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A shortened form of a word or phrase.
A technique for the imaging of offset plates, by which a thermal erosion layer is removed. The printing plates then only require mechanical treatment and in some cases can be rinsed with water. The main disadvantage of this system is that it produces debris which must be removed from the CtP system.
See "concertina fold".
A software program developed by Adobe, which allows documents to be viewed using a reader (available free of charge) on every commonly used computer platform and to be printed on PostScript printers. The major advantage of the program is that all fonts, colors and the layout itself are identical to the original document, even if the fonts or the program used to create it are not installed on the viewer's computer. It is a global standard in document management.
A shortened form of a word or compound term usually formed from its initial letters.
A color produced through the addition of light of various colors. In theory, every color can be produced by mixing the primary colors of the visible light spectrum: red, green and blue (RGB), as the color vision of the human eye works through red-, green- and blue- sensitive sensory cells. RGB is the usual additive color system and is used predominantly for television screens, computer monitors and scanners. Combining two of the primary colors in equal parts produces the secondary colors cyan, magenta and yellow, which in turn form the basic colors of the subtractive color system (CMYK).
This is the process of producing color through the addition of different colors of light. Computer and television screens use thousands of red, green, and blue phosphor dots, which are so small and close together that the human eye cannot see them individually. Instead, the eye sees the colors formed by the mixture of light.
A binding method which uses thread-free adhesives to secure loose leaves into a solid text block.
Person with all rights of access to a network and responsible for its management and maintenance.
Adobe Systems Incorporated, headquartered in San Jose, California, is a leading software manufacturer in the field of graphics and image editing. Established in 1982, the company's products include the image editing program "Photoshop", the illustration program "Illusrator" and the desktop publication programs "InDesign" and "Pagemarker." Adobe is also the creator of the page description language "PostScript" and the device-independent data format "PDF" (Portable Document Format).
A structure, basic scheme or pattern used for software, process or decision functions.
To place the material to be cut at the correct position in the machine.
An eight-bit storage segment reserved for masks in an image processing software program; a feature incorporated into image processing software programs and image data formats for storing processing routines and an image's special properties (for example, background transparency).
Folding a sheet of paper so that two flaps are formed that can be opened from either side.
A halftone screening method in which equidistant dots are used, the variation of the size of which produces continuous tone pictures. In combined printing, several colour forms must be arranged at varying, exactly defined screen angles in order to avoid moiré patterns.
Defines the start or end of a path segment (a path consists of one or more segments). They fix the path at a specific position. The path segments and the shape of the path are changed by moving the anchor points.
An old term for flexographic printing whose name is derived from the aniline-based inks employed during the process. Printing presses using this process employ rubber rollers as letterpress forms and print with quick-drying, low-viscosity inks. The first presses of this type appeared on the market at the beginning of the 20th century. They were mainly used to print packaging material.
A form of printing which uses a very simple ink dispensing system borrowed from gravure printing. An inking roller ("anilox roller") with small recesses arranged in a grid form is inked to excess and a doctor blade is then used to remove the excess ink. This immediately results in a very uniform film of ink, such that no further rollers are needed in the inking unit for ink distribution. The advantages of this process include the simple design of the inking unit and the ease with which ink feed can be controlled.
Generic term for the combination of image, text, graphics and moving images (videos) within a file and its presentation on a computer monitor.
A network server in which a group of programs are collectively integrated into a Web server's environment. Instead of having individually installed programs, network users have access to the server program. These applications are connected to an Application Program Interface (API) which allows higher-level tasks to be performed remotely. Another advantage of these applications is that licensing requirements can be more easily met, as the users do not usually have their own hard drive, which prevents the installation of so-called pirate copies. It is also possible to install the latest software available on all computers in the network with a single update on the server. This kind of server enables a user to perform sophisticated interactions over the internet, such as querying a database or running other programs loaded on the server.
A program with specific functions, not to be confused with an operating system, which controls a computer’s internal functions. All software is application software.
A device for determining the density of liquids used in printing to measure the concentration of alcohol in water-containing process liquids. The device consists of a sealed glass tube filled with air with a weight at one end. Once the areometer is placed in the liquid being tested, it floats either higher or lower, depending on the density of the liquid. The density can then be read using a scale graduated in special units (Bé after Baumé or Brix). Because the density of liquids changes with temperature, the scale of an areometer is always relative to a specific temperature. To make correct measurements easier to obtain, some areometers also feature a thermometer.
High-quality sheetfed offset printing on high-quality paper typically used for the production of sophisticated illustrated books.
A premium-grade stock coated on both sides (C2S), preferable for the high-quality reproduction of color prints. Art printing papers usually have a very smooth, glossy surface, though some have a matte or semi-matte finish. They allow illustrations to be reproduced by offset or letterpress in much finer halftone screens.
Wood-free paper with properties similar to those of genuine parchment, above all in its grease resistance, which results from the smeary grinding of the chemical pulp.
The utmost point of the cap height, the extension of the font from the baseline to the upper end of an uppercase letter.
Used to encode letters and numbers in digital form for electronic storage and processing. Originally binary numbers with seven digits (seven bits) were used, which made it possible to represent a total of 128 characters. The use of 8-bit numbers was later introduced, increasing the total to 256 characters. Unicode notation based on 16-bit numbers has been gaining increasing acceptance in recent years. It can be used to represent 65,536 different characters.
The quantity of anorganic substances in a paper stock that will be converted to ash when burned.
Term given to a dark brown–black mixture made of wax, resin and asphalt. It is easy to melt and can be dissolved in organic solvents such as gasoline, petroleum or turpentine. Due to its resistance to acids, asphalt coating serves as a covering layer in the etching processes used for manufacturing printing forms.
A fold made by folding the original into unequal lengths. This type of fold is used for parallel fold products and concertina folds.
Descendant of the XT computer and built on a 80286-Processor from Intel. Introduced by IBM in 1984, today every PC that works with a 16- or 32-Bit processor is called an AT computer.
Derived from the Greek ("self-written"), refers to a document handwritten, or at least signed, by an author. There have been collections of the autographs of famous persons, and a corresponding trade in these documents, since the end of the 16th century.
Unaesthetic jagged lines that occur when printing color breaks in gradations; caused by tonal jumps when adjacent dots become interconnected, leading to a perceptible increase in tone value. (See also “tonal jump”.)
Used to display characters in such a way that they can easily be read by a machine. The code consists of a system of narrow and wide, dark and light strips. One of the most common applications for barcode markings is the EAN code for identifying all types of merchandise. The EAN code also defines the barcode’s representation of the individual figures.
A grid used to ensure that the lines on both sides of a page are aligned, for example with thinner paper grades where the text tends to be visible on the opposite side of the page, in order to increase legibility. The term refers to the division of a sheet in sections using horizontal lines. Freely definable horizontal lines with fixed intervals are generated starting from a given point, marked paragraphs can then be assigned to the baseline grid and the leading adjusted to it. Higher quality DTP typesetting programs allow a baseline grid to be specified under the page characteristics.
A curve with a particular shape defined by two end points and whose tangent points (also called handles or nodes) have special characteristics. Any curve can be presented as a Bézier curve by dividing it into segments.
Product of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG used for finishing print products. The device functions as an adhesive binder and features two exchangeable glue pans for dispersion adhesive or hot-melt glue. Formats from A6+ to A3+ and all sizes in between can be processed. The Bindexpert is designed to process a maximum binding length of 43 centimeters with a book thickness of 4 centimeters. The unit also features a spine-processing station that can be used to notch or rout the spine of a book. The Bindexpert has been designed to process many different types of paper, including coated, uncoated and laminated stock.
The smallest possible unit of information. A bit can only have two states (1/0, yes/no, on/off etc.) and serves as the basis for the binary system used in all computers. The bit is thus the basic unit for information technology and communication.
The bit rate and brightness resolution per pixel of a scanner; determines the contrast range of a digital image.
The number of bits transmitted in a specified interval (typically one second) over an interface or bus/line; the speed of transfer and throughput.
The simplest format for graphics, where the pixels within a two-dimensional coordinate system are described by an x,y value (position of the pixel) and a color value.
See "pixel graphic".
A term used to describe how the color black is used in a set for four-color printing. In theory, black is not required in the CMYK color system for representing various hues of an image. In practice, however, it is used whenever contrast and detail are to be enhanced in dark areas. The term short black or skeleton black is applied if the color is only used for this purpose, in which case only a small amount of black is required.
The blanket clamped around a cylinder; the core element of offset printing. It transfers the printed image from the printing form to the paper. The process of depositing the ink onto the blanket also gave rise to the term "offset printing". Blankets enable consistent printing over large areas and are ideal for rough or grained papers. The blanket on the cylinder is usually 1.65 or 1.95 millimeters thick and consists of two, three or four fabric interleaves in addition to the actual covering layer. A distinction is usually made between the conventional blankets, which can be deformed but not compressed, and the compressible, air-cushioned blankets. Standard DIN 16621 describes the requirements for "blankets for indirect lithographic printing (offset printing)".
A paper processing stage in the print process where male and female dies are used to generate an impression in the paper under high pressure. Embossing with raised motifs is known as high embossing and embossing with sunken motifs as deep embossing. There are also multi-stage embossing procedures where the motif has different levels, and relief embossing, which creates a spatial effect with three-dimensional profiles. High embossing can also be simulated by applying and melting special powder materials.
The term used for monochrome prints of finished printing copy, derived from the light blue color of these prints. Today, even corresponding, simple black-and-white prints are generally referred to as blueprints. They serve as proofs for checking the completeness, position and content of the individual graphic elements (texts, images, etc.).
Generic term for image manipulations that reduce the sharpness of an image or reduce the definition of an image's outlines. Image processing programs offer a wide selection of blur filters, the best-known of which is the Gaussian blur.
Flat substrate made of mostly uniform fiber layers of over 225 grams per square meter.
A simple type of paper made exclusively from unsorted waste paper, usually has a gray, or sometimes brownish tint, and a weight of 80 g/m 2 or more; primarily used as a starting material for corrugated board.
The font used for the standard mass composition of a print product.
A bulkier paper used for bound books, made both with and without woodpulp.
A general term used for the printing of books and brochures that consist mainly of text and few pictures.
Books produced and shipped on the basis of orders. This method, made possible by digital printing, can cut the cost of fairly small run lengths, as the expense of storage and producing excess copies is eliminated. In addition, it is also possible to compile customized books from pre-defined sections of an existing work
In typography, curly brackets "{ }" are known as a brace.
The type or face used for the running text of a printed product. The term is said to originate from the days of lead composition when compositors were paid by piecework and earned the majority of their pay with texts in this type.
Paperboard comprising three or more layers, where the outermost layers are wood-free, while the inner material may contain wood. Bristol board is not coated and is therefore a natural paperboard; it is durable and produces good results in offset printing and finishing. Typical fields of application include postcards, envelopes and packaging materials.
A printed product consisting of a cover stuck or stitched directly to the spine of a single-layer or multi-layer block. The cover generally has the same format as the book block and is made either of material similar to the interior of the brochure or of card. The brochure was originally a temporary form of binding used until the purchaser of a book had opted for a high-quality book cover, which was often very expensive. Nowadays, this binding technique is used as a low-cost mechanical production method.
A main category in the classification of type fonts; a group of type fonts defined in DIN 16518; a generic term for a range of Latin type fonts in which all curved elements of lower case letters have totally or partly broken or disjointed strokes and joints. Broken types were created during the German Renaissance.
A soft, elastic, extremely thick stock. Also known as thick printing paper.
The byte is the smallest addressable unit of memory in a computer. A byte consists of eight bits and can thus assume either 28 or 256 different values, which means the character sets of most languages can be encoded in a single byte. The encoding of character sets using two bytes per character (Unicode) is now also playing an increasingly significant role. When combined, two bytes can assume a total of 65,536 (216) different values, enough for all the characters in all of the world's major languages. The capacity of storage media is expressed in multiples of 210 or 1024 bytes: 1 Kbyte = 1024 byte, 1 Mbyte = 1024 Kbyte, 1 Gbyte = 1024 Mbyte etc.
Refers to the color shades or gray steps created by screening Back to top
Acronym for 1) "computer aided design"; 2) "computer aided drafting".
Process of smoothing the surface of the paper between the rollers (or calendars).
The task of coordinating devices to ensure correct operation. At the prepress stage, input and output devices. Monitors, scanners, imagesetters, etc. are generally calibrated to test how colors are depicted.
From the Greek kalos (beautiful) and grafein (writing): the art of handwriting.
A system designed by Prosystem Inc. (Somerset, New Jersey) for complete book production in a single run from the paper reel to the bound book. The system (now no longer in production) uses letterpress printing.
Imagesetters that operate using a capstan roller, which moves the film material for imaging. The film material is stored on a roll. A laser beam is used for imaging, and its movement is set in line with the film transport so that the imaging process takes place line by line. The use of roll material means that the length of the output film format is theoretically unlimited. This is an important feature of this type of imagesetter.
The science of producing maps. The special problems of cartography include the correct determination of ground elevations (topography) and the most realistic possible rendering of the curved surface of the earth on plane map material.
Storage unit for materials (ink ribbon cartridges) or for software (font cartridges for laser printers); a storage module that can be removed and transported.
Paper or board with a particularly high gloss. This is obtained not by calendering, but by rolling the moist or specially moistened printing material with a chrome-plated drying cylinder polished to high gloss. Cast-coated papers have a shiny mirrored surface.
The three rows that typically comprise the CCD line of a scanner with different color filters (red, green and blue). There are three CCD elements for every pixel, each with a red, green and blue color filter in front. The optical resolution of the scanner is determined by the number of juxtaposed CCD elements in the sensor row, though the width of the original also plays an important role.
Hygroscopic film once commonly used and since replaced by plastic films.
Refers to film lamination of all kinds, not just those performed with cellophane-based films.
In chemical terms, a chain molecule consisting of glucose elements (polysaccharides). As the most important constituent of paper, cellulose provides strength, either in the form of wood or plant fibers, or in the form of chemical pulp, which consists of pure cellulose fibers. Cellulose is used not only in paper production, but also as a base material for plastics and fibers.
A stock consisting of at least 65 percent primary pulp (sulfite and groundwood pulp) and a maximum of 30 percent wastepaper.
Refers to the range of letters, numbers and other characters that a font contains or that an input or output device can process.
A fibrous material obtained from the subtropic nettle plant called ramie. Its high purity and strength make it ideal in the production of banknote paper.
The chip off effect coating is a two component finishing which can be applied by a printing press with one coating unit with UV drying.
This innovative effect is based on different surface tensions of the two lacquers and generates an optical and haptical 3D structure. This inhomogeneous structure can be mostly described as “dryed foam” in case of full-surface application of both lacquers. By varying the both lacquer types you will get effects, which are reminiscent of surface structures of oxidized metals, polystyrenes or rubber foam. By adding effect pigments you can increase the effect optically. What is special about the application of introduced pigments is the strong generated edge formation in the supreme lacquer by tearing-off the coating surface in the second run. This causes a spatial reorientation of the pigments in the lacquer during drying process whereby pigments in the border area of the supreme lacquer produce a different interference in comparison with pigments in the homogenous interior. Also a combination of different pigments in the first and in the second run is possible as well as a combination of two different pigments in the final supreme lacquer.
This effect is applied by printing systems with full UV equipment by means of two machine runs. The reason for the second run is that the first lacquer must be cured completely before applying the second lacquer. Also an application of the effect in combination with conventional inks or hybrid inks or by an offline varnishing machine is possible. It is, in particular, important that the second lacquer is only applied after the printing ink is cured completely.
Typical application fields of this new chip-off effect are especially cosmetic packaging, electronics packaging and lifestyle packaging as well as high-quality commercial printing as business plans, business reports or brochures, but also printing products in the field of labels, POS and events. At the moment applications for brand protection are considered, a formulation on the basis of low-migrating components is in the development stage and will enable the use of the effects in the field of pharmaceutical and food packaging as well as in the cigarette industry.
Further information: www.weilburger-graphics.de
See "trapping".
Board coated on one side with approximately 18 grams per square meter, basic product is chromo imitation board.
Board coated on one side with approximately 12 grams per square meter; basic product is duplex board.
Folding box carton with a smooth coating on one side and with a light intermediate ply of wood pulp and a wood-free ply on one or both sides.
Includes woodpulp or woodfree stocks coated on one side. The coating is always waterproof and is designed for maximum embossing, varnishing, and bronzing performance in offset environments. Chromo paper is used mainly to make labels, wrappings, and cover paper.
A brand name for a high-gloss, cast-coated board that is white on one side.
An international organization that has developed and defined a number of generally used color definitions. The best known of these is the CIE Lab color space, which was defined in 1976.
The CEILab color space was defined by the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) in 1976 and represents a three-dimensional, rectangular coordinate system. The vertical coordinate L specifies the lightness of a color, the 2 horizontal coordinates a and b represent the hue and the saturation on red/green and blue/yellow axes respectively. The CIELab color space is also ideal for representing color differences, since geometric distances in the color space more or less approximate the intuitive color differences.
International Cooperation for Integration in Prepress, Press and Postpress is a manufacturers' association established in 1995 to promote the non-proprietary digital integration of the printing process, from prepress to postpress. Its most important achievement has been the definition of the Print Production Format, a data format for recording all information relevant for the print process. In 1999, CIP3 was incorporated into CIP4, which deals with a broader range of subjects.
Created in 2000 from the manufacturers' association CIP3 and with headquarters in Zurich, the International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress seeks to provide the basis for the computer-based integration of the entire process involved in the production of print products, from preliminary costing and quotations to delivery and billing. One of the first results has been the establishment of the Job Definition Format (JDF) as a common standard. This was achieved in conjunction with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Adobe Systems, MAN Roland, Agfa and the Fraunhofer Institut für grafische Datenverarbeitung (IGD).
A proof page without any misprints.
A further development of the principles used to create font software TrueType and Adobe Type 1 with the goal of generating the clearest possible typeface on computer screens. This is primarily achieved by "anti-aliasing" to smoothed lines and edges that have a staircase-like appearance due to pixels. Developed by Microsoft, Cleartype is specifically intended to improve the legibility of smaller fonts on color LCDs, such as those used or envisaged for laptop computers and electronic books.
Silhouette in the image file which serves as a mask. In layout programs it allows cut-outs to be placed over a background.
The color model usually employed in printing technology which uses the basic colors cyan, magenta and yellow. Black is used to ensure a visually satisfying black tone.
The part of an offset press that draws a thin film of dampening solution-water with isopropyl alcohol and other additives–over the non-printing areas of the form. In vibrator-type dampening systems there is direct contact between the dampening solution container and a vibrator cylinder. In centrifugal, turbo or brush-type dampening systems there is no such direct contact.
A treatment to remove the printing ink from wastepaper so that the secondary fibers can be reprocessed. The deinking process makes it possible for higher-grade stocks to be manufactured from recyled content. The reprocessed pulp that results is known as DIP, or deinked pulp.
An instrument used to measure the ink density of printed products and the degree of blackening of negative or positive films and bromides in photography. A densitometer can also be used to determine the density of profiles. Densitometers measure a color sample three times using three different color filters (red, green and blue filters), which are equivalent to the sensitivity of the three types of cones in the human eye, and densitometers are thus also referred to as three-filter reading devices.
Densitometry is the quantitative measurement of ink density or the amount of ink per unit of area. It is used to determine tonal values, but not color hues. Densitometry can be used in photography and in reproduction for quality assurance purposes.
Term used for the elements of a character that extend from the baseline (typeline) downwards to the p-line. In typography, descender denotes the extension of the characters g, q, p, y or j, which all contain lines that fall below the baseline.
An arrangement system consisting of horizontal and vertical lines in which all text blocks, images and pictures are contained, it is used to prevent the disorganized presentation of images, tables and other design elements. The definition of a design grid is part of the field of macrotypography.
A reference color standard. Most color management systems use the LAB color histogram of the CIE (Commission Internationale d‘Eclairage) as the international color standard, independent of all devices.
Created in the fall of 1979 and modeled after the FTA (Flexographic Technical Association), this association is based in Stuttgart and has over 400 members from the flexographic industry and scientific establishments. The association's goals include the technical advancement of flexographic printing, basic and advanced training, and the exchange of expertise and experience. The DFTA has a technology center at the Media College of Stuttgart Technical University.
Defined by the French printer François Ambroise Didot as exactly 0.376065 millimeters; the smallest unit of measure in the Didot measurement system. In 1879 the Didot point was rounded down to 0.376 millimeters, and in 1973 it was further rounded to 0.375 millimeters to facilitate conversions.
A hardcopy of computer data used to check for mistakes in text, layout, etc.
Term used for the generation of images or illustrations in the form of interference patterns through computer calculations. Future applications for digital holography include high-capacity, long-term data storage devices based on plastic foil and ultra-small, forgery-proof markings for packaging, etc.
Alternative to conventional photography, involves use of cameras that capture images directly in digital form. The image data is transferred by means of special storage media or a data interface to a computer for further processing.
Refers to printing processes in which the information is transferred from the computer directly onto the paper, without the use of film or printing plates. Color printing technology is linked to the printing press' mechanical system. Though digital printing cannot deliver the same level of quality as conventional printing processes, it is faster and more cost-effective for small print runs and allows special techniques such as personalized printing and print-on-demand.
The process of converting values into digital codes; the optical division of any original image into single pixels; the processing of data in a digitized electronic form of encoding.
Measures how much a paper's dimensions change when its moisture is altered. This is a key criterion affecting a stock's suitability for multicolor offset printing.
A system that defines concepts, measurements and application in the industrial sector. Certain DIN norms have been developed for offset print.
Standard metric sheet sizes widely used outside the United States. The most important ones belong to the A series, in which the next-smaller size has a length corresponding to half that of the next-larger size. They include A4 (210 x 297 mm) and A3 (297 x 410 mm).
Refers to a new technology which uses PostScript data from the prepress stage to simultaneously image all the printing forms of a printing press with complete register accuracy. To do this the screen data supplied by a RIP (raster image processor) controls 64 infrared laser diodes, creating small recesses on a special printing foil with an ink-repellent surface, thus revealing an inking layer. The result is a printing foil which can be used for water-free offset printing.
A hyphen placed within a word in order to divide it at the end of a line. The hyphen disappears if due to a change in the text flow, the word no longer falls at the end of a line.
See "water-based coating".
Rules and measures applied to the creation, administration, distribution and archiving of documents.
Document paper is one of the highest grades of paper and bears a real watermark. The grade is generally used for official documents and certificates, and features special properties.
Refers to tonal values and the point up to which highlight dots are burnt out or are just available, expressed as a percentage of area coverage. The drop-out point of tone values can be determined by printing the related test wedges.
Term used in reproduction technology for the deviation in size of a previously calculated theoretical screen from the dot and screen actually printed, a phenomenon to be considered in order to ensure the quality of a printed product. This variation in dot size depends on several factors, including the printing method, substrate, printing ink, printing conditions and total ink limit.
A screen output device which make up character/images from a matrix of dots. The starting point for creating a raster is a dot matrix, which in newer RIP implementations consists of 128 x 128 elements. In this matrix, the dot shape is stored as a 12-bit gray tone.
See "dot gain".
Contact made between two dots in the simulation of gray levels presented in halftone cells. With a square dot, dot touch will occur at a gray value of about 40 percent, with a round dot it will only occur at about 60 percent, and with an elliptical dot it will occur at 50 and 75 percent. With coarser screens, such as in laser printers, dot touch is less visible.
Term given to a word that has erroneously been typeset twice in a text.
Printing of the front and back sides of a page with two different printing plates.
The process of moving text or images within a file or from one file to another.
A scanner that functions by mounting the original on a rotating cylinder, through or onto which a point-light is then transmitted. The scanning unit moves parallel to the cylinder’s axis of rotation, directing the light of the original via optical and color filters towards photo-multipliers. As photo multipliers only give analog signals, an electronic unit is required to convert them into digital signals.
Refers to the combined processes of text creation, page makeup and image assembly as an integrated activity performed on the computer. DTP delivers data in the form of pages which are then further processed at the sheet assembly stage – either in the form of films or in electronic form (computer-to-film / computer-to-plate). DTP data uses the PostScript page description language. In electronic printing this data is used directly to produce print copies or for printing.
A typographic term used to describe the various elements of a character, such as the line, weight and direction in which each line is drawn. The term is derived from the Latin verb “ducere” (to lead), and was burrowed from calligraphy, where it is used to describe how the pen is held.
Sample of a print product which is designed to demonstrate such production features as format, page count, paper grade, finishing and binding.
Term used for sample text, the purpose of which is to communicate the intended typographic impression of layouted pages or to reserve a space. Dummy text should be instantly recognizable as such - otherwise, as occasionally happens, it may erroneously be printed.
A multi-layer carton with a gray intermediate ply, gray back and wood-free or almost wood-free coat on one side.
Images used to enlarge the tonal value range of a grayscale image in print. A black/white reproduction, for example, can contain up to 256 grayscales.
Code defined to assist in the universal identification of all types of goods by means of an internationally-standardized article number. Two different versions of this code exist, one containing 13 figures and the other eight (EAN-13 and EAN-8). An EAN code generally includes the country of origin, the manufacturer and the product’s article number.
A printing ink that is dried with the use of electron beams. Similar to UV inks, which are cured by ultraviolet light, EB inks are cured by means of polymerization, which is made possible by the direct effect of the electrons on polymerizable substances. Unlike UV inks, special initiators are not required for EB inks and as a result EB inks are easier to store. The special advantage of EB inks is, however, the thickness of the layers that can be applied, as the electron beams penetrate deeply.
Coatings used to lend a printed product a unique appearance or quality; usually refers to pigmented coatings, which vary greatly according to the pigments in the ink and the size and shape of the particles.
In an attempt to combine the electronic activation of a monitor with the superior legibility of printed paper, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and various manufacturers are working on what is known as electronic paper. In one version, the paper contains tiny spheres with different colors on different sides, which rotate when exposed to electric fields and thus present different colors. Another type of electronic paper contains small, transparent capsules filled with dye and white particles. When an electrical field is applied, these particles float to the top, making the surface of the paper look white. Otherwise, the effect of the dye is dominant.
The longest form of the dash, the length of which is equivalent to the width of the letter “M”; used in English to denote a break in sentence structure.
Shorter than the em dash (its length is equivalent to the width of the letter “N”), it is used to replace the word “through” when listing inclusive numerals or dates.
A standard file format used to transfer a graphic from one application or platform to another. Pure EPS can not be displayed on the monitor and therefore a preview must be created in TIFF or another format. EPS graphics can be enlarged without loss of quality.
Headquartered in Munich, the association was founded in 1956 by European gravure print shops; manufacturers from the industry are associate members.
A soft, bulky printing paper made from esparto grass, the stock of which is extremely opaque and, due to its low moisture pickup, features relatively high dimensional stability.
Feature of a layout program that ensures that the text flows with visual appeal, in accordance with typographic rules. The features of such a program include the individual adjustment of the spaces between certain letter combinations (known as "kerning"), and corrections to the positions of line starts (for example a line beginning with "A" must be moved slightly outwards).
An association for suppliers of management information systems established in 2000, the primary task of which is to promote the electronic exchange of data between manufacturers, customers and suppliers in the print industry using the Job Definition Format (JDF). EUPRIMA works closely with CIP4 in advancing development work.
A color scale for the CMYK four-color model standardized in Europe in DIN 16 539 for offset printing and DIN 16 538 for letterpress printing. This defines the printing colors yellow, magenta, cyan and black according to hue, saturation and print sequence and enables them to controlled under standard conditions.
Refers to a writing head that is placed outside the drum. The film or printing plate is clamped onto the outside of the drum and fixed via a vacuum. When the drum rotates, the writing head traverses the material to be imaged line for line.
Term derived from the Latin generally used to describe the most natural possible reproduction of an original (image, handwriting, book) complete with all its characteristics including dirty marks, damage or traces of use. This is the highest degree of similarity which a reproduction can achieve in comparison to the original, whereby nothing is added, omitted or improved. Copyists in the Middle Ages were already trying to achieve reproductions of texts and books which were true to the originals by writing them out and illustrating them by hand. The first full facsimiles date from the early 17th century, and were engraved in copper. Facsimiles were also produced using the wood engraving method. The invention of lithography in the late 18th century and collotype in the mid 19th century made facsimiles as we understand them today possible.
The side of the paper not in contact with wire from the paper machine. Especially in lower-quality grades, this side offers much better performance characteristics than the reverse, or wire side.
A very durable ink that consists of gallic acid, iron sulfate and in some cases a binder (gum arabic) and that has been known for several centuries. The ink was used for documents of all kinds until the advent of chemical dyes in the recent past. When first applied, pure ferro-gallic ink has a pale color; only when exposed to atmospheric oxygen does it form a distinctly black pigment. It is insoluble in water and thus very difficult to remove. After extended periods of time, ferro-gallic ink decomposes paper and parchment, causing what is known as ink corrosion.
An association for printing press research founded in 1955 by leading German printing press manufacturers as a non-profit organization. Headquartered in Frankfurt, the association works to coordinate the printing press industry and research activities in the field of printing presses and processes; also works in close collaboration with the Institut für Druckmaschinen und Druckverfahren (Institute for Printing Presses and Printing Processes) in Darmstadt.
Additives used in paper manufacturing process to fill gaps between paper fibers in order to enhance opacity, whiteness, and smoothness. Generally added to the liquid pulp mass, the most common fillers are mineral compounds such as kaolin or calcium carbonate. In finished papers, the filler content can be as high as 35 percent.
The general term used to describe paper of superior quality. Particular features of such papers are stability of the surface; good, even transparency (even with watermarks); and good printability.
The term used to describe various processes or operations performed on a printed product after the print run itself. Depending on the type of product, these processes can include folding, collating or trimming of the printed sheets, as well as binding or packing.
A scanner that works by projecting reflected light onto a CCD chip by means of an optical system. This light is then separated into the primary colors, which are in turn brought together by the scanner to form a digital image. The advantage of this type of scanner is its use of a constant light source. As it can only be used for photographic materials, prints or drawings, the color space of an image can be precisely defined.
Refers to the extent to which paper lies horizontally.
A printing process that involves the use of photopolymer wash-off printing (letterpress) or similar printing plates. Using low-viscosity ink it is possible to print on diverse materials with screen rulings of up to 54 l/cm. Flexographic printing is a very fast, uncomplicated printing process suitable for package printing and multi-color newspaper printing.
Printing inks that shine or change color when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light of various wavelengths; used for protection and to identify the authenticity of documents.
Screening method for the simulation of continuous tones involving the arrangement of same-size dots at varying distances. The number of dots in a defined area determines the color tone. Though the quality of this kind of simulation is high and no moiré patterns are created, it requires somewhat better accuracy and care in platemaking and printing as well as different work methods. In addition, color areas sometimes appear grainy.
Established in Munich to promote printing technology, the association has its own institute with over 50 employees. Its responsibilities include research and development of quality control tools, knowledge exchange through printed materials, lectures, seminars, symposia and a literature database; collaborates in setting industry standards and provides assistance in the case of conflicts.
In bookbinding a sharp break or bend in the papers, generally performed by special machines. A distinction is made between right angle and parallel folds. In right angle folding the next fold is always at a right angle to the previous one. In parallel folding, the first is always parallel to the second.
A kind of lay employed in bookbinding; the angle at which printed sheets are fed by the bookbinder in order to ensure positioning and register accuracy when folding.
Special machines used to fold printed materials. Knife folders employ a blunt edged knife to press the paper between two continuously moving rollers. The paper is caught between the rollers and carried away, a fold being made where the knife makes contact. The buckle or plate folder feeds the paper end first between a pair of continuously revolving rollers. Both methods of folding can be combined in one machine – the combination folder.
Marks made to ensure register-true folding.
Specification of the number, direction and sequence of folds for an individual production job.
Term for the page number in books, magazines, etc.
A type face. A font usually has several styles in various weights and versions.
All variants of a specific font, including those with varying weights and styles.
The area at the bottom portion of a page to be trimmed off.
A typographical unit of measurement corresponding to 36 points.
A black-letter typeface created in 1517; the most common typeface in Germany until the 20th century though also widespread in countries neighboring Germany to the east and southeast. Its name (Latin for "broken") was derived from the broken strokes made when the font was handwritten. Precursors to Fraktur are the Gothic and Schwabacher typefaces.
All pages and material that appear before the text of a book, including the bastard title, full title, imprint, dedication, table of contents, foreword, unprinted pages, etc.
The trim employed for magazines and booklets with multiple folded, inserted signatures in order to create an even edge; must be taken into consideration in the design stage.
The smallest quantity of ink that can completely cover the surface of a particular printing stock with no visible gaps. In offset printing full ink coverage for smooth coated art papers is 1.5 to 2 gsm, and for uncoated papers it is around 3 gsm. Back to top
The gradient or angle of slope of the straight section of a blackening curve, calculated according to the tangent formed by the angle of the curve in relation to the straight line. The gamma curve describes the relationship between the tone values in an image file at input and the tonal response of the output device (monitor). The greater the gamma value, the steeper the curve. In color management the gamma value indicates how the exposure range is produced in density values (the density range).
The range of colors that can be produced by a color system; tonal value and color range that can be produced or reproduced by a system or process depending on the color space and colorants used. See also "color space".
A technical association based in Sewickley, Pennsylvania and active in the printing industry. In 1999 the organization merged with the Printing Industries of America (PIA) and now has some 14,000 members in 60 different countries.
A device for stitching printed products and creating magazines, brochures, etc. from printed and folded sheets. The print sheets and jacket are collated in the correct order, aligned and then stitched using wire staples. Finally, the volume is cut on three sides. This separates the sheet folds that do not lie on the spine edge, and thus the booklet takes on its familiar shape.
A tool used to give images, graphics and photos a “blurred” or “softened” look. It is often used in the design of background graphics, which seem to be “cushioned” into the background.
Former name of the International Digital Enterprise Alliance (IDE Alliance).
The process by which gray tones are proportionally removed from the exact amounts of cyan, magenta and yellow that make up gray and replaced by the corresponding quantity of black ink. This is primarily performed for neutral color tones and in the gray components of unsaturated colors. The process allows for ink reduction and reduces the effects of color shifts.
An error that can occur in such indirect printing processes as offset when screen dots have double or multiple contours. It can be observed in single-color printing, but more often in multi-color printing. Faulty printing of this type increases the screen tonal value and leads to dot gain. This slight shift in the position of the printing elements is caused by register fluctuations during printing, which may themselves be caused by the paper or the press.
A storage format for images and graphics involving lossy compression and that allows 256 colors to be displayed from any pallet. The data format was introduced by the Compuserve online service in 1987, which makes it one of the oldest of its kind. GIF remains one of the most widely-used formats for online publication, and also allows for image animations.
A highly greaseproof, but not wet-resistant paper grade made of finely ground pulp. It is highly supercalendered and therefore relatively transparent.
A symbol carved in stone; in typography a letter with more than one variant in an alphabet, such as “s” in German as well as Greek.
A process for shaping the surface of paper into a pattern, usually with fine grooves.
See "gamma value".
The direction in which the pulp fibers of a sheet of paper are aligned as a result of the papermaking process.
Terms used to indicate whether the paper web should travel through the paper machine lengthwise or widthwise, which in turn is generally indicated by marking whether the width or length of the paper should correspond with the machine's reel width. The fibers (and thus the grain) lie parallel to the edge not indicated.
The standard international unit of measurement for paper weight, expressed in grams per square meter, or gsm. Grammages range from 7 to approx. 225 g/m2 for paper, and approx. 150 to 600 gsm for board. The system differs in the U.S., where the term "basis weight" is used, which is the weight in pounds of a ream (500 sheets) in the standard size for a grade of paper.
A printing process used in high-output rotary presses, in which the printing elements take the form of small cells on the surface of the gravure form cylinder. The print image is generally transferred onto the cylinder by means of electromechanical engraving using a diamond stylus. During the course of the printing process, the printing cylinder is entirely coated in ink. A doctor blade then removes the excess ink from the surface and the only ink remaining is the ink in the cells. A rubber roller then presses the paper web against the printing cylinder and the ink remaining in the cells is applied to the paper.
An especially soft, absorbent grade of paper, such as handmade papers from Japan with silky fibers especially suited to capture the nuances of hand-pressed copperplate prints.
Flat substrate made of mostly uniform fiber layers over 225 g/m2 and colored gray.
The combination of recorder elements (RELs) into a visual (halftone) dot. The physical size of the grid cell remains constant, and a computer program then defines the filling of the cell with picture elements or a pixel pattern in accordance with the color or gray value to be reproduced.
The Venetian die cutter known as the inventor of italic type. In February 1496, the letterpress printer Aldus Manutius published an essay by the Italian scholar Pietro Bembo. The italic type "Bembo", which was developed by Griffo from an official papal font, quickly gained in popularity and would later play an influential role in font design.
The mechanical clamps used to transport the sheets in a sheetfed press. Grippers seize the individual sheets and feed them into the printing unit. The printing unit’s rollers are equipped with additional grippers, which fix the sheets in place for various stages of the print process. The printed sheets are output in a similar way at the end of the printing process.
The protruding part of a folded signature, which can easily be gripped for production with inserts. The width of the gripper fold is in most cases approximately 8 millimeters, but must be accurately specified in accordance with postpress processes.
The unprintable area of the page where the printing press grippers come in contact with the paper.
Refers to fonts, the letters of which have a constant weight and are free of serifs. Examples of sans-serif fonts of this kind are Futura, Helvetica, Arial, Optima, Univers, Franklin Gothic and Frutiger. Grotesque faces are generally regarded as functional and modern, and are generally used for aesthetic reasons. From the point of view of legibility, they are less suitable for running text than serif typefaces.
Derived from the French guilloche (graver), term used for fine, interwoven geometric patterns of lines often printed on banknotes, certificates, etc., to make forgery more difficult. Guilloches are also often used as screen lines for illustrations, and works of art made of metal are not seldom decorated with guilloches engraved either by hand or machine.
Generic term for cutters designed for cutting sheets, stacks or blocks of paper in different shapes. A term mostly used in papermaking factories to describe the difference between this type of cutter and reel slitters.
Born Johann Gensfleisch, son of Mainz patrician Friele Gensfleisch zur Laden, inventor of “printing with moving letters” or letterpress printing in either Mainz or Strasbourg. His invention was based on cast type, a corresponding manual casting instrument, a suitable metal alloy and a printing press. Gutenberg’s invention, which is today considered the trigger for one of the greatest revolutions in human history, spread throughout the world within a matter of years.
The thinnest line that can be produced.
The transmission of data between two terminals in only one direction at any given time. (Transmission may be in both directions but not at the same time.)
Term used to designate a contone image which has been prepared for printing using screening technology. This is a pure black/white or full-tone original which uses screening to simulate contones. Georg Meisenbach (1841-1912) is considered the inventor of halftone technology.
Refers to the way in which a color impression is generated when printing screened color images. The individual screen dots – in the CMYK basic colors when using four-color printing – are printed either next to or on top of each other. Both additive and subtractive color synthesis is possible. Even unprinted portions of an image, which are generally white, contribute to the color impression.
A control patch on the Ugra/FOGRA digital plate wedge, required for the determination of the printing characteristics of a printing press. It consists of (nine) patches increasing in most cases in increments of 10 percent from an area coverage of 0 to 100 percent (solid patch) for the densitometric control of tone values and dot gain during printing.
Sheet folding performed by hand typically using a folder – a flat, smooth piece of plastic about 15 centimeters long. Only limited edition books are still folded by hand.
The processes for simulating or checking printed results leading up to production of a hardcopy. Depending on the characteristics to be checked, a distinction can be made between blueprint, imposition proof (layout proof), color proof, screen proof and press proof (or machine proof).
See "concertina fold".
A printing ink dried after the printing process by blowing air between 120 and 150º Celsius onto it. Heat-set inks are used in rotary offset printing.
Photochemical process for creating gravure plates introduced by the Czech painter and graphic artist Karel Václav Klíc in 1878. Helio engraving was particularly popular between 1890 and 1910 for creating monochrome illustrations in high-quality books.
A pioneer in offset printing. After Ira Washington Rubel came out with the first offset printing press in 1904, Hermann converted book printing rotary presses into offset printing presses, beginning with the one he produced for the Harris Automation Press Company in Niles, Ohio. The first German offset printing presses were manufactured in the same manner starting in 1907. Hermann also designed the world’s first rotary offset printing press, which was patented in Germany the same year, and the so-called satellite printing system in 1922.
Paper that is cast-coated on one side and not calendered.
The brightest areas of an image.
A hybrid system for inks which comprises 84 different color tones. It is jointly offered by three ink manufacturers: Horstmann-Steinberg, Kast + Ehinger and H. Schminke & Co. It is structured on nine basic colors plus black and white. Ink series are available for sheetfed offset on coated and uncoated papers, newsprint and continuous paper.
A three-dimensional image created by the interference image which results from interaction between light reflected from the object to be imaged with a reference beam from the light source. This method requires extremely coherent light (synchronously oscillating light), such as that generated by a laser.
The typeface employed by a company for most or all of its communications. Some publishing houses also use a standard typeface for their publications in order to make these products more identifiable.
A command language for driving plotters developed by the American company Hewlett-Packard.
A color model that describes colors in the same way as the human eye perceives them, using hue, saturation (or chroma) and brightness (or luminance). The hue is defined by its position in a color circle and is specified by an angle lying between 0 and 360 degrees. The saturation corresponds to the amount of gray in the color mixture and has a value between 0 percent for gray and 100 percent for pure color. The values for brightness also range from 0 percent for black and 100 percent for white. Back to top
A term used in the context of a color space to identity the exact shade of a piece of paper. Not to be confused with whiteness, which is a different property of paper.
Standard international acronyms for weights and grades of papers used in rotary offset and letterpress printing. Coated stock can be identified HWC (heavy-weight coated), MWC (medium-weight coated), LWC (lightweight coated), or ULWC (ultra-lightweight coated). All are wood pulp-based, but available in many varieties. MFC (machine-finished coated) paper is made primarily from ground wood pulp, has a grammage of 48 to 80 gsm, and may be high volume. LWC paper is particularly lightweight stock for use on rotary offset machines. SC (supercalendered) paper is an uncoated wood pulp stock based mainly on ground wood and recycled content. It features an additional finish applied by a separate supercalender.
A label technology sold by Philips for the identification of objects using transponders that respond to radio waves. These transponders are less than 0.5 millimeters thick, can be applied in stickers measuring up to 2 by 2 centimeters, can store up to 512 bits of data, and use the scanner’s radio waves to obtain the energy they need to function.
An association of manufacturers of prepress products dedicated to promoting color management or device-independent color processing. Fogra oversees the organization.
Founded in 1966 as the Graphic Communications Association (GCA), this non-profit organization promotes the development of IT standards in the publishing industry and currently has over 300 members.
An international association based in Darmstadt with over 3000 members from the publishing industry, the primary objective of which is to promote the exchange of technical information and experience. Ifra coordinates research projects, workgroups, symposia and seminars. The Ifra Expo exhibition devoted to newspaper production is held in October each year.
Paper made from chemical pulp and, in some cases, a minimal amount of wood pulp. This is a coated stock that is often calendered. It offers opacity similar to that of wood pulp paper, features excellent non-aging properties and does not yellow.
A graphic design and drawing program designed and manufactured by Adobe.
Refers to the area of a page to be filled with text and/or images. The image area is determined according to aesthetic criteria and the nature of the printed material. The layout of an image area is part of the field of macrotypography.
A component of the Prinect workflow concept designed by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, which is the world's only quality assurance system in the print process that measures complete print sheets using spectrophotometric technology. After comparing the results with the values of the OK sheet, the color deviations that have been identified are fed online to the press in order to adjust the ink zone settings. This method processes a thousand times more information than is possible using print control strips.
An image with the background removed.
Software for editing the content of images that are digitally encoded, that is created using graphics software or read by a scanner). A distinction is made between the processing or editing of layout features (size, location, etc.) and of intrinsic features (color scheme, gray levels, etc.).
The layout sheet comprising all pages on the press sheet. The number of pages on the individual imposition forms varies according to the total number of pages of the printed product.
Proof used to review the content and completeness of the various elements of a printing copy. In contrast to a blueprint, this proof is in color, although the colors are not binding. Large-format inkjet printers are mainly used for printing imposition proofs of this kind.
Determines the position of the pages on the printed sheet.
The official approval by the client that printing of the product can begin. The phrases "good to print" or "ready for press" are also used.
The information required by law regarding the publisher and printer of printed products or Internet publications. As a rule, the imprint also contains additional details, such as the name of the editor, the editorial address and a copyright notice.
Term derived from Latin for works made using a movable letter technique prior to the 16th century. It is estimated that between 27,000 and 40,000 works were produced with this method in the 15th century. Incunabula usually have no title page, and there is often no reference to the printer, or year. Since it is assumed that early printers also produced their own type, the origin of incunabula can be determined by comparing the type used.
Software package from Adobe for computer layout and typesetting comparable to QuarkXPress.
A letter placed at the beginning of a text, which appears larger and/or in a different font. In old handwritten material, initials are characterized by special colors and decorative elements. The first initial can be found in Greek and Copt scripts from the fourth century.
The amount of printing ink absorbed by the paper during printing. It may have an effect on the print quality and must be taken into consideration during preparations for the print run.
A value measured by densitometers at the point in the spectral range where the ink is primarily absorbed. It is the reflection factor of a sample expressed as a logarithm, and directly related to the film thickness of the ink. See "densitometry".
The device in a printing machine that supplies the block with the printing ink.
A surface-finished grade of paper designed to quickly absorb the tiny droplets of ink that an inkjet printer sprays in quick succession. It includes properties that prevent ink from running or smearing – brown-colored paper (also called sulfate paper) consisting at least 90% of virgin, generally unbleached sulfate pulp and known for its outstanding strength and durability.
A printing process in which minute drops of ink are applied to the surface to be printed by means of a jet that operates with piezoelectric or thermal technology. Color inkjet printers now work with up to six colors and well over a hundred individual jets. Nowadays, depending on the process, they are capable of achieving the same results as high-quality four-color printing.
The term used for print processes that take place directly on the press or the modules required for that particular stage of production. Inline processing can include coating, folding, stitching or quality control.
Print process that involves the use of plates into which the print motif is engraved in the form of lines and dots and generally used for high-quality publications, securities and banknotes. It allows ink to be applied in thicknesses of up to 0.1 mm, so that the print can be felt in relief form, which in banknotes can help protect against counterfeiting.
A kind of artistic engraving; a general term for the drawing techniques that result in gravure plates: copperplate engraving, steel-plate engraving, engraving, etc. Rainbow or iris printing – a form of multicolor printing from a single printing plate that is inked in different colors in different areas for this purpose – originates from art printing, where it was developed and applied in conjunction with intaglio techniques.
The digital linking of all production stages in the print process, including electronic job input, prepress, press, postpress and preparation for dispatch. The International Cooperation for Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4), with over 100 member companies, strives to promote the integration of such computer-assisted processes within the graphic arts industry.
A stage in the postpress process, in which the signatures are divided into parts and a strip of material is cut out. This step is necessary with bled-off printed areas or images.
A process by which the media to be exposed is drawn completely into a drum and fixed by a vacuum. The format is defined by the size of the drum and the writing head on the exposing laser which is centered on a spindle located in the drum. This laser exposes by constantly rotating and traversing the film or plate line by line.
A mathematical process to determine intermediate values within regularly structured series of numbers. Various methods are used for this purpose, depending on the nature of the series. In image editing, pixels can be “interpolated” in order to increase the resolution beyond the physical capacity of an input device.
A device usually referred to as an RIP that converts page description into a raster or vector output format. Other functions include assisting in printer to computer communications and driver and print management functions. The interpreter enables all input and output functions that are necessary for output on the printer.
A kind of sticker used to identify products and manufactured by X-ident GmbH of Düren. The labels are made of paper or plastic foil and, depending on the type, contain a transponder from the Philips’ I-code series or the Tag-It series from Texas Instruments. The size of the labels varies from between 5.5 by 10.5 centimeters to 10 by 15 centimeters. The stickers are available on rolls and can be printed using a special printer, which can also apply data for their application.
A very stable ink made from gallnut acid (also called tannin) and known since antiquity. Its name comes from the oak apple, which served as a source of tannin, and was used up until the dawn of chemical pigments in the recent past for all kinds of printed materials.
Method of generating the optimum angles of screens for 4-color printing.
Refers to randomly arranged, incorrectly read pixel values that usually result from electrical interference or device instability.
An international , ten-digit standard numerical code for books that indicates language, publisher, internal publishing title number as well as a check digit. The ISBN system was launched in England in the mid Sixties. It was adopted in Germany in 1969.
A method for the uniform digital transmission of voice and data in local telephone networks, supplying users with more functions than a conventional, analog connection offers. In Europe, a normal ISDN connection has two data channels with a transmission capacity of 64 kbit/s each and a control channel with 16 kbit/s. If required, more channels can be connected and also bundled to obtain higher transmission capacities.
Organization headquartered in Geneva responsible for developing and synthesizing standards in all areas of technology except electronics. Germany is represented by the Deutsches Institut für Normung.
Papers made in Japan using the fibers of native plants. Authentic Japanese paper, known in Japanese as washi (wa = Japan and shi = paper), is made from kozo, mitsumata, gampi or kuwakawa (mulberry tree). Manual production involves dipping the sieve, which is usually made of bamboo, several times into the paper pulp using a particular rhythm.
A format that grew out of an initiative by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Adobe Systems, MAN Roland and Agfa and now supported by CIP4. It forms the basis for the non-proprietary integration of print processes, is based on the XML formatting language and embraces a definition for describing print jobs, a message format and an associated transfer protocol.
Term used to describe lower volume or short-run printing assignments, for example for individuals or small businesses. Probably the oldest example of job printing is the letter of indulgence from the Roman Church which dates back to the 15th century.
A digital “job folder” at the prepress stage of the production process where instructions for imposition operations, trapping and OPI are stored, as well as output parameters and printing and finishing information.
A common format developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group for compressing image files in RGB mode, using which file sizes of images can be reduced by up to 95 percent. Though it involves a loss of image information, the degree of compression can be selected so that the losses remain within acceptable limits. JPEG requires no license and is internationally standardized (ISO 10918). It uses the “Discrete Cosine Transformation” (DCT) method, where image sections of 64 pixels each are processed. A new compression method, known as JPEG 2000, is currently being developed, which uses what are known as “wavelets” and is said to be able to compress images by 20 percent more than JPEG with better image quality. JPEG 2000 will support non-lossy compression, as well as other color modes (such as CMYK) and color management.
Term used in industrial production to describe a process where suppliers deliver their goods at the precise moment they are required in the production flow, thus eliminating any need for storage at the production location. Just-in-time production requires efficient management, an effective logistics system, and a data link between suppliers and the manufacturer.
In typography, the reduction in spacing between two letters (uppercase and lowercase letters) for aesthetic reasons so that the squares they occupy overlap. Letter combinations for which kerning is used include “To” or “Va”.
The Czech painter and graphic artist who invented helio engraving and copper gravure or rotogravure. After years of developing the technique, Klíc unveiled helio engraving in 1878 in Vienna, where it was adopted as a method for photochemically producing etched copper printing plates based on photographs.
The section of an image that has been removed. When two colors overlap, they usually do not print on top of each other. The bottom color is “knocked out of” or removed from the area where the overlapping occurs. Knockout type is usually text that is knocked out of a dark background so that the type appears in the same color as the paper. See also "trapping".
The inventor of the flatbed cylinder press, the first major development in printing technology since Gutenberg. At the end of 1806, Koenig moved to London where five years later he would develop the flatbed cylinder press. By 1913 he had substantially increased press speed by using two impression cylinders, which meant that the carriage holding the printing form could be used in both directions.
Born in New York in 1948, an inventor, scientist and entrepreneur whose theories and creations have had far reaching impact. Kurzweil studied computer engineering and literature at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His work has given rise to a range of inventions, including electronic musical instruments (synthesizers), reading machines for the blind, voice-recognition systems and a machine that instantly translates from English into German. In the 90s Kurzweil published controversial books that often focused on the evolution of technology and the implications for humanity in the future. Back to top
The general process of covering or coating one type of material with another, creating a bond between the two materials. In the postpress stage, laminating is one of the methods used to give the product protection or a more attractive appearance. To do this, films containing photographic or other print motifs are applied under pressure to the material being finished. If a transparent polyester film is applied, this is known as film laminating. Laminated materials are often found on drinks and food menus. For packaging liquids, the industry generally uses films that also protect the product’s aroma.
Output device in which a light beam emitted by a laser light source is directed onto a photo-sensitive material via optics and/or mirrors. Single dots (spots) are produced by means of upstream on/off switches that are synchronized with the deflecting unit, the correlation of the spots is driven by a software program or a page description language as well as the laser imagesetter’s driver.
A standard printer with a rotating drum, the surface of which conducts electricity when it comes into contact with light. The surface of the drum is first electrically charged, a beam of laser light then records the printing information on the drum line by line by means of a rotating mirror wheel. When light comes into contact with the surface of the drum, it is discharged. The toner which is then applied only adheres to the places that are not illuminated. When transferred onto the paper and fixed in place using heat, the toner produces the print image required.
The space between the lines of characters, measured in millimeters or DTP points.
See "concertina fold".
Folding pattern in which the folds are parallel and in the same direction, so that a kind of spiral is produced. The letter fold is a parallel fold. Two or more panels of the same width of the folded signature are folded around one panel. When the signature is folded twice, there are three panels on each side (six pages); with a tri-fold, the result is four panels on each side (eight pages).
Printing process in which the elevated sections of a printing form are inked up and deposit some of the ink on the material to be printed. There are three forms of letterpress printing – in platen printing one surface presses against another; a cylinder press involves a cylinder pressing against a surface; and in rotary printing two cylinders roll against one another. Letterpress printing, the oldest industrial printing process, is used in sheetfed printing for small print runs and special assignments (punching, stamping, perforating, numbering, etc.) and for newspaper printing, though this is now becoming less common. Letterpress printing, in the form of flexographic printing, has been able to hold its own against offset and gravure printing in the area of package printing.
The term for indirect letterpress printing, in which the ink is transferred from the printing form onto the printing stock via a blanket cylinder without dampening. It is also erroneously referred to as dry offset, which causes confusion with waterless offset printing. Applications of the letterset process include continuous forms and package printing.
Identical letters written together, such as “ff” or “tt”, or letter combinations such as “fl” or “ft” that are treated as a single letter.
See "dot gain".
Refers to the resistance of inks to the spectrum of natural light. According to the German standard DI 54003/4, the “wool scale” defines eight levels from “very low” to “excellent”. Level three – moderately light-fast – indicates that the ink can be exposed to sunlight for 4 to 8 days in summer and 2 to 4 weeks in winter without any noticeable fading. At the highest level of light-fastness, the ink can withstand exposure to summer sun for more than 18 months.
Refers to a printing plate (generally for letterpress printing) which is created by etching on the basis of a line original.
Single or multi-colored original in which each color is present in a single tonal value. Generally speaking, line originals are used for black/white illustrations, such as drawings.
The machine patented by Ottmar Mergenthaler in 1882, which was the first fully functional line composing machine and revolutionized the entire printing industry, in particular newspaper production. Used for the first time by the New York Tribune newspaper in 1886, the Linotype remained basically unchanged in its basic functions – despite numerous improvements – until it was replaced by electronic typesetting procedures. Using a keyboard similar to a typewriter, it assembles the metal matrices of letters and other characters and the interlaying spaces to form lines of print which are automatically cast using a lead alloy. Lines of print created in this way can then be compiled into text columns. One of the Linotype’s major innovations was the fact that the matrices could be reused, the machine automatically sorting and assigning these to their stock positions using a mechanical coding system.
Refers to all printing processes in which the printing areas of the printing plate lie on the same or virtually the same plane as the non-printing parts. This technology takes advantage of the fact that it is possible to create both oleophilic (oil-friendly) and hydrophilic (water-friendly) areas on the printing surface. When the plate is inked, only the oleophilic areas retain the ink. The first lithographic process was stone printing, invented by Aloys Senefelder in 1796. Offset printing is based on this technology.
Invented by Alois Senefelder in 1789, a method for producing printing forms for stone printing. Using special ink or chalk, the printing copy is transferred directly onto a smooth-ground block of carbonate of lime (calcium carbonate – CaCO3). The stone block is moistened before being inked up with oil-based printing ink. The printing areas then take up the oil-based ink, while the unchanged limestone repels it. The word lithographs (“lithos” for short) is also used colloquially for copy for offset printing (screened images, line engravings).
See "grain long, grain short".
Polyvinyl acetate adhesive binding system used for brochures, books and other printing materials, in which the ends of a pile of sheets are fanned out. After clamping, the leaves are fanned out in one direction and coated with glue. This process is then repeated on the other side. The process is named after the bookbinder Emil Lumbeck (1886-1979).
One lumen is the amount of light emitted by a light source with a luminous intensity of one candela (cd) into the spheridian unit of one steradian (sr – quotient of the superficial content of a segment of a spherical surface and the square of the associated radius of the sphere). The lumen unit is now mainly used in a form defined by the American National Standards Institute (called the “ANSI lumen”). To this end, the average of the brightness values measured at nine points on an illuminated surface is taken and the luminous flux determined on the basis of a table published by the Institute.
A proof used to check the result of the entire printing process. It is the most complex control tool in the printing process; its greatest advantage is that it provides a realistic impression of the final product, independent of the preprint process. Machine proofs come closest to the printed result when produced on the paper to be used for the print run.
Paper stock that is given its surface gloss while still inside the paper machine, a process known as calendering. Additional smoothness is sometimes achieved with supercalendering.
Paper stock that is given its surface gloss while still inside the paper machine, a process known as calendering. Additional smoothness is sometimes achieved with supercalendering.
See "illustration printing paper".
The term given by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG to a device used for inserting supplements into newspapers and magazines. The unit can process up to 30,000 copies an hour and can insert up to 80 different products. The Magnapak can insert and sort either in sequence or simultaneously, and has been designed without shafts for simple operation and minimal maintenance.
Inks that react to magnetic fields and thus, with the help of suitable sensors, can be used for machine-based identification of labels and other similar applications.
The historical terms for capital or upper-case letters.
One of the most prominent letterpress printers of the Italian Renaissance. In 1493, Manutius founded a print shop in Venice and subsequently published a series of compact and inexpensive but nevertheless highly scientific works from classical Greek, Latin and Italian authors. Around 1,000 copies of these “Aldines,” as they were known, were produced.
Paper with particularly good dimensional stability.
The free areas on a printed page between the edges of the text and the page edges. According to the position on the page, it is possible to distinguish between head, foot and side margins and the central gutter. When measuring the margin widths, ratios are often used. The gutter has a value of two and the other margin widths in the sequence head-side-foot are assigned values in relation to this.
Template on which the elements (such as headers, footers, page numbers, etc.) to appear on every page of a document are represented.
The Canadian literary scholar and communications theorist, whose work focuses on changes elicited in society by mass media. McLuhan achieved fame with his book “Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man” (1964), in which he argues that modern electronic media will eventually turn human awareness and knowledge into an entity shared by all of society, just as electrotechnology has turned the human nervous system into a global network. McLuhan taught at various universities throughout Canada and the USA. He coined the term “the global village”, which refers to the way the entire global community can be brought together by means of electronic communication.
Inventor of the “Linotype” mechanical composition machine, which supplied complete lines of text cast in lead for letterpress printing. Following an apprenticeship as a watchmaker, Mergenthaler emigrated to the U.S. in 1872 where, following many years of experimentation, he patented the Linotype as the first fully functional line composition machine, which would soon replace slow and laborious hand composition.
Phenomenon by which color samples with different spectra appear to match under a particular type of illuminant, although under other illuminants they show a color mismatch.
Extremely small print that is only legible when highly magnified. It is used as a security element on banknotes and other documents at risk of being forged. The image resolution of color copiers and other similar machines is insufficient to reproduce microprint.
A term for books with covers no higher and wider than 7.6 centimeters (three inches). One of the earliest known printed mini-books of the post-incunabula era is the book of hours produced by Lucantonio Giunta on May 4, 1506 in Venice. The book was titled “Officium Beatae Mariae Virginis secundum consuetudine romane curie.” It measures just 7.2 x 5.1 cm, was printed on parchment and contains illuminated, full-page woodcuts.
The historical term for small or lower-case letters.
A device invented by the American engineer John Mullen to test the bursting strength of paper.
Equation to calculate the optical area coverage or the total reflection factor from the combined values of printed and non-printed areas. The tone values in a densitometer are defined in accordance with this equation.
Paper with a high woodpulp content, sometimes calendered for web-fed printing (letterpress or offset). Its grammage generally ranges from 40 to 57 gsm. The primary raw materials are wastepaper and wood fibers as well as chemical pulp. Newsprint is extremely opaque, but yellows relatively quickly.
Refers to printers that do not exert pressure on the material to be printed. Typical non-impact printers are laser, inkjet and thermal printers.
Term used for typefaces that slope forwards. Such fonts usually serve as a substitute for a non-existent italic version of the typeface in question.
A process using screened offset films as originals for the production of gravure printing forms. The particular advantage of this method is that proofs can be made using offset films rather than employing a high-outlay preparation process on a gravure printing press. This is possible because the tonal value reproduction of the offset originals corresponds with that of the gravure product.
A general term for stock suited for offset printing, including both uncoated wood-free and wood pulp papers as well as uncoated recycled papers that have been calendered or machine-finished.
A lithographic printing process based on the different wetting characteristics of the printing and non-printing areas of the printing form. When printing, the lipophile or “oil-friendly” image areas absorb the oil-like printing ink and the blank hydrophile areas repel it. Offset printing works is an indirect printing procedure in that the printing form transfers the printing image onto a blanket cylinder, which in turn prints the paper or other material. There is a distinction between sheetfed offset and web (or rotary) offset printing. The former prints on paper sheets and the latter on a paper web.
A fold in which the untrimmed sheet is only creased once.
A term for market research, advertising and sales which are directed at individual customers and take account of their individual wishes and preferences. Internet technology, which allows direct interaction with consumers, has made one-to-one marketing possible in markets with large numbers of customers who in the past could only be contacted through mass communication. Online dealers can use software which automatically evaluates the behavior of visitors to their web site, and then respond with targeted individual offers.
A glazed, wood-free, show-through paper with a grammage of 30 to 39 gsm. White or colored stocks with grammages of 25.30 or 40 gsm are erroneously termed onionskin.
The degree of a paper's resistance to light. Paper printed on both sides must have optimum opacity, a property enhanced by a higher wood content as well as fillers such as kaolin, talcum and titanium dioxide.
Measurement that indicates how many pixels were digitized per unit of length and corresponds to the resolution of the image data. For multi-color offset printing with a resolution of 60 dots per centimeter (equivalent to 150 dots per inch), the output frequency should be in the range of 300 dots per inch so that four pixels (two in each direction) are provided for the rendition of the dot. In black and white images, the output frequencies are up to 2400 dots per inch, as all details must be produced. Depending on the necessary scale-ups and scale-downs of the original to be reproduced, the necessary resolutions in the scanner are substantially higher or lower.
A previously printed color area that is still present behind another object or area. See “knock-out”.
Paper used as proofs for checking the completeness, position and content of printing copy. The basis for this was the diazotype process patented in 1917 by the Benedictine father Gustav Kögel.
An indirect gravure process in which a flexible (often semi-spherical) pad of silicon rubber is used as a medium for transferring the ink from the plate to the surface to be printed. This method can be used to print a great diversity of irregularly shaped objects.
The positioning of the finished pages on the imposition sheet as determined using imposition software.
A code or programming language used to specify all elements of the layout of a printed page including fonts, graphic elements and images, in such a way that an interpreter can carry out the necessary printer and control commands in an output device.
The assigning of numbers to the pages in a document; the division of a document into pages
Colors based on a system used worldwide that the Pantone print shop (New Jersey) introduced for the graphic arts industry in 1963. The system is based on 512 reference color tones which are mixed from eight basic colors, black and white and are printed on coated and uncoated paper. Today, there are over 1,100 Pantone colors available on a broad range of papers. Pantone has also published color systems for textiles, plastics, paints, film and video.
A paper product with a grammage that is higher than paper, but lower than cardboard. A distinction is made between single-layer and multilayer board. In the U.S., paperboard is often called “cover paper”.
A durable writing material in roll, sheet or book form made from a giant sedge, Cyperus papyrus. To produce papyrus, the pith of the plant is sliced into strips that are laid out in a row with the edges slightly overlapping. Another row is then laid crosswire on top of the first. Next, the two layers are moistened with water and pounded into a sheet of writing material, smoothed and then dried. Papyrus was used as a writing material by the Egyptians since the beginning of the third century B.C. Beginning in the second century A.D. It was produced in Egypt in large quantities and transported throughout the ancient world. In time papyrus was replaced by parchment, which was in turn was replaced by paper.
Layout instruction and print command that determines text alignment, margin width and spacing.
A folding technique in which the product is creased in the middle in order to halve the respective length in every pocket of the buckle folder. The page is folded in half and then folded in half again in the same direction.
A cut performed by setting the saddle (material stop) parallel to the cutting line.
Organization established in 1970 by the Xerox Corporation that has had a decisive influence on the development of computer technology through the present. Among other achievements, the research institute developed the graphic user interface used on Macintosh and Windows computers, the first commercially available computer mouse, Ethernet network technology, client server architecture, object-oriented programming and the laser printer.
Specially treated animal skin for writing or printing.
The language used to control computer printers. Introduced in the 1980s by computer manufacturers Hewlett-Packard and under constant development ever since, PCL allows application programs to control the functions of different printers in a standardized, efficient manner.
Data format developed by Adobe Systems Inc. and used for exchanging and processing electronically stored, formatted documents with text and images, independent of hardware or software. One of the special features of the format is that texts and graphics are stored in vector form, meaning that the resolution of their representation is dependently solely on the output device (monitor, printer).
A rendering method used to preserve the visual color relationship as it is perceived by the human eye, and in which, thus, the color values themselves may change. The perception-oriented (perceptual) rendering intent reproduces the image taking into consideration paper, dynamic range and color characteristics of the output system, so that that the human eye perceives the image in the destination system (CMYK) true to the original. In color space conversions, one can choose from perceptual, absolute colorimetric and relative colorimetric. With perceptual all colors are shifted and compressed until the colors of the source color space fit into the destination color space.
Usually a sheetfed press that prints on both sides of the paper in a single run.
Refers to a typesetting and printing job performed under a specific title on a regular basis with a similar layout.
Refers to print runs in which the individual copies have distinctive imprints. A minimum requirement for personalized printing is a digital printing process, which allows printing data to vary from copy to copy.
The first fundamentally new typesetting technology since the invention of letterpress printing by Johannes Gutenberg, photocomposition does not use solid forms for depicting the characters. Instead, the set text is created on photographic film. Older machines performed this function by imaging the characters with a flashlight from a negative original or from a very bright screen (cathode ray tube) onto the film. The move to computer setting is marked by the laser setter which, like the laser printer, uses a laser beam to write text, images and other design elements directly onto film or a printing plate.
A kind of plate with a flexible base material, excellently suited for use on rotary printing presses. Photopolymer plates have widely replaced stereotype plates.
A software package for digital image manipulation in DTP applications designed and manufactured by Adobe.
A type size used in the Anglo-Saxon world, corresponding to 12 points.
Refers to the amount of force necessary to separate particles from the surface of the paper as it moves vertically. Picking resistance is a key criterion for offset-printing applications.
A coloring element that is formed when white light strikes an object that reflects part of the spectrum while absorbing other regions and the remitted light has a different spectral distribution than the original light. Pigment colors are non-luminous, and can only be created through absorption or reflection of light.
The smallest unit of a digitally displayed image. The memory required by an image consisting of pixels is determined by the size of the image, its resolution, the number of pixels per unit of area, and the number of colors to be displayed.
A format for storing image data in which, for a given resolution every pixel in the image is represented by the corresponding data. Image processing programs such as Photoshop use the pixel format, the most common being TIFF (Tagged Image File Format). The pixel format is most suitable for real images, but, depending on the quality of the image, it requires large amounts of memory.
A graphic or image represented as a matrix of picture elements or pixels.
A representation of data and factors required for digital platesetters to control the output quality during production and defined using a control wedge. These characteristics must be checked regularly.
Computer software for page layout widely used in the commercial print industry.
A machine manufactured by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG for printing four-color, short job runs in formats of up to 34 x 46 centimeters. The press uses the Direct Imaging principle, where the print form is created and the printing plate is imaged directly in the press. The machine has a maximum printing speed of 10,000 sheets per hour, and can support up to 35 successive print jobs. Compact operation is ensured thanks to the Quickmaster’s satellite construction with central impression cylinder and four inking units, which use conventional waterless offset inks.
Fiber from cotton material.
Paper with a rag content of at least 10 percent primarily used for banknotes and documents.
Standard colors based on a series of color collections for industry published by the Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung, Sankt Augustin. There are over 2,000 RAL colors, and the RAL Design System, a color system which takes in the entire color space, contains 1688 color tones. All RAL colors in the RAL Design System and the RAL 840-HR classical color collection are also defined digitally. They can be used with all standard graphic arts programs and can be used with more than 20 output variants, that is with different screens and printers.
A software program that converts font data for output as raster graphics, that is, into bitmaps. This step must be performed before characters can be displayed on the monitor or printed as a hardcopy. Unlike vector graphics, a raster graphic consists of pixels arranged in a fixed grid.
Raw text is a type of text design in which the lines are not made to be of uniform length by correspondingly enlarging the spaces between words. Deliberately varying line lengths as a creative technique is referred to as ragged setting.
A unit of measurement for sheets of paper. Though formerly defined as a 480 sheets, in the U.S. the term now refers to 500 sheets or, in the case of a so-called printer’s ream, 516 sheets. The German “new” ream refers to 1,000 sheets of paper.
Paper produced from 100 percent used paper. Used paper fibers (also known as secondary fibers) can be used three to five times in this manner. If the recycled paper needs to be pure white, de-inking chemicals have to be used to remove the inks from the used paper, and the fibers also have to undergo a bleaching process.
Process by which print originals in the form of film material are converted back into digital data using scanners and software. The data can be stored in common file formats and then undergo further processing with the appropriate applications, thus allowing a print shop or prepress company to use the scanned films in a digital workflow.
The take-up roll around which the paper web is wound after reaching the end of its journey through the paper machine.
Ratio of the size of the reproduction to the original size of the object.
In an optical context, a measure of the ability of input and output devices or of photographic films to visualize two adjacent dots independent of one another. The resolution depends on the physical properties of the visualizing or recording device or material and is usually limited by the wavelength of the light source. Resolution is usually given in dots per inch (dpi) or in lines per millimeter.
Labels used to identify objects that work with radio signals for data transmission in the production, transportation and storage sectors. Instead of barcodes and optical scanning devices, RFID systems use transponders as markers on the objects to be monitored. These units receive radio signals from the relevant interrogation devices and transmit their information back. Some of the key advantages of this technology include the fact that larger volumes of data can be stored in the transponders, the link between the transponder and the interrogation device is reliable without a direct line of sight, the data is interrogated more quickly and the data can be changed.
The standard additive color model for the primary colors red, green and blue, is used for self-illuminating output devices such as monitors, but also for electronic recording equipment such as scanners and video cameras.
A processor that prepares data from the prepress stage for the production of printing plates. Its most important function is to create screens for printing images and other graphic elements. As a rule, an RIP is a separate computer, but it can also come in the form of software.
The term used for fonts whose letters have small end-strokes (serifs) at the ends. The basic form of Roman face stems directly from the antique Capitalis style of the Romans. The upper-case letters are borrowed from the Roman script, while the lower-case letters come from the Caroline minuscule. Varying weights are another common feature of Roman faces. They are especially easy to read in running texts, and include Times, Bodoni and Garamond.
A data format for texts that contains information on font, font size and formatting. The Rich Text Format was specified by Microsoft as a software-independent format for formatted texts.
The phenomenon by which pressure on stacked sheets causes ink on one surface to be smeared on to the next. This “carbon-copy effect” can occur due to the pressure of the clamp in trimming machines.
The blanket wrapped around the cylinder that is essential to the offset printing process. It transfers the printed image from the forme onto the paper. The term “offset” is derived from the process by which color is displaced onto the rubber blanket. Printing over a blanket provides an even print surface which makes it possible to work with coarse and granular papers.
Considered the inventor of the offset printing process. The owner of a small print shop in New Jersey, in 1903 Rubel accidentally discovered that he could obtain better results with indirect printing using a blanket cylinder than with direct printing. He covered the impression cylinder of a printing press with a rubber blanket and paper sheets were then fed incorrectly several times during a printing run. The impression from the printing forme ended up on the rubber blanket and from there was passed on to the back of the sheet. Rubel discovered that these misprints were of a better quality than the regular prints, and consequently went on to develop the first offset printing press.
The direction through which paper is passed through the paper machine, generally the same as the grain direction. The running direction is often indicated by an arrow on sheet packages. See also “grain direction”.
One of a number of typefaces without serifs.
The principle by which offset printing works. Several complete units, including plate cylinder, blanket, inking unit and damping unit, are arranged around a central impression cylinder. In this way, all the colors are printed in a single, wet-on-wet process.
A device for capturing image data which works by optically reading or “scanning” the original. Light-sensitive sensors convert information regarding image brightness and colors into electrical values. The two major types of scanners are the drum and the flatbed. See also “drum scanner” and “flatbed scanner”.
In image reproduction terminology, an area made up of small geometric forms of either regular or random arrangement, for example round, square or other shaped dots and lines. The screen is used to convert contone images into a black/white or full-color representation suitable for printing. This is done by varying either the size or the frequency of the elements to reflect the brightness of the image.
With regular screens the angle of the screen from the vertical. When single colors are used, the screen is generally positioned diagonally (45 or 135 degrees). In multicolor printing, different screen angles should be used for different colors in order to prevent overlay effects (moiré). DIN 16547 prescribes angles of 0, 15, 75 and 45 degrees for the colors yellow, magenta, cyan and black.
An element of an image based on a complex mathematical structure, according to which an area is defined and a gray value is determined. The more exact the rendering of black is, the more accurate the gray values must be in the use of inks, toners or other chemicals.
The manner in which the individual dots are arranged within a defined area of a screen. There are two screening techniques, amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM).
A part or fragment of an image as seen on a computer monitor. The smallest screen element is the dot, and several dots make up a pixel.
Model generated by geometric modeling or computer simulation techniques and used for an optical comparison of different screening systems. The process enables manufacturers of CtP imagesetters to develop new optimized screening systems.
Proof used for layout and color information control, and to check the screen structures of a print. Screen proofs are intended to eliminate moiré, rosette and other undesired effects. As the printing data contain no screen information before screening of the images in the RIP (raster image processor), screening must be performed before a screen proof is printed.
The number of pixels displayed on a screen; at present, high-resolution screens are capable of displaying 1024 x 768 pixels and more.
The number of dots per unit length that a screen contains. Common specifications are l/cm (lines per cm) and lpi (lines per inch). “60 screen” means 60 l/cm and corresponds to approximately 150 lpi.
Pulp consisting of raw materials reclaimed from wastepaper. The term can refer to chemical pulp, wood pulp or a mixture of the two.
A print element on banknotes used to protect against counterfeiting. Parts of a character or symbol are printed on both sides of the note and only appear as a complete character when the note is held up to light.
The personalized production of bound print products from a selection of components. Selective binding can be used to produce different versions of catalogs tailored to specific customer groups or when various advertising motifs are required for different issues of a magazine.
Paper stock with a mechanical wood pulp content of more than five percent. The term is usually reserved for uncoated papers, as coated stock is usually referred to as “slightly mechanical”.
The inventor of lithography and stone printing. In 1796, Senefelder discovered that by using a greasy substance to write on polished Solnhofen limestone and then lightly etching it with an acidic gum Arabic solution, ink would only adhere to the areas which had been written on. In 1818, Senefelder published his “Vollständiges Lehrbuch der Steindruckerei” (The Complete Textbook of Stone Printing), in which he outlined how the discovery came about.
The decomposition of the color data of an image into separate colors (in accordance with the CMYK color model) for the individual passes of the four-color printing procedure; also denotes means the conversion of RGB colors in to CMYK colors.
One of the formulas or procedures performed for color space transformation.
A small stroke at the end of the lines of a letter. This design feature is typical of so-called Roman faces. Serifs cater to the perception mechanism of the human eye and thus make type faces easier to read.
Silk screen printing.
A text layout in which the length of the lines varies according to the placement of optional images or graphic elements.
A standardized language (ISO 8879) used to depict structured texts. SGML is very versatile, but is difficult to use due to its size. Of greater significance is XML, a reduced version of SGML designed specifically for exchanging structured data in the Internet.
An international technical association for professionals in the graphic arts industry founded in 1948. Its some 900 members include scientists and engineers from publishing houses, print shops and other graphic arts businesses and suppliers.
A kind of adhesive labels that make any attempts to open or manipulate the product visible. Special tamper-evident labels are used, for example, to protect the integrity of packaging.
A color rendered from the mixing of three primary colors. Examples include brown, olive and ochre.
Pronounced “tech”; a typesetting program developed by the American computer scientist Donald E. Knuth in the late 1970s specifically for scientific texts. Unlike today's standard layout software, such as Quark Xpress or InDesign, TeX is not based on a graphic user interface, but processes texts containing formatting instructions. The software is available for numerous computer types and uses its own fonts that are developed using the Metafont program.
Inks with special structures that create their color impression in part or whole by their physical structure and not by their dyes or pigments. Such inks can contain elements that selectively reflect light of a certain wavelength with the aid of interference effects. Textured inks create shimmering color effects that can vary, depending on the viewing angle. This kind of color generation has its model in nature, where it is found in insects and some species of birds. It cannot be reproduced by conventional means, which is why textured inks are often used for documents where forgery protection is desired.
Inks that change color or disappear completely as the temperature changes, including as a result of brief exposure to body heat. Such inks are used to protect documents against forgery, and as temperature indicators for drinks and medicines, as well as for the monitoring of heating and cooling units. Another application is the indication of potential damage to heat-sensitive products, since certain thermochromic printing inks change color permanently at certain temperatures.
The characteristic of certain viscous substances to become less viscous through mechanical action (stirring). Thixotropic materials are used in offset printing inks to enhance the quality of multi-color printing. The lower viscosity inks in the inking unit solidify to a certain degree on the printing stock before drying, and additional printing processes are thus optimized.
A cutting machine equipped with three blades for cutting products on three different sides. Such machines typically operate in two stages. First top and bottom edges are trimmed, and the third blade then trims the front edge.
Test used to determine the grain direction of paper.
A file format used for images and defined by a computer industry committee in 1986. It is a so-called screen format that contains information on the brightness and hue of every pixel. The TIFF format supports various color systems, from black-and-white to full-color RGB images. TIFF files can be compressed by a variety of methods.
The term used for various paper grades with a grammage of up to 30 gsm.
The sudden increase in dot gain that results from color bridges that form between dots. In a tonal gradation from white to black, there is always a specific gray value at which two adjacent dots come into slight contact and join, a phenomenon called touching. The result is that a smooth tonal gradation is destroyed by a visible, harsh transition or “jump”.
Contrast ratio in continuous-tone pictures from the lightest to the darkest tonal values.
The percent increase in the apparent darkness of an image in the mid-tone range during the production run. Example: with 15 percent dot gain, a 55 percent halftone will increase to 70 percent. This increase is compensated for in reproduction by making the image lighter in the color separations. See also “dot gain”.
A term used in photography and printing for the share of an area that is covered or the effective optical area coverage.
Value indicating the maximum amount of printing ink needed for the production of colors in four-color and offset printing. Normally the higher the total ink limit, the darker the color to be reproduced.
The extension of the character spacing of a font by adjusting the distance between letters.
The creation of an overlapping area where two colors adjoin in order to make up for imprecisions in the printing process. See also "knockout".
The edge of the page of a printed product that actually extends beyond the planned dimensions of the final product. This trim enables all the pages of a book or magazine to be cut to the same size in the final processing stages.
The process by which the pages of a book, brochure or magazine are smoothed or evened out. The three unbound sides of a publication are usually trimmed, though in the adhesive binding process, all four sides are trimmed. Trimming also separates the individual pages, so that the book or brochure can be opened.
Terminology used to define technologies for displaying fonts on monitors and other output devices. Developed by Adobe, Type 1 defines character shapes mathematically irrespective of size as curves using cubic Bezier polynomials. A program known as a rasterizer generates the characters as screen images in the required size and suitable for the resolution of the output device. The system also forms part of the Postscript system for defining the graphical form of documents and is therefore prevalent in the prepress industry. TrueType is a similar process that is used for Macintosh computers and the Windows operating system. This technology uses simpler quadratic B-splines for defining the characters. There have been attempts to converge Type 1 and TrueType, and as a result Version 3 of the Postscript system now also supports TrueType technology.
The vertical dimensions of a letter, measured in point or millimeter.
The process by which characters are assembled into formatted text for the purpose of producing print originals. Before typesetting machines were invented, text was set by hand using individual letters of type. The first major revolution in the typesetting world came in 1882 when Ottmar Mergenthaler patented the Linotype line composing machine. In the second half of the 20th Century, typesetting moved increasingly towards photocomposition. Today, typesetting and page make-up are largely computerized in the form of “desktop publishing.”
A measurement system originally developed by the Parisian typecaster Pierre Simon Fournier in 1737. The basic unit is the typographical point (abbreviated p), where 1 meter = 2660 points or 1 point = 0.3759 millimeters. Other units are the nonpareil (6 points), brevier (8 points), cicero (c) (12 points) and canon (48 points). These designations stem from type sizes which originally had their own names. The restructuring of the measurement system in Germany in 1977 brought an end to this system, though it continues to be used in a modified form. The units have been rounded to 5/100 millimeters.
The study of the design and use of type, the objective of which is to make text as legible and visually attractive as possible, by choosing appropriate typefaces, font sizes and attributes, but also by means of page layout. The rules of typography for paper are so well developed that further improvements scarcely seem likely, though this is not yet the case for other media such as computer monitors and electronic displays.
Paper with no additional protective layer.
A method of darkening areas of a printed image by adding colored inks, used when making color separations from RGB to CMYK data. The process works as follows: cyan, magenta and yellow portions are added in shadows and black is accordingly removed. Not all achromatic portions, however, are replaced with black, rather a portion of black is generated according to the principle of chromatic composition from the primary colors cyan, magenta and yellow. The aim is to enhance neutral image depths (gray tones) where the density of black is insufficient.
A technique for reducing the amount of magenta, cyan, and yellow in dark and neutral areas and replacing the amounts of CMY with black. The technique works in the following way: colored ink is used up to a certain value, after which black is added in order to improve the dark areas of an image, so that total ink coverage (TIC) is not exceeded. Cyan, magenta and yellow are removed as far as they are identical and replaced with the equivalent amount of black. The depth of colors is thus improved and the total amount of printing ink reduced.
A standard method of coding characters for electronic processing using 16-digit binary (16-bit) numbers. Unlike ASCII and other codes, which work with eight-bit numbers, Unicode is capable of representing 65,536 different characters. This covers all characters and commonly used scripts in the world.
Coating systems based on unsaturated polyesters or polyacrylates, or a combination of the two, in which ultra-violet light triggers the drying process. This high-energy light breaks chemical bonds in the coating material’s molecules, which then link up to form long, highly-branched chains, causing the material to solidify. The drying process takes only seconds, which means that UV coatings can be worked quickly. These coatings contain no volatile substances, making the layer thickness of the liquid and dry coating similar. UV coatings can be applied inline in very high layer thicknesses (up to 8 µm), have excellent gloss and can be barely distinguished from laminated products (film-lamination), though they do emit a odor.
Printing inks cured with ultraviolet light. These inks contain no volatile substances, but instead, in addition to color pigments, individual molecules and short molecular chains that can link to form polymers and so-called photo-initiators. The latter decompose when exposed to UV light and form highly reactive fragments. These radicals trigger a polymerization process in which stable, three-dimensional network structures are formed. UV inks are primarily used to print non-absorbent materials, such as metal (sheet metal) and plastic, but also high-quality paper boards and labels.
A clear coating that can be processed like an ink in offset and other presses. It has a similar composition to ink, but lacks color pigment.
A graphic consisting of lines and curves (called vectors), the direction and length of which describe an image. Vectors depict an image on the basis of its geometric properties.
Incorrectly printed pages and other paper generated in print shops such as damaged paper, trial runs when setting up presses, packaging materials and various other print products and book returns.
Paper and paperboard disposed of as industrial, commercial and household waste, and sent back to the papermaking company for recycling.
Coatings manufactured on the basis of water that dry relatively quickly, are odor-free and do not yellow. Water-based coatings are mainly applied using coating units, though in some cases they are also applied using a press inking unit. The layer thickness of the coating can reach 3 µm. Water-based coatings are not as glossy as UV coatings.
Designs on sheets of paper created by varying paper thickness. A real watermark occurs when the dandy roll displaces (light watermark) or concentrates (shaded watermark) the pulp mass in the wire section of the paper machine. Facsimile, or impressed, watermarks are made in the paper web after it has left the wire section. Imitation watermarks are added off machine by means of a transparent varnish or embossing process.
Multi-color print process, in which the first color is allowed to dry before the next is printed; used for color printing on a single color press.
Multi-color printing-press, in which subsequent colors are printed before the previous have dried.
The brightest neutral area of an image, according to which all other areas are adjusted.
The intensity of white of a paper stock.
A somewhat misleading term for paper free of mechanical pulp with a woody fiber content of five percent (by weight) or less.
The oldest method of producing printing forms. The base material is a block of hard wood. Various cutting tools are used to cut out the parts of a pre-sketched image which are to appear clear or uninked. The parts which remain produce the image. The earliest known woodcuts for reproduction on paper date from the sixth century AD in China. The Buxheim Christopherus of 1423 is the oldest dated woodcut in Europe. It is believed that playing cards were printed using woodcuts in the 14th century in Europe.
A procedure, similar to work and turn, by which a printing plate can be printed on both sides. While after turning, the side guide remains at the same paper edge, the front guides are exchanged, so that the second long side of the sheet is fed in to the front of the press, thus allowing for two lay angles. See "work and turn".
The procedure by which a printing plate can be printed on both sides. After one side is printed, the plate is turned and the side guide (pull lay) exchanged, while the front guides remain where they are. See "work and tumble".
A computer-aided process for organizing work sequences by systematically moving documents from one stage of the operation to the next; requires transport of data and files within a network.
Control of work processes in computer networks and those of other functional devices; all activities necessary to run and manage computer and network-based production units within a graphic arts production environment.
White or color paper stocks that can either be wood based or wood-free, and that may contain wastepaper and include a surface-sizing treatment.
Abbreviation for "What you see is what you get", a word processing functionality necessary for working with desktop-publishing systems that allows the user to produce text as it will be printed or displayed.
A printing method invented in 1937 by the American patent lawyer Chester F. Carlson that functions in the following manner: a drum coated with a photo semiconductor is charged up and then partially discharged by a motif projected onto it. Dark areas retain their charge and toner applied to these areas remains in place. The image created in this way is then transferred to paper and fixed with heat. Originally designed for copiers, the technology is now also used for laser printers and digital printing systems.
A symbol language used to describe the structure of documents. XML is superficially similar to HTML, the primary difference being that the symbols (“tags”) used in XML can be selected with a larger degree of freedom, while they are fixed in HTML. This feature allows special forms of XML to be generated for virtually any type of application. XML is essentially a slimmed-down form of the SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) document description language defined in ISO 8879 and was created for transmitting richly structured documents via the World Wide Web. The International World Wide Web Consortium is responsible for the standardization of XML.