Glossary
Definitions of technical terms used in industrial labelling, printing and traceability.
A
Adhesive designed to let the label be removed cleanly without residue.
Special adhesive used for electronic applications or contact-based identification.
Adhesive that cannot be removed once applied without damaging the label or substrate.
Adhesive that allows repositioning without weakening the label.
Treatment or pigment that absorbs ultraviolet radiation to protect ink or substrate.
B
Plastic film used as a label substrate for resistance to moisture, tearing and solvents.
Release layer (paper or film) protecting the adhesive side of the label before application.
Set of units produced or printed at the same time, often identified by a batch code on the label.
C
Color model using cyan, magenta, yellow and black for full-color photorealistic label printing.
Additional zone (usually 2-3 mm) around printable artwork to ensure full coverage after die-cutting.
Linear graphic code for optical data reading (EAN-13, Code 128, GS1).
Two-dimensional matrix codes storing large amounts of information (serial number, URL, batch, date).
Printing process that transfers metallic foil to a label under pressure for bright gold/silver effects.
Assembly of two layers (films, papers) to create a composite substrate (e.g., paper + film).
D
Mechanical separation of individual labels from a matrix on a continuous web.
Label with water-activated adhesive (moistenable), used for manual application.
Ink dot enlargement during printing, which can reduce precision on fine elements.
Cutting labels into specific shapes (round, oval, custom) using a die.
Printing equipment that unwinds the substrate roll before printing or application.
E
Removal of waste material around labels to keep only the final label shape.
Inks cured under ultraviolet light, offering excellent resistance in harsh conditions.
Organic solvent-based inks suitable for challenging substrates (plastic, PVC, PE).
More environmentally friendly inks, often used on paper substrates.
Label that remains stable after autoclave thermal processing, used in medical and lab environments.
Label integrating circuits, sensors or connected chips to collect data (temperature, geolocation).
F
Rigid or flexible plastic film used for exposed durable labels.
Resistant film used for labels in extreme applications (chemical, electronics industries).
Robust substrate, often used in demanding environments.
Flexible film, often used on curved surfaces such as pipes and flexible bottles.
Inks visible under UV or infrared light, used for security effects or controls.
I
Electronic chip integrated into an RFID or smart label for information storage.
Thin, flexible chip that can be integrated beneath the printable label layer.
Layout of labels on the substrate (columns, margins, repetition) to optimize production.
Contactless process used for continuous personalization or small production runs.
Printing method using flexible relief plates, often used for high-volume roll labels.
Rotary printing technique using engraved cylinders, suitable for very large color runs.
High-precision contactless printing method requiring no liquid ink or ribbon.
Printing by thermal transfer (ribbon + thermal print head).
Component added to adhesive to prevent labels from sticking together in the roll.
L
Application of a plastic film (matte, gloss, satin) onto the label for added protection.
Laser engraving/marking on the label or product for high precision and permanence.
Printing process using latex inks, offering resistance and odor-free printing.
M
Films or papers coated with a thin metallic layer (aluminum, silver) for decorative or security effects.
Very small QR code that can be engraved/printed on a label for detailed traceability.
Small perforation or micro-hole pattern to ease tearing or allow substrate breathing (useful in textile labels).
Very small line of dots or data printed on the edge of a label for automatic alignment.
N
Technology close to RFID that enables short-range reading between label and smartphone.
Textile or felt-like material used for textile labels or flexible surfaces.
P
Standardized color matching system used to ensure color consistency on labels.
Paper with (or without) treatment layer; coated paper generally provides better visual print quality.
Application of a protective film (matte, gloss) on the label after printing.
Flexible plate used to create raised printing areas in flexographic printing.
Printed marks used to align labels precisely during rewinding/cutting.
Plastic material (PP) widely used as a flexible label substrate, resistant to moisture and solvents.
Plastic substrate materials adapted to different industrial uses.
R
System for continuous recording and control of a product's path from manufacturing to point of sale.
Mechanism or rewinding process used to maintain label roll tension during printing.
Thermal transfer ribbon types classified by robustness and adhesion.
Highly resistant ink against chemicals, abrasion and heat, mainly used in premium thermal transfer.
S
Measure of a material's reactivity (substrate or adhesive) under stress or temperature variation.
Liquid used to dissolve certain inks or adhesives, which may attack unsuitable substrates.
Adhesive-carrying substrate on which the label is applied.
Non-flexible substrate (cardboard, rigid PVC) used for hard-product labels.
Flexible substrate (plastic film, paper) used on curved or irregular surfaces.
Visible or invisible elements (UV, microtext, holograms) integrated into labels for anti-counterfeit protection.
Stencil printing method for specific substrates, sometimes used for large-format or specialty labels.
T
Relief or embossing applied to labels for visual effect or tactile recognition.
Label technology that tears or reveals evidence of opening, ensuring product integrity.
Alternative term for direct thermal printing.
Ink visible only under UV light, used for control and security.
Real-time tracking of labels or products via connected systems (RFID, IoT).
V
Varnish cured by ultraviolet light, protective and resistant.
Reinforced varnish formulated to withstand mechanical abrasion.
Varnish applied only to selected label areas (logo, motif) for protection or visual effect.
