Printing Terminology

Based on the client’s concept, the design of the material to be printed is created using graphic design software.

Parts of the design that extend beyond the final cut size will be trimmed off (typically 2–3 mm).
When designing forms with bleeding elements, it is important to account for this extra area and make the graphics slightly larger than the final size.

Indicate where the product should be cut and show the actual size of the finished graphics.
They are placed outside the printed area and should not touch the design itself.

The finished design is sent to the client for review and approval before printing. The printing process only begins after the client has reviewed and given their consent to the proof.

A file format that preserves an application’s unique fonts, formatting, colors, and graphics. With the appropriate program, it is possible to view and print the content exactly as it was designed and created by the creator of the document. Any edited material can be formatted in PDF format. No part of the PDF document can be changed.

Through its application, materials can be viewed and printed in their original size and quality.

Color images can be printed using the four primary colors. Color graphics/images can be divided into four colors and the inks can be printed in the correct order, layered step by step, to achieve the desired color.

The base colors are the following: C-Cyan, M-Magenta, Y-Yellow, and K-Key (Black).

A standard color system whose code numbers are interpreted uniformly throughout the world. They specify the desired color by themselves. They are determined on the basis of a color sample or Pantone number. In digital printing, spot colors are also separated into 4 colors, so 100 percent color matching is not guaranteed.

The primary colors of additive color formation. Computer screens use these colors. CMYK colors are suitable for print processing. The color of the material may change after conversion, so it is recommended to check it.

White color is produced by mixing equal amounts of R-red, G-green, and B-blue.

A widely used printing technique, the essence of which is that the printing plate does not come into direct contact with the surface to be printed, but the ink is applied to the print from a rubber roller. It is also called an indirect printing process.

Compared to traditional methods, digital printing technology is much simpler, as there is no need to insert a plate, only to issue a simple print command to start printing.

Essentially, the computer sends data to the printer. Then, in simple terms, laser printing happens. As the paper passes through the machine, ink is applied from rollers according to the print, and then a heater fixes it to the surface.

Digital processes can be printed in CMYK colors from a file that meets the specified printing parameters.

Pantone color printing is not possible with digital technology.

A roll-to-roll printing process used mainly in the field of packaging technology, in which printing is done from a flexible printing plate attached to a cylinder. The end result is a roll-to-roll print.

It increases the abrasion resistance of the printed surface, prevents the paint from peeling, and makes the paper surface stronger. It is available in glossy or matte versions.

Only glossy varnish is used and only specific parts (letters, images, shapes, logos) are coated with it.

A popular method for highlighting texts and graphics.

The screen print varnish dries in a fraction of a second under the influence of UV light. After drying, we get a hard, shiny, abrasion-resistant, embossed surface.

A printing process that aims to create relief-like letters, drawings, and emblems on the surface of paper.

We “burn” metallic foils of different colors (gold, silver, bronze, hologram, etc.) onto the paper, thereby making the surface even more elegant.

A series of lines that can be read using laser technology. Encoded, alphanumeric information carried by the line thickness or line spacing. The barcode displays the EAN code of the product.

Thicker papers and cardboard can only be folded neatly, without breaking, if the material is pressed with a blunt “knife” before folding.

The cutting of a self-adhesive label in which the incision only cuts through the self-adhesive material and does not reach the substrate layer. Its purpose is to allow the individual elements to be easily removed from the backing paper.

Prints can be cut to the desired shape using a custom die.

When the cutting tool is placed in the press, it cuts out the necessary parts like a housewife cuts out a scone. When using self-adhesive roll material, the cutting does not affect the substrate, only the paper. After the perforation, the product remaining on the substrate and the unwanted parts (waste, gaps, matrix) are rolled up separately.