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Glossary
font A set of alphanumeric characters that share a particular typeface.
gap A space between die-cut or notched labels used to sense the top of form.
IPS (inches per second) Imperial measurement of printer speeds.
label A paper or synthetic printing material, typically with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing.
label length The distance from the top of the label to the bottom of the label as it exits the printer.
label repeat The distance from the top of one label to the top of the next label.
label tracking Excessive lateral (side to side) movement as media travels under the printhead.
label width The left to right measurement of the label as it exits the printer.
mark Generalized term to indicate the label top of form indicator of the media.
media Generalized term for printing material.
media hub Device in the printer used to support roll media.
media sensor An electronic device equipped with photo sensors to detect media and the top of form
on die-cut, notched or reflective media.
notched stock Media, typically tag stock, with holes or notches in the material that is used to signal
the top of form. The printer must be set to “gap” to use this media type.
preprinted media Label stock that contains borders, text, or graphics, flood coating, etc.
perforation Small cuts extending through the backing and/or label material to facilitate their
separation. Also referred to as “perf”.
print speed The speed at which the media moves under the printhead during the printing process.
reflective media Media imprinted with carbon-based black marks on the underside of the material,
which is used to signal the top of form when the reflective sensor is enabled.
registration Repeatable top to bottom alignment of printed labels.
reverse speed The backward rate of media motion into the printer during tear-off, peel and present
and cutting operations for positioning the label at the start of print position.
ribbon An extruded polyester tape with several layers of material, one of which is ink-like, used to
produce an image on the label. Also referred to as “foil”.
ribbon wrinkle An undesirable overlapping of the ribbon during the printing process that leads to
voids on the printed label, typically caused by an improper ribbon width adjustment.
roll media A form of media that is wound upon a cardboard core.
start of print The position on the label where the printing actually begins.
tag stock A heavy paper or synthetic printing material, typically featuring a notch or black mark for
TOF and no adhesive backing.
thermal transfer The printing method that creates an image by transferring ink from a ribbon onto
the media using the heat produced from the printhead.
TOF (top of form) The start of a new label as indicated by a label gap, notch, mark or programming.
void An undesirable blank space in a printed image.
