Primary Menu ☰ Flexible packaging films glossary A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Adhesive lamination A type of lamination where adhesive is used to bond films together. Bleed The area where ink extends into the slit area to provide a clean edge on a finished impression. Blown films Plastic films produced from synthetic resins (such as polyethylene) using a process where molten resin is extruded through a circular die into a tube. This tube is expanded (“blown”) by internal air pressure into a larger bubble with a reduced wall thickness, and then cooled with external air quenching. Coefficient of friction (CoF) A measurement of how slippery a film is. Core A cylinder around which packaging film is wound. Die line The layout or blueprint used for creating flexible packaging film or premade pouch graphics. Extrusion lamination A type of lamination where a curtain of molten polyethylene (PE) is used to bond films together. Eye mark A printed mark used to control repeat registration. Fin seal A type of seal where the inside layer is sealed to itself. Gauge The thickness of a film or flexible packaging structure (typically expressed in mils). Horizontal form/fill/seal (HFFS) A type of packaging line most commonly used for solid products, in which flexible packaging rollstock is formed, filled with product, and sealed. Lamination bond The strength of the bond between two or more films measured in grams on a tensile tester. Lap seal A type of seal where the inside layer is sealed to the outside layer. Number across The number of lanes of impressions being printed at one time. Nylon films A material commonly used in flexible packaging structures to add strength and puncture resistance. Oriented polypropylene (OPP) films A multilayer material commonly used in flexible packaging with advanced seal properties and barrier properties. Non-cavitated films typically have a gauge of .5 to 1.2 mils. OPP can be metallized, matte, clear, or white. Plate A substrate that transfers ink onto the flexible packaging film. Polyester (PET) films A stiff, heat-resistant material with good clarity commonly used in flexible packaging. It doesn’t stretch and is ideal for flexographic printing. PET can be metalized, matte, or clear. Polyethylene (PE) films Films commonly used in flexible packaging, with a variety of blends available that provide different properties. For example, high-density PE (HDPE) provides stiffness. Low-density PE (LDPE) provides puncture and tear resistance. Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) can be used to add barrier. Mettallocene can be added for clarity, stiffness and strength. PE films can be white or clear. Print layer The outer layer of a flexible packaging structure which ink is applied to. Repeat How long an impression is in the machine direction. Reverse print Printing on the inside of the outer layer of a flexible packaging structure prior to lamination. This protects the printing from scuffing and prevents the need for an overprint varnish. Rollstock Flexible packaging film in roll form. Seal bond The strength of a seal measured in grams on a tensile tester. Sealant layer Typically the innermost layer of a flexible packaging structure, with sealing properties. Structure The total combination of films that make up the finished flexible packaging film construction. Vertical form/fill/seal (VFFS) A type of packaging line most commonly used for granular or loose products, in which overhead scales drop product into a package as it is formed and subsequently sealed. About us Contact Careers 800-815-0667 Headquarters 15 Grumbacher Road York, PA 17406 © 2021 C-P Flexible Packaging. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy