VCT 2080 – Digital Print (QUIZ 2)

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering digital, offset, flexographic, gravure, and screen printing concepts from the VCT 2080 Digital Print course.

OpenType 1

A high-quality PostScript font launched in 1984 made up of two font files (vector-based and pixel-based); it was retired in January 2023 and now triggers a 'missing font' error.

TrueType Fonts

A digital font format developed by Apple in 1991 that consists of a single $.ttf$ file and is common on PCs.

Open Type Fonts

A cross-platform font standard developed by Adobe and Microsoft contained in a single file ($.otf$ or $.ttf$) supporting many glyphs.

Adobe Fonts

Fonts accessible through an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription that are not local system resources, cannot be packaged, but embed directly into PDFs and can auto-activate.

PPI

Pixels per inch; the resolution measurement used for digital cameras, scanners, computer monitors, and digital raster images in software like Photoshop.

DPI

Dots per inch; the measurement of output resolution for physical printers (e.g., $300$, $600$, or $1200\,\text{DPI}$).

LPI

Lines per inch; the frequency measurement of halftone line screens used in commercial printing.

Halftone Resolution Rule

The technical guideline stating that the resolution of a raster image for offset printing should be no higher than twice ($2\times$) the halftone screen frequency ($\text{LPI}$).

Lossless Compression

A class of data compression algorithms that reduces file size without losing image data, including formats and methods such as LZW, RLE, ZIP, TIFF, GIF, and PNG.

Lossy Compression

A data encoding method that discards select visual information to reduce file size, such as JPEG compression and video codecs.

Imposition

The arrangement and layout of multiple individual pages into printer signatures before printing, which should always be planned with a folding dummy.

Trapping

The pre-press technique of slightly overlapping adjoining colors or objects to compensate for registration shifts and paper mis-alignment on the press.

Spread (Trapping)

A trapping method created by expanding the boundary of a lighter foreground object to slightly overprint into a darker background.

Choke (Trapping)

A trapping method created by moving the lighter background inward to slightly overprint the darker foreground object.

Knockout (K/O)

Removing the underlying background color directly beneath an overlapping text or graphic element to prevent unwanted color blending or color shifts.

Total Ink Coverage (TIC)

The total combined percentage of ink applied across all separation channels in a four-color process print, where $300\%$ is typical and $400\%$ is the theoretical limit.

Pantone Matching System (PMS)

A proprietary standardized numbering system used to specify exact premixed spot colors (e.g., PMS 1635U) for brand assets, logos, and packaging.

Star Targets

Quality control test marks printed on a press sheet used to evaluate ink spread, slur, and mechanical distortion during a press run.

Color Bar

A printed control target containing ink solid patches and tints used to assess ink density, dot gain, and color overprint traps across the sheet.

Rosette Pattern

A small, circular, repeating dot pattern that forms when four-color halftone separation screen angles are properly oriented and registered on press.

Moiré

An undesirable, distracting visual interference pattern caused by improper screen angle alignment or conflicting halftone frequencies.

Raster Image Processor (RIP)

A specialized software or hardware processor (e.g., EFI Fiery) that translates PostScript, vector elements, and PDF artwork into high-resolution bitmap raster dots for printing.

Offset Lithography

An indirect, planographic printing process utilizing a flat plate cylinder based on the chemical principle that oil-based inks and water do not mix.

Oleophilic / Hydrophobic

The surface property of the image area on an offset lithographic plate, meaning it attracts oil-based ink and repels water.

Hydrophilic / Oleophobic

The surface property of the non-image area on an offset lithographic plate, meaning it attracts water and repels oil-based ink.

Variable Data Printing (VDP)

A digital printing process where specific design elements, copy, or graphics change continuously from one printed piece to the next on the same press run.

Thermal Bubble Print Head

A drop-on-demand inkjet technology found in home desktop printers that uses heat to expand an ink bubble; it is compatible with water-based inks but not solvent-based inks.

Piezoelectric Inkjet Head

A commercial drop-on-demand printhead technology that expels ink droplets via electric charges that mechanically flex piezo crystals, supporting various ink chemistries.

Grand Format Printing

Large-format inkjet printing systems designed for roll-to-roll or hybrid media widths exceeding $96''$ (up to $16'$ wide), also referred to as superwide.

Warp and Weft

The two thread directions in screen printing mesh fabric: warp threads run lengthwise, whereas weft threads run across the width of the bolt.

Squeegee

A bladed tool used in screen printing to force ink through the openings of an exposed mesh stencil onto a substrate.

Gravure Printing

An intaglio, high-volume printing method using engraved copper cylinders covered in chrome to transfer ink from recessed sunken cells to a substrate.

Flexography

A relief rotary printing process using flexible rubber or photopolymer plates and fluid, fast-drying inks to print onto packaging and corrugated substrates.

Anilox Roll

A precision-engraved cylinder with minute cells used in flexographic printing to meter and deliver a uniform film of ink to the printing plate.

AIDA

A retail and marketing acronym representing the four stages of a promotional message: Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.

Fluting

The arched wave layer of paper sandwiched between linerboard sheets to provide structural strength in corrugated board.

What is corrugated board?

Made out of paper with an arched layer, called “fluting”, between linerboard sheets.

What is packaging?

designed to: protect and preserve the product, provide information about the product, and make the product easier and more convenient.

What are design materials?

Wood, metals, wire, fabrics, corrugated, and plastics.

What is the Flexo printing process?

In-line finishing, die cutting, laminating, and foil stamping.