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Print Glossary

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Image Area

The actual area on the printed matter that is not restricted to ink coverage.

Imagesetter

Laser output device using photosensitive paper or film.

Imposition

The positioning of pages on a press sheet in a manner that when the sheet is folded into a signature the pages will be in the correct sequence and position.

Impression

1. Referring to an ink colour, one impression equals one press sheet passing once through a printing unit.

2. Referring to speed of a press, one impression equals one press sheet passing once through the press.

Impression Cylinder

Cylinder, on a press, that pushes paper against the plate or blanket, thus forming the image. Also called impression roller.

Imprint

1. To print new copy on a previously printed sheet, such as imprinting an employee's name on business cards. Also called surprint.

2. A single line (or more) of text added by the printer, usually to the last page of text, detailing where production has occurred.

Ink Balance

Relationship of the densities and dot gains of process inks to each other and to a standard density of neutral grey

Ink Fountain

Reservoir, on a printing press, that holds ink.

Ink Holdout

Characteristic of paper that prevents it from absorbing ink, thus allowing ink to dry on the surface of the paper. Also called holdout.

Inner Forme

Forme (side of the press sheet) whose images all appear inside the folded signature, as compared to outer form.

Inserts

Within a publication, an additional item positioned into the publication loose (not bound in).

Inset or Insetting

A book production method that involves the placing of each component section within the previous and then to wire stitch.

See also Saddle-Stitch.

Intaglio Printing

Printing method whose image carriers are surfaces with two levels, having inked areas lower than non-inked areas. Gravure and engraving are the most common forms of intaglio. Also called recess printing.

Interleaves/Interleaving

Printed pages loosely inserted in a publication/between sheets.

Irish

Generic term used to describe publications produced overnight for the Northern Ireland Assembly. These jobs are produced from PDF files received from TSO in Northern Ireland via ISDN and are usually produced digitally via the OCE web line.

ISBN

A number assigned to a published work (usually, but not exclusively, appearing above a bar code) and usually found either on the title page or the back of the title page. Considered an International Standard Book Number.

ISDN

Electronic means of sending digital files to and from locations. To send a file via ISDN requires an ISDN line for sender and receiver.

Print Glossary

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