De-Mystifying the Technical Process - Glossary

Embellishment Terms
Deboss: An image is pressed into a material so that it sits below the surface.

Decal: An image is produced on a transparent material then applied to product.

Die Struck: A reverse die is made of the image, then machine-struck onto a metal surface.

Emboss: Raising an image by pressing a die into the surface that results in a depressed area around the imprint.

Embroidery: An image is stitched into fabric using a computer-controlled sewing machine.

Engraving: An image is cut into metal, wood or glass.

Hotstamp: Foil is heated and stamped to form an image on the surface.

Photo Transfer: Ink is printed on a material then applied using heat and pressure to the surface.

Offset Lithography (printing): Ink is transferred from a metal plate to a rubber blanket and then applied to the surface to be printed.

Screen Printing: Ink is squeezed thru a fine screen leaving an image on the surface then
heat cured.

Sublimation: A heat process that changes ink into a gas then transfers it into the fabric.

Graphic Terms
Bleed: When an image occupies all edges.

Camera Ready Art: Art suitable for reproduction without the need for manual or computerized manipulation.

Color Separations: Separating a multicolor design into individual colors.

Cropping: The elimination of unnecessary portions of a design or illustration.

DPI: Defines the resolution of an image in dots per inch or pixels per inch.

EPS File: Encapsulated Postscript File is a layered vector file and is the optimum file type for communicating artwork.

Gradation: A design where color tones gradually merge into one another.

PMS Colors: Pantone Matching System is a standard color matching system where all colors have a specific code.

Process Color: A photo-quality full-color image is obtained by using the four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and black.