Glossary of Terms

When your logo, slogan, company name or specialty advertising message is put on a promotional product, it's called an imprint. This may seem like a very simple process to most, but in fact it can be quite complicated and much care must be exercised to insure a quality job.

This glossary of terms is intended to enlighten your level of understanding of the terms utilized to describe the different artwork and production, and ordering processes in the promotional product industry.

Camera Ready Artwork - A photo mechanical transfer (PMT), camera ready artwork is essentially a black and/or white photogragh of a logo or message from which screens etc. are produced for the actual imprinting process. Extra charges are applicable a PMT is not supplied with the order.

Combined Quantity Pricing- Offered by some promotional product manufacturers, combined quantity pricing refers to a situation where more than one imprinted product is ordered from the same manufacturer and by combining the quantities, a lower price can be obtained based on the quantity pricing schedules of each product.

Copy Change- A copy change occurs when a portion of the imprinted message is changed after a certain quantity is produced. A good example would be a large order of calendars for a multi-branch business that is changed to personalize certain quantities with each branch's individual phone number. A charge will ocurr for each copy change however it is normally less expensive than different artwork preparation and set-up charges.

Debossing- An artwork imprint method where the image is imprinted by depressing into a material such as paper, leather or suede, so the image sits below the product surface.

Decal transfer- An artwork imprint method where the decal is printed on an offset or letterset press, submerged in water and placed on the product. Excess water and air is squeegeed off and the product is kiln-fired, a process that fuses the decal with the glaze. Most often seen on glass, china, porcelain and ceramic products.

Die-casting- An artwork imprint method where molten metal is injected into the cavity of a carved die (a mold).

Die Charge- A cost over and above the cost of the product to produce a die.

Die-striking- A method of imprinting emblems and other flat promotional products. A blank, cut from a metal sheet, is struck with a hammer that holds the die.

Doming- A metod utilized to apply a clear epoxy (plastic) dome (cover) over an imprint is referred to as doming. This is a popular method used in production of lapel pins and some pens.

Drop Shipment- A promotional products order that is shipped out in smaller quantities or split into separate shipments to different addresses is considered to be a drop shipment (also referred to as a split shipment). An incremental charge is normally applicable.

Embedments- Materials such as a product replica, for example, are suspended in a clear substrate, usually Lucite(r).

Embossing- An artwork imprint method where the raising of an image on a product, accomplished by pressing the material between concave and convex dies.

Embroidery- An artwork imprint method where the design is stitched into fabric through the use of high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines.

Engraving- An artwork imprint method where an image is cut into metal, wood or glass by one of three methods - computerized engraving, (cutting or engraving) hand tracing or hand engraving.

Etched- An artwork imprint method where an image is covered with a protective coating that resists acid. The image is then exposed, leaving bare metal and protected metal. The acid attacks only the exposed metal, leaving the image etched onto the surface.

Exact Quantity Orders- An exact quantity order is one which overrides the overrun/underrun policies of manufacturers to ensure the delivery of the exact quantity required. An additional charge applies as this request normally requires product wasteage and or inefficient low volume production (see overruns/underruns for further information).

Hot Stamping- A dry artwork imprinting process in which a design or type is set on a relief die that is subsequently impressed with heat and pressure onto the printing surface.

Imprint- A logo or message that is transferred onto a promotional product. The type of imprint used is quite often determined by the material the product is made from.

Imprint Colors- Most manufacturers utilize standard imprint colors which may or may not match the imprint colors requested. Additional colors are normally available but additional costs are normally applied (see PMS color match).

Imprint Location- Standard imprint location is normally specified in catalog information. This is judged to be the best area on the product to allow for an accurate replica of the image or logo. Other locations are available with additional set-up and running charges.

Imprint Size- The physical size of the imprint location is referred to as the imprint size. Also, the requested size of the imprint to be applied is referred to as the imprint size. The requested size of the imprint cannot exceed the stated imprint size of the product.

Less than Minimum- All manufacturers stipulate a minimum order quantity for imprinting purposes. A less than minimum charge occurs when a lower than minimum quantity is requested. Although it differs by manufacturer, normally the absolute minimum acceptable to a manufacturer is one half of the stated catalog minimum.

Multi-color Imprinting- The imprinting of more than one color on a promotional product is referred to as a multi-color imprint. Each additional color normally requires an extra set-up or screen charge and a running charge.

Offset Lithography- A printing process in which the image is transferred to a rubber blanket, which in turn applies it to the surface to be printed.

Order Cancellation- If for any reason an order must be cancelled after it is placed with a manufacturer, it will be subject to a cancellation charge that will reflect the work completed to date.

Overruns & Underruns- A quality control measure implemented by manufacturers, an order is considered filled if a certain % +/- of the original order is shipped. Typically manufacturers overproduce order quantities to allow for a slight percentage of unacceptable imprints. Overruns/underruns percentages normally range in the area of 3 - 10%.

Pad printing- An artwork imprint method where a recessed surface is covered with ink. When the plate is wiped clean, ink remains in the recessed areas. A silicone pad then presses against the plate, pulls the ink out of the recesses, and presses it directly onto the product.

Paper Proof- An image, on paper, of the actual artwork to be applied, with color and size specifics is referred to as a paper proof and is utilized to ensure the artwork details have been accurately interpreted by the manufacturer.

PMS Color Match- Also referred to as an exact color match, a PMS color match takes place when a requested imprint color is not available as a standard imprint color from the manufacturer and the manufacturer must create the color in order to complete the order. An additional charge is applicable in almost all cases.

PMT- Standing for a photo mechanical transfer, a PMT is essentially a black and/or white photogragh of a logo or message from which screens etc. are produced for the actual imprinting process. Extra charges are applicable a PMT is not supplied with the order.

Production time- The period of time in business days (ie.- does not include weekends or holidays) that it takes to produce an imprinted order of promotional products, after the artwork has been approved.

Product Proof- A product proof is a sample of the actual product with the requested artwork applied in the method required. Costs normally include all artwork production plus product costs.

Running Charges- An additional charge on a unit basis to apply artwork to a promotional product is referred to as a running charge.

Rush Service- A service available from most manufacturers that allows a customer to prioritize the production of their order and receive faster than normal production time stipulations. There is almost always a fee for this service.

Screen Charge- An extra charge over and above the cost of the product, designed to cover the cost of producing a screen for the purpose of imprinting the product.

Screenprinting- An artwork imprint method where an image is transferred to the printed surface by ink squeegeed through a stenciled screen stretched over a frame. Screens are treated with a light-sensitive emulsion, then film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to light. The light hardens the emulsion not covered by the film, leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to force ink through. Also called silkscreening.

Set-up Charge- An extra charge over and above the cost of the product to cover the cost of retooling or resetting of production lines to accommodate the unique nature of each imprint and product.

Split shipments- An order that is shipped out in smaller quantities or split into separate shipments is considered to be a split shipment (also referred to as a drop shipment). An incremental charge is normally applicable.

Stitch Count- Stitch count refers to the number of stitches required to reproduce an embroidered logo or message.

Tape Charge- Also referred to as a disk charge, a tape charge is essentially the cost to produce a "map" which directs the color and placement of stitches in the embroidery process. The amount of the tape charge will vary directly with the number of stitches (see stitch count), and is normally a one time charge.