GLOSSARY of TERMS

Loose Leaf Binders

Appliqué

                    A decorating technique used on vinyl binders where one piece of vinyl is applied to the surface of another through the dielectric sealing process.  Through the use of a custom die, the process gives a dimensional effect to the decoration

Artwork

                        Also known as the "Mechanical;" must be the exact size of the product that it is to appear on.  Type is set to actual size and mounted in exact position.  The term also applies to electronic artwork supplied on a disk using the graphics program or file format specified by the printer/manufacturer.

Back-Bone

                        Also known as the "hub" or "spine;" the supporting part at the back of the binder to which the front and back covers are attached.  It is the visible part of a binder while it is standing on a shelf.

Back-Set

                        The dimension from the edge of paper to the center of the hole to be drilled.  For example, the proper back-set for a 1" diameter ring metal should be 3/8".

Bead Seal

                        Generally, the perimeter of a cut & seal die used in dielectric sealing; provides a "bead" finish around the edge of the finished product.

Binders Board

                        Know in the trade as a "Davey Board"; is a dense, moisture resistant fibre board used in "casebound" construction because of the water based glue used.  It is pulp wood formed under extreme pressure to the desired caliper.  Generally available in calipers from .90 to .240.

Boosters

                        Also called "triggers;" the levers generally found on rach end of a metal ring mechanism that open and/or close the rings.

Casebound

                        A style of construction used in loose leaf and related products.  A cloth base durable material that is glued over moisture resistant hard board known as "Binders Board."

Chipboard

                        Thin sheets of craft paper glued together in layers to form a desired thickness.  Generally available from .20 to .145 caloper.  .90/.120 is generally used in the construction of loose leaf products

Clipboard

                        A term used for any product utilizing a clip to hold loose sheets.

Concealed Rivets

                        A manufacturing process where the rivets holding the metal to the binder are concealed inside the cover material.  This frees the backbone or spine of the rivet head which sometimes interfered with the desired graphic.

Cold Crack

                        A phenomenon occurring under certain test conditions wherein "PVC" or vinyl will crack and break at specified temperatures.  Cold Crack is generally more likely to occur in reprocessed or recycled vinyl than in virgin vinyl materials.

D-Ring

                        A ring metal that has the configuration of the letter "D", as opposed to the normal "O" or round ring.

Dielectric Sealing

                        A process of sealing two or more pieces of "PVC" together with a single weld.  It id done through the process of molecular friction.  Alternating current of high frequency at 30,000,000 times per second creating a friction heat of the molecules which melts the materials to become one.  The die holds the liquid state in place during the 2 to 5 second duration of the process.  Once the power stops, the material instantly cools to the touch.

Debossing

                        A process using heat & pressure to smooth out an embossing present on a specific material.  This may be done to provide a smooth stamping or screening area for the desired graphics.

Duo-Tang

                        A trademark name for a brad type mechanism, used in some loose leaf products.  It is a double piece of metal compressed together with an eyelet and can be affixed to any type of material.  The brads split and turn over the opposite cover to secure the contents.

Emboss

                        A decorating technique utilizing top and bottom ("male" and "female") dies to provide a raised dimensional graphic effect.

Feather Seal or Edge

                        This dielectrically sealed item utilizes a top and bottom sealing die which forces the traditional bead inside of the sealed edges.

Foil Stamp

                        A decorating technique utilizing metal dies, heat, pressure and colored foil.  Logo dies or other images can be transferred to the material through the heat and pressure of the stamping press.  Most often used in smaller areas or when a metallic decoration is desired.

Label Holder

                        A clear vinyl pocket located on the spine of a binder to aid in identifying the binder contents.  Label holders are typically dielectrically sealed to the vinyl on the spine.

Pockets

                        Any receptacle, cavity or opening built into an item for storing or displaying loose documents or products.  As with label holders, pockets are typically dielectrically sealed to the binder cover.

Poly

                        An abbreviation for any polyolefin material or product.

Poly Binder

                        A single unit of polyethylene or polypropylene die cut and scored to form a loose leaf binder.

Poly Vinyl Chloride

                        A dielectric material used in thousands of products, also referred to as "PVC".  Basically, it is a petro-chemical and hydrogen chloride combined

Rivets

                        A fastener used in many different products.  Regarding loose leaf binders, it is semi-tubular in that the end of the fastener is rolled over the eyelet of the metal to secure the metal to the binder.

Round Back

                        A concealed rivet binder that has a rounded spine.  It is generally a metal component with stud "rivets" built into the curvature to conceal the rivet head on the binder.