Glossary of Terms
Not familiar with a term we've used or just want to broaden your industry vocabulary? Our glossary will keep you up-to-date with the latest printing, marketing and healthcare terminology.
A B C D E F H I L O P Q R S T U V
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Pad Printing
A recessed surface is covered with ink. The plate is then wiped clean, leaving ink in the recessed areas. A silicone pad is then pressed against the plate, pulling the ink out of the recesses, and pressing it directly onto the product.
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Page Layout Documents
The font files and document preferences that need to be supplied for use when sending artwork with uncommon fonts which have not been converted to curves or other documents which must be converted by production ready artwork.
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Pantone Matching System
The industry standard for matching colors and communicating colors to achieve accurate color matches in printing. Each color has a coded number indicating instructions for mixing inks to achieve that color. We have an online PMS Color Chart as a guide in case you do not have access to a printed PMS Chart.
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Paper Proof
A paper proof which is supplied to show you how the product will look before production begins. Paper proofs are usually provided on orders that are not rush orders in order to assure your satisfaction with the product layout and design.
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Personalization
As it sounds, imprinting an item with a person’s name using one of any number of imprint methods.
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Plate
An image carrier, rubber or metal which transfers the ink to the printing surface.
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Point-of-Purchase Advertising (POP)
Advertising materials – displays, cards, etc. – which are placed within retail stores at the place where purchases are actually made.
Pre-Production Proof: A product imprinted with the specified design and copy of an issued purchase order. Its purpose is to clarify the appearance of the product and the imprint prior to manufacturing. -
Premium
A product or service offered free or at a reduced price if the recipient performs some task, such as purchasing an item, meeting a sales quota, etc. Usually consumer-related.
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Production Proof
An actual physical sample of the product imprinted to production standards and sent for approval before an order goes into production. This process has high costs due to the labor and setup costs involved, and having to slow production at the factory in order to make the sample. If you are producing a large order and are not under time constraints this may be worth doing to insure complete satisfaction with your design.
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Production Time / Lead Time
The amount of time needed to produce and ship an order. This is based on the time to produce once an order has been received and final approval received. Most products with a one-color imprint usually ship within 10-15 working days. Custom products and those with multicolor imprints can require longer production time. Rush orders can be accommodated on some products at an additional charge
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Promotional Products
Useful items that can be imprinted with the name of a company or individual and given free to the end user without obligation.
