource verified
also: plate mounter

Plate mounting positions and secures flexographic printing plates on the plate cylinder or sleeve. Accurate mounting establishes the plate's circumferential and lateral position so the image prints in register with other colours and converting stations.

In detail

Plate mounting is the process of positioning and adhering a flexographic plate to a plate cylinder or sleeve so its image repeats accurately through the press cycle. The operator cleans the plate and mounting surface, applies suitable mounting tape or a self-adhesive sleeve, aligns the plate using register targets or imaging equipment, and presses it down without trapping air or creating distortion. Accurate mounting establishes the plate's circumferential position, minimises bounce and keeps the image surface concentric with the cylinder. Tape compressibility absorbs minor irregularities, but excessive softness, uneven pressure, lifted edges, wrinkles or bubbles alter impression and ink transfer. In a narrow-web label press, mounting errors appear as register drift, repeating defects, ghosting or inconsistent pressure across the web. Careful mounting therefore reduces makeready, protects plates and supports stable colour and dimensional registration throughout the run.

  • termen atestat o singura data — NU e sursa definitionala — source
  • mounting and its effect on plate and sleeve life — source

The circumferential distance between corresponding points of successive impressions produced by a printing unit. It sets the recurring length of the label image and must match the plate cylinder, plate layout and converting setup.

  • „repeat" atestat 7x în Harper Corporation — Converting from Roll to Sleeve (FLEXO Aug 2011) (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Printing sleevesource verified
also: sleeve

A removable cylindrical carrier mounted on a plate cylinder or mandrel that supports a flexographic printing plate. Sleeves enable rapid job and repeat-length changes while preserving accurate registration and concentric running.

  • roll-to-sleeve conversion and sleeve function — source

Colour2 terms

CMYK process coloursource verified
also: CMYK, four-colour process

A colour produced by superimposing cyan, magenta, yellow and black halftone separations rather than using a premixed spot ink. The process stations reproduce a broad range of artwork colours through controlled dot gain, register, ink transfer and density.

  • „process color" atestat 7x în FTA FIRST — Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Extended gamut printingsource verified
also: expanded gamut, ECG

Extended gamut printing uses a fixed set of process inks beyond conventional four-colour process to reproduce a broader colour gamut without frequent spot-ink changes. In label production it supports repeatable colour matching across jobs while reducing press washups and setup changes.

In detail

Extended gamut printing is a colour-reproduction method that uses a fixed expanded set of process inks, commonly adding orange, green and violet to conventional process colours, to reproduce a broader portion of visible colour space without changing spot inks for every job. Colour separation assigns artwork areas to the available gamut inks, while overprints and controlled ink densities create additional hues. In narrow-web flexography this reduces wash-ups and setup changes, improves repeatability across jobs and supports more consistent brand colours on different label substrates. It matters in the press line because fewer dedicated spot stations may be needed, leaving room for white, varnish, screen, foil or other embellishment units. Accurate characterisation, profiling, anilox selection, ink sequence, dot gain control and substrate calibration are essential. Without disciplined process control, expanded-gamut separations can produce hue shifts, dirty overprints or weak brand matching.

  • termen atestat o singura data — NU e sursa definitionala — source

Printing processes3 terms

Digital printingweak attestation
also: digital press

A non-contact printing process in which electronically generated image data controls ink or toner deposition directly onto the substrate. It supports variable content, short runs, rapid job changes and late-stage customisation without conventional printing plates.

  • „digital print" atestat 1x în Harper Corporation — Converting from Roll to Sleeve (FLEXO Aug 2011) (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Hybrid presssource verified
also: hybrid

An integrated press combining conventional processes, commonly flexography, with a digital engine such as inkjet. It allows one-pass printing, embellishment and converting while assigning each process the work it performs most efficiently.

  • hybrid flexo-digital label presses — source

Inkjet label printingsource pending
also: inkjet

Digital label printing that ejects microscopic droplets of liquid ink onto the web through controlled printheads. It is used for variable graphics, versioned content and personalisation, often inline with finishing and converting modules.

Embellishment5 terms

Cold foilsource pending
also: cold foil lamination

Cold foil is an inline embellishment process that transfers metallic foil to selected areas of a printed web using adhesive and pressure. The press applies adhesive through a printing unit, bonds foil from a carrier web and removes the unused foil to leave registered metallic decoration.

In detail

Cold foil is an inline embellishment process in which a flexographic unit applies adhesive only to selected image areas before a metallic foil web contacts the adhesive and releases its coating onto the label. Because transfer depends on adhesive contact rather than heat and pressure from a stamping die, the process runs through a conventional narrow-web press with relatively simple setup and accurate register. Printed inks may follow over the foil, allowing transparent or coloured effects from a single metallic layer. Cold foil suits logos, fine text, security details and reflective backgrounds on smooth label materials. In the press line it adds visual value without removing the web for offline finishing, preserving the rotary workflow and allowing subsequent printing, coating, laminating or die cutting. Adhesive coverage, surface smoothness, nip pressure, web tension and curing compatibility determine transfer quality, opacity and edge definition.

Embellishmentsource pending
also: decoration

A decorative or functional enhancement applied to a label beyond basic printing. Narrow-web embellishment includes hot or cold foil, embossing, specialty coating, screen effects and tactile or metallic treatments.

Embossingsource verified
also: emboss, debossing

A converting process that raises or depresses selected areas of the label material to create tactile relief or visual contrast. It is produced by matched tooling, usually alongside or after printing, and requires accurate web and artwork alignment.

  • atestat 3x in TLMI 49th Annual Printing Excellence Awards — category definitions - atestat ca categorie de proces de finisare (text extras, 15 oct) — source

Hot foil stampingsource verified
also: hot stamping, foil stamping

Hot foil stamping transfers a metallic or pigmented foil onto the label using heat, pressure and a stamping die. In a narrow-web line it adds decorative or functional opaque detail as an inline or near-line finishing operation.

In detail

Hot foil stamping is an embellishment process that uses a heated engraved die, or a rotary stamping tool, to press a foil carrier against the label substrate and release a metallic, pigment or holographic coating wherever the die makes contact. Heat activates the foil's bonding layer while pressure creates a sharply defined image that can remain opaque on darker or textured stocks. The stamping unit may operate before or after flexographic printing and can be combined with embossing when the tooling is designed for both effects. In a narrow-web press line, hot foil provides premium decoration, tactile contrast and strong shelf impact without relying on printed ink to create a metallic appearance. Registration, die temperature, dwell, pressure, foil tension and substrate suitability control clean release and detail. Inline integration reduces handling and permits printing, stamping, embossing, coating and converting in one continuous web path.

  • termen atestat o singura data — NU e sursa definitionala — source

Rotary screen printingsource verified
also: rotary screen

Rotary screen printing is a continuous process in which ink passes through the open areas of a cylindrical mesh screen onto the moving web. As a press-line unit it deposits a relatively heavy, opaque or textured layer for effects such as tactile varnish, high-opacity white or specialty inks.

In detail

Rotary screen printing is an inline process in which ink is forced through the open image areas of a cylindrical screen onto the moving label web, usually by a squeegee inside the rotating cylinder. Unlike flexography, which transfers a thin ink film from raised plate areas, rotary screen printing deposits a much heavier layer, producing dense opacity, vivid colour, tactile texture and raised varnish effects. It is valuable for clear films, metallic stocks and premium labels where conventional flexographic ink cannot sufficiently hide the background or create noticeable relief. In the press line the screen unit sits among flexographic stations and is coordinated with drying, coating, foil and die-cutting modules. Mesh selection, emulsion thickness, ink rheology, squeegee pressure, cylinder speed and register determine coverage and edge quality. Its principal contribution is high-impact embellishment and opacity while retaining continuous roll-to-roll production rather than an offline pass.

  • atestat 3x in TLMI 49th Annual Printing Excellence Awards — category definitions - context de categorie de proces: "hot stamping, rotary screen tactile, and embossing" (text extras, 15 oct) — source

Curing & drying3 terms

Curingsource verified
also: UV curing, energy curing

The chemical conversion of an ink, coating or adhesive into a stable finished film, commonly through ultraviolet or other energy-curable systems. The curing unit completes the reaction so the printed layer reaches the required resistance, adhesion and handling performance.

  • drying and curing in relation to ink film — source

Dryingsource verified
also: hot air drying

The removal of liquid components from an ink or coating by evaporation, absorption or related physical processes. Dryers prepare the web for the next station and help prevent blocking, setoff and weak intercoat adhesion.

  • drying and intercoat adhesion — source

UV LED curingsource verified
also: LED curing, UV curing

UV LED curing is a photochemical process in which ultraviolet light-emitting diodes polymerise UV inks, coatings or adhesives as the web passes through the press. It solidifies the ink between stations or after printing using a targeted, cool-running light source.

In detail

UV LED curing is the rapid hardening of suitable inks, coatings and adhesives by exposing them to ultraviolet energy from light-emitting diodes. Photoinitiators in the formulation absorb the emitted radiation and start polymerisation, converting the liquid film into a solid layer as the web passes the curing unit. Compared with thermally dependent drying, the process adds little heat to the substrate and can therefore support heat-sensitive films, thin materials and compact narrow-web press layouts. Immediate surface curing permits close station spacing, sharp overprinting, inline coating, cold foil, laminating and die cutting without waiting for solvent or water evaporation. Results depend on ink formulation, lamp output, exposure, web speed, film thickness, substrate transmission and maintenance of the optical window; incomplete cure impairs adhesion and rub resistance. In the press line, LED curing improves print handling, reduces blocking risk and supports stable register through the remaining stations.

  • termen atestat, 24 mentiuni — sursa solida — source

Surface treatment1 terms

Corona treatmentsource verified
also: corona, surface treatment

Corona treatment is an electrical surface process that raises the surface energy of a film or other non-absorbent web so ink, coating or adhesive can wet and bond reliably. It is applied inline or upstream of printing, coating or laminating and is confirmed by surface-energy testing.

In detail

Corona treatment is an electrical surface-treatment process that raises the surface energy of a film or other non-absorbent substrate so ink, coating, adhesive or laminate can wet and bond reliably. The web passes close to an electrode and a grounded roll while a controlled discharge modifies the surface. In a narrow-web flexographic label press, treatment matters most when printing on films that naturally resist ink adhesion. Adequate treatment promotes faster wetting, stronger anchorage, cleaner solids and more durable finished graphics. Insufficient treatment causes poor coverage, crawling, pinholes, smearing or adhesion failure after converting. Excessive or uneven treatment, contamination, ageing and storage conditions also affect results, so the substrate and press conditions must be verified rather than assumed. Corona treatment does not replace suitable ink selection, drying or testing; it provides a receptive surface that lets those systems perform consistently across the label web.

  • surface energy of filmic substrates and its decay — source
  • surface energy and ink wetting on film substrates — source

Web handling8 terms

Mandrelsource verified
also: shaft

A shaft or expanding support inserted into a winding core to hold, drive or position a roll. On narrow-web equipment it helps maintain concentric winding, torque transmission and lateral alignment during unwinding or rewinding.

  • „mandrel" atestat 8x în Harper Corporation — Converting from Roll to Sleeve (FLEXO Aug 2011) (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Non-stop unwindsource pending
also: NSU, flying splice

An unwind arrangement that changes from an expiring roll to a prepared roll while the web keeps moving through the press or finishing line. It uses an automatic splice and controlled web handling to reduce stoppages, restart waste and tension variation.

Splicingsource verified
also: splice, butt splice

Joining the trailing end of one web roll to the leading end of another, usually with adhesive tape or another engineered method. The splice must remain secure, aligned and smooth enough to pass through printing, die cutting, slitting and rewinding.

  • splice must survive downstream converting — source

Unwind unitsource verified
also: unwind, shaftless unwind

The press or converting-line section that holds and pays out a substrate roll while controlling web tension, alignment and delivery into the process. It may be shafted or shaftless and is the starting point for continuous web handling.

  • unwind section and web tension control — source

Web guidingsource verified
also: web guide, edge guide

Web guiding keeps the moving substrate laterally aligned as it travels through the press. It corrects side-to-side web movement so printing, converting and rewinding remain in register.

In detail

Web guiding is the press function that senses the lateral position of a moving substrate and applies corrections so the web follows a stable path through the printing, converting and rewinding sections. A guide system typically combines an edge or line sensor, a controller and a steering mechanism that shifts or pivots the web path. In a narrow-web label press accurate guiding keeps the material aligned with printing plates, die stations, laminating components, slitting points and rewind cores. Without stable guidance, lateral movement causes image shift, inconsistent die placement, unusable margins, registration problems and waste. Operators centre the unwind, position cores correctly, remove wrinkles and keep sensors and guide components clean. Web tension, substrate variation, splice construction and roller alignment all influence guiding performance. Effective web guiding supports repeatable label geometry and lets the press hold registration while the web travels continuously through multiple operations.

  • lateral web alignment and register — source

Web tension controlsource verified
also: tension control

Web tension control maintains consistent pull on the substrate throughout the press line. It coordinates unwind, printing, drying, converting and rewind so the web does not slacken, stretch, wrinkle or drift out of register.

In detail

Web tension control is the coordinated regulation of pulling force in the moving label substrate as it travels through unwind, printing, drying, converting and rewind sections. Sensors, drives, dancer systems, load cells and control algorithms monitor tension and adjust torque or speed so the web stays stable without stretching, wandering, wrinkling or slackening. Tension must be balanced across zones, because the substrate can change behaviour after ink application, drying, chilling, coating or slitting. In a narrow-web flexographic press, stable tension keeps the web properly positioned through print nips and register controls so successive colours and die-cut features align. Excessive tension elongates or deforms lightweight stocks, while insufficient tension creates flutter, misregister, wrinkles and poor winding. Effective control therefore improves print quality, splice handling, finishing accuracy, roll formation and press uptime. Tension is therefore not a single setpoint but a profile that must be re-established whenever substrate, speed or station configuration changes.

  • tension coordination across press sections — source

Web widthsource pending

The transverse dimension of the substrate strip travelling through the press or finishing line. It determines the usable printing and converting area, the number and arrangement of label lanes, and the required width of every web-handling component.

Winding coreweak attestation
also: core

The cylindrical inner support around which substrate, printed web or finished labels are wound. It gives the roll its structural centre and interfaces with unwind or rewind equipment through a mandrel, shaft or core chuck.

  • „core" atestat 1x în FTA Flexographic Press Troubleshooting Guide (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Die cutting3 terms

Matrix wasteweak attestation
also: matrix, waste matrix

The stripped-away lattice of label face material surrounding and between die-cut labels after the label outline has been cut. The finishing line removes this waste while leaving the labels on their liner, and the matrix is then wound or otherwise taken off the web.

  • „matrix" atestat 1x în FTA Flexographic Press Troubleshooting Guide (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Rotary die cuttingsource verified
also: rotary die, magnetic cylinder

Rotary die cutting uses a rotating engraved or flexible die to cut, kiss-cut or perforate the printed web in continuous motion. In label production it converts the web into label shapes while preserving the liner or waste matrix.

In detail

Rotary die cutting is a continuous converting process in which a cylindrical die cuts label material as the web passes between the die cylinder and an opposing anvil or magnetic cylinder. The die can cut through the label face and adhesive while leaving the release liner intact, so finished labels stay on the liner for dispensing or later application. In a narrow-web flexo line, rotary die cutting follows printing and is often integrated with varnishing, laminating, waste stripping, slitting and rewinding. Its accuracy determines label shape, corner quality, matrix removal and the usable margin around printed graphics. Correct die pressure and cylinder alignment are essential: too little pressure leaves uncut areas, while too much damages the liner, accelerates die wear or disrupts web travel. Stable tension and registration keep the die aligned with the printed image.

  • rotary die cutting in continuous web converting — source

Trimweak attestation
also: edge trim

The deliberate removal of excess material from one or both web edges, or from another designated area, to establish a clean usable web boundary. Trim is directed to waste handling and must be controlled so it does not disturb web tracking, printing, slitting or rewinding.

  • „trim" atestat 2x în FTA FIRST 5.0 Design Guide (text extras, 15 oct) — source

Slitting & rewinding5 terms

Crush cuttingsource pending
also: crush cut

Crush cutting presses a hardened circular knife against the moving web on a grooved or hardened support roll, fracturing or compressing the material along the cut. It offers robust, economical separation but tends to produce more edge compression, dust or deformation than shear slitting.

Razor slittingweak attestation
also: razor cut

Razor slitting separates the web with a thin blade that contacts or penetrates the substrate, usually in a fixed holder. It suits clean, low-force cutting of many label webs, particularly where minimal edge distortion is required.

  • „razor" atestat 1x în FTA FIRST 5.0 Design Guide (text extras, 15 oct) — source

Shear slittingsource pending
also: shear cut

Shear slitting cuts the web with two overlapping circular knives acting against each other, in the manner of scissors. It is used in label converting to produce clean, controlled lane edges while limiting dust and edge deformation on suitable paper, film and laminate constructions.

In detail

Shear slitting is a web-converting method in which two circular knives cut the moving label web by passing one blade against another, much like scissors. The upper and lower knives are offset so their edges create a controlled shearing action rather than tearing or crushing the material. Slitting heads divide a wide printed roll into narrower rolls, often after printing, coating, laminating or die cutting, and may be installed inline or in a dedicated rewinding operation. In the narrow-web line, shear slitting determines finished roll width, edge cleanliness, winding stability and downstream compatibility with applicators or packaging equipment. Knife overlap, side force, blade sharpness, web tension, alignment, material structure and rewind pressure affect dust, edge fray, telescoping and roll quality. Correct setup protects printed graphics and adhesive layers while allowing several customer widths to be produced efficiently from one parent web.

Slitter rewindersource verified
also: slitter, rewinder

A slitter rewinder longitudinally separates a printed web into narrower lanes and winds those lanes into finished rolls. In a narrow-web label line it may also provide inspection, waste removal, tension control and roll preparation after printing or die cutting.

In detail

A slitter rewinder is a converting machine that divides a printed master web into narrower lanes and rewinds those lanes into finished rolls. The web passes through guiding and slitting components, where razor, shear or crush-cut knives separate the material along specified paths before the individual rolls are wound under controlled tension. Differential shafts or other winding systems accommodate lane-width differences and help maintain consistent package firmness. In a narrow-web label operation the slitter rewinder converts press output into rolls sized for downstream die cutting, labelling, inspection or shipment. Accurate slit position protects label dimensions and prevents edge damage, while suitable tension avoids telescoping, starring, wrinkles, blocking or loose winding. The machine also provides an opportunity to remove defects, manage waste edges and separate lanes efficiently. Its performance directly affects converting productivity, roll usability, customer handling and the quality of the final label supply.

  • slitting into lanes and rewinding into finished rolls — source

Turret rewindersource verified
also: turret, non-stop rewind

A turret rewinder has rotating spindle stations that transfer winding from a completed roll to a prepared core while the web keeps running. In narrow-web finishing it enables automatic or semi-automatic roll changes, reducing stoppages and supporting consistent finished-roll quality.

  • turret transfer while the web continues running — source

Finishing4 terms

Convertingweak attestation
also: web converting

Transforming printed or unprinted web material into usable label products through mechanical or process operations. In narrow-web production this commonly includes die cutting, stripping, slitting, laminating, coating, inspection and rewinding.

  • „converting" atestat 1x în FTA FIRST — Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Label finishingsource verified
also: finishing

The post-print operations that convert a printed label web into a specified finished form and appearance. Typical functions include die cutting, matrix stripping, slitting, rewinding, inspection, laminating and surface treatment.

  • „finishing" atestat 3x în FTA Flexographic Press Troubleshooting Guide (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Laminationweak attestation
also: laminating

Bonding a film, paper or other web layer to printed label material using adhesive, heat, pressure or a self-adhesive structure. It provides protection, stiffness, barrier properties or a specified appearance during later converting and use.

  • „laminat" atestat 1x în FTA FIRST — Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Narrow web convertingsource verified
also: narrow web

Processing a relatively narrow continuous web into finished labels through operations such as coating, laminating, die cutting, stripping, slitting, inspection and rewinding. It turns printed or unprinted label stock into rolls or sheets ready for application.

  • „narrow web" atestat 4x în Harper Corporation — Converting from Roll to Sleeve (FLEXO Aug 2011) (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Materials5 terms

Adhesionsource verified
also: bond, anchorage

The ability of printed ink, coating, laminate or adhesive to remain securely attached to the substrate or another layer. It depends on material compatibility, surface energy, cleanliness, ink chemistry and adequate drying or curing.

  • ink chemistry and adhesion to substrate — source

Grammageweak attestation
also: gsm, basis weight

The mass of a paper, film or label substrate expressed as grams per square metre. It is used to specify and control material weight, handle, stiffness, press behaviour and compatibility with converting equipment.

  • „basis weight" atestat 1x în FTA FIRST 5.0 Design Guide (text extras, 15 oct) — source

Release linerweak attestation
also: liner, backing

A disposable carrier sheet, typically paper or film, coated so that pressure-sensitive adhesive separates cleanly from it. It supports, protects and transports the adhesive label material until application.

  • „liner" atestat 2x în FTA FIRST 5.0 Design Guide (text extras, 15 oct) — source

Self-adhesive laminatesource pending
also: pressure-sensitive laminate

A multilayer label construction combining a facestock, pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner, or a laminate added over a printed label. It allows application without wet glue while protecting or enhancing the printed surface.

Substratesource verified
also: stock, facestock

The material surface that receives the printed ink, coating or adhesive, such as paper, film, foil or specialty stock. Its surface energy, absorbency, cleanliness, smoothness and dimensional behaviour directly affect ink transfer, density, drying, curing and adhesion.

  • substrate properties in flexographic practice — source

Inspection2 terms

Barcode verificationsource verified
also: barcode grading

Measuring and grading a printed barcode against recognised quality requirements to confirm it is accurately encoded and reliably scannable. Verification assesses the printed symbol itself rather than merely confirming that one scanner can read it.

  • „bar code" atestat 12x în FTA FIRST — Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Vision inspection systemweak attestation
also: camera inspection, 100% inspection

An automated camera-and-software system that examines the moving web or finished labels for defects and process errors. It supports quality control by detecting missing print, registration faults, contamination, die-cut problems and incorrect artwork.

  • „inspection" atestat 2x în FTA FIRST — Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Quality1 terms

Traceabilityweak attestation
also: batch traceability

The ability to identify, record and follow a label's material, production, inspection and distribution history. It is supported by controlled job data, inspection records, variable identification and codes that link labels to batches, products or supply-chain events.

  • „traceab" atestat 1x în FTA FIRST 5.0 Design Guide (text extras, 15 oct) — source

Drives & control2 terms

HMIsource pending
also: human-machine interface, touchscreen

The operator-facing control interface, typically a touchscreen and its software, used to monitor, adjust and recall press or finishing settings. It centralises controls such as speed, tension, registration, job data and process status.

Servo drivesource verified
also: servo

An electronic motor-control system that synchronises press and converting components such as print cylinders, anilox rolls, web handling and die-cutting stations. It supports accurate register, repeatable motion, tension control and coordinated inline processing.

  • „servo" atestat 4x în Harper Corporation — Converting from Roll to Sleeve (FLEXO Aug 2011) (căutat în textul extras, 15 oct) — source

Production model1 terms

Roll-to-rollweak attestation
also: R2R

A continuous production configuration in which web material feeds from an input roll through printing or converting and is collected on an output roll. It supports uninterrupted processing without cutting the substrate into sheets between stages.

  • atestat 1x in TLMI 49th Annual Printing Excellence Awards — category definitions - atestat: "Roll-to-roll entries must be submitted in continuous form" (text extras, 15 oct) — source