Glossary of Terms.
Speak the Language of Print.
From anilox to viscosity, understand the key terminology used in flexo, gravure, UV and water-based printing. This glossary is designed to help you communicate clearly with your team and suppliers.
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A
Anilox Roller Equipment
A precision-engraved cylinder used in flexo printing to transfer a controlled volume of ink from the ink pan to the printing plate. Engraved with thousands of tiny cells that hold and release ink.
See also: BCM, LPIASTM Testing
American Society for Testing and Materials โ an international standards organization that develops technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services used in printing and packaging.
See also: Dyne Pen, Sutherland Rub TestAdditive Ink Chemistry
Substance added to ink to modify its properties โ waxes for rub resistance, slip agents for anti-blocking, defoamers to reduce foaming, and dispersants for pigment stability.
Adhesion Testing
The ability of ink to bond to a substrate. Measured using cross-cut tape test (ASTM D3359) or peel test. Poor adhesion leads to delamination, peeling, and rub-off.
See also: Cross-Cut Test, Surface EnergyB
BCM Equipment
Billion Cubic Microns โ a unit of measurement for anilox roller cell volume. Higher BCM = more ink transferred. Typical ranges: 1.8-12.0 BCM depending on application.
See also: Anilox Roller, LPIBlocking Defect
A defect where printed surfaces stick together during storage or rewind, causing ink transfer or damage. Caused by under-cured ink, high film thickness, or insufficient slip additives.
See also: Anti-Blocking, Slip AgentBinder / Resin Ink Chemistry
The film-forming component of ink that holds pigments together and bonds them to the substrate. Common resins include acrylic, polyurethane, polyester, and epoxy.
C
Corona Treatment Process
A surface treatment method that uses high-frequency electrical discharge to increase the surface energy of films (PE, PP), improving ink adhesion. Effective treatment decays over time.
See also: Surface Energy, Flame TreatmentCross-Cut Test Testing
ASTM D3359 โ a test method for measuring adhesion by cutting a grid pattern into the ink film, applying tape, and peeling. Rated 0B (poor) to 5B (excellent).
See also: AdhesionCrosslinking Ink Chemistry
A chemical reaction that creates bonds between polymer chains, increasing film hardness, chemical resistance, and durability. Common in UV inks and heat-set systems.
CI Flexo Press Process
Central Impression flexo press โ a press configuration where all printing stations print around a central impression cylinder, providing excellent registration and consistent tension.
D
Delamination Defect
Separation of layers in a printed structure โ ink from substrate, or adhesive from lamination. Often caused by poor adhesion, heat, or chemical incompatibility.
Doctor Blade Equipment
A metal or plastic blade that scrapes excess ink from the anilox roller surface, leaving ink only in the cells. Critical for consistent ink transfer and print quality.
Dot Gain Defect
An increase in dot size during printing compared to the plate dot โ causes images to appear darker and lose detail. Controlled by ink viscosity, anilox volume, and impression pressure.
Dyne Pen Testing
A handheld pen filled with test fluid of known surface tension used to measure substrate surface energy. If the fluid forms a continuous film, the surface energy is at or above the pen's value.
See also: Surface EnergyE
EB Curing Process
Electron Beam curing โ uses high-energy electrons to polymerize and crosslink ink films instantly. Used in high-speed, high-durability applications.
See also: UV CuringExtender Ink Chemistry
An inert material (e.g., clay, calcium carbonate) added to ink to reduce cost, adjust viscosity, or modify gloss. Also used to increase ink volume without affecting color strength significantly.
F
Flexography Process
A printing process using flexible relief plates (rubber or photopolymer) and low-viscosity inks. Commonly used for packaging, labels, and corrugated board. Key advantages: high speed, wide substrate range, low cost.
Film (Printing) Substrate
A thin, flexible plastic sheet used as a printing substrate. Common films: PE, PP, PET, PVC, PLA. Requires surface treatment for ink adhesion due to low surface energy.
See also: PE, PP, PETFlame Treatment Process
A surface treatment method using a flame to oxidize and increase the surface energy of films, particularly PP and thicker substrates. Effective for improving ink adhesion.
G
Gravure Process
A printing process using engraved cylinders with cells that hold ink. Commonly used for high-volume packaging, flexible packaging, and decorative printing. Known for high quality and consistent color.
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) Ink Chemistry
The temperature at which an amorphous polymer changes from a glassy, hard state to a soft, rubbery state. Inks with high Tg are harder and more heat-resistant.
See also: Heat ResistanceH
Heat Resistance Defect
The ability of a printed ink film to withstand high temperatures without cracking, discoloration, or delamination. Critical for retort, hot-fill, and high-temperature storage applications.
See also: Retort, TgHybrid Ink Ink Chemistry
An ink system that combines water-based and UV-curable technologies, offering the low VOC of water-based inks with the fast cure and durability of UV systems.
I
Impression Cylinder Equipment
The cylinder that supports the substrate during printing, providing a backing surface for the printing plate to transfer ink onto the substrate.
Ink Fade Defect
Loss of ink color intensity over time due to UV exposure, heat, or chemical reaction. Also known as color fading or discoloration.
L
LPI Equipment
Lines Per Inch โ a measure of anilox roller cell density. Higher LPI = finer cells, sharper print but lower ink volume. Lower LPI = coarser cells, higher ink volume for solid coverage.
See also: Anilox Roller, BCMLDPE / LLDPE Substrate
Low-Density Polyethylene / Linear Low-Density Polyethylene โ flexible films used in packaging. Low surface energy (30-32 dynes untreated); requires corona treatment or special inks for printing.
Low Migration Ink Ink Chemistry
An ink formulated to minimize the migration of chemical components through packaging into food products. Meets FDA and EU food contact regulations.
M
Metamerism Defect
A phenomenon where two colors match under one light source but appear different under another. Caused by different spectral reflectance curves. Managed through careful pigment selection.
MEK Double Rub Test Testing
ASTM D4752 โ a solvent resistance test where a cloth soaked in MEK is rubbed across the ink film until failure. Higher rubs = better crosslinking and chemical resistance.
Misting Defect
Ink aerosol or droplets that become airborne during high-speed printing, settling on the print or press and causing hickeys or contamination. Reduced by low-viscosity, anti-misting inks.
N
Non-Woven Substrate
A fabric-like material made from bonded fibers (not woven). Used in medical packaging, hygiene products, and industrial applications. Porous structure requires special ink formulations.
Nitrocellulose Ink Chemistry
A resin derived from cellulose used in solvent-based inks. Provides excellent gloss, adhesion, and toughness. Common in gravure and flexible packaging inks.
O
Overprint Varnish (OPV) Ink Chemistry
A transparent coating applied over printed ink to protect against scuffing, scratching, and chemical attack. Available in gloss, matte, and satin finishes.
See also: Scratch ResistanceOffsetting Defect
A defect where wet ink transfers from the printed surface to the back of another sheet or adjacent surface. Caused by under-dried ink, excessive film thickness, or poor absorption.
P
Paper Substrate
A natural substrate made from cellulose fibers. Available in coated, uncoated, kraft, and specialty grades. High surface energy (45-60 dynes) โ generally good ink adhesion and absorption.
PET Substrate
Polyethylene Terephthalate โ a durable, clear or white film with good chemical resistance and surface energy (40-44 dynes). Used for high-quality packaging, labels, and retort applications.
PP Substrate
Polypropylene โ a low-energy film (29-31 dynes untreated) used in packaging and labels. Requires corona treatment or special ink formulations for adhesion. Available as cast (CPP) and oriented (BOPP).
PE Substrate
Polyethylene โ one of the most common film substrates (LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE). Low surface energy (30-32 dynes untreated); requires treatment or low-energy ink systems for adhesion.
R
Retort Process
A high-temperature sterilization process used for food packaging, typically 121ยฐC / 60 min. Requires heat-resistant inks, adhesives, and substrates that can survive the process without degrading.
See also: Heat ResistanceRub Resistance Testing
The ability of a printed ink film to resist abrasion. Measured using Sutherland rub tester (ASTM D5264) or similar equipment. Critical for packaging and labels subject to handling and transport.
S
Slip Agent Ink Chemistry
An additive that reduces the coefficient of friction of the ink film, preventing blocking and improving slip on rewind and conversion equipment. Waxes (PE, PTFE) are common slip agents.
Surface Energy Testing
A measure of a solid surface's ability to attract liquids. Higher surface energy = better wetting and adhesion. Measured in dynes/cm using dyne pens or test inks.
See also: Dyne Pen, Corona TreatmentSutherland Rub Test Testing
ASTM D5264 โ a test method for measuring ink rub resistance using a weighted block that rubs across the printed surface with a reciprocating motion for a specified number of cycles.
Solvent-Based Ink Ink Chemistry
An ink system where organic solvents dissolve the resin and carry the pigment. Used in gravure and flexo printing. High VOC content but excellent adhesion and drying speed on non-porous substrates.
T
Tyvekยฎ Substrate
A non-woven, high-density polyethylene material with unique tear resistance and breathability. Used in medical packaging, labels, and protective packaging. Requires specialized ink formulations.
Thixotropy Ink Chemistry
An ink property where viscosity decreases under shear (stirring or printing) and increases when at rest. Important for high-speed printing to ensure good flow and leveling.
U
UV Curing Process
A curing process where ultraviolet light triggers a photochemical reaction that instantly polymerizes and crosslinks the ink film. Used in flexo, offset, and inkjet printing.
See also: EB Curing, PhotoinitiatorUV Ink Ink Chemistry
An ink that cures (polymerizes) when exposed to UV light. Contains monomers, oligomers, photoinitiators, and pigments. Low VOC content and excellent durability.
UV LED Curing Ink Chemistry
A UV curing system using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of traditional mercury lamps. Lower heat generation, longer life, and more energy efficient. Requires specially formulated UV inks.
V
Viscosity Ink Chemistry
A measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. Ink viscosity affects transfer, leveling, and drying. Measured with Zahn cup, Ford cup, or viscometer. Temperature-sensitive.
VOC Ink Chemistry
Volatile Organic Compounds โ organic solvents in ink that evaporate during drying. Water-based and UV inks have lower VOC than solvent-based inks, meeting environmental regulations.
W
Water-Based Ink Ink Chemistry
An ink system where water is the main solvent. Low VOC, good environmental profile. Used in flexo and gravure printing on paper, board, and treated films. Requires careful drying control.
Wax (Ink Additive) Ink Chemistry
An additive (PE, PTFE, carnauba) that migrates to the surface of the ink film during drying, providing rub resistance, slip, and anti-blocking properties.
Z
Zahn Cup Equipment
A simple viscosity measurement tool โ a metal cup with a hole at the bottom. Time for the liquid to drain is used to calculate viscosity. Common in flexo and gravure printing shops.
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