Glossary of Terms

Archival Ink- These inks are basically any ink that is expected to last a highly extended period of time. In truth, both Pigmented Inks and Dye Sublimation inks could be considered Archival Inks based on the fact that both will last an extended period of time when done properly. However, typically when people use the term Archival Inks, they are actually referring specifically to Pigmented Inks.

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Bulk Unit- This is a system that many people who print often use to greatly reduce costs on ink. It generally consists of cartridges that go into your printer with tubes attached to them. These tubes are like medical tubing and go from the cartridges inside the printer to bottles that are typically 4 oz in size. There is one bottle for each ink color. The inks are vacuum pumped initially into the cartridges and constantly flows from the bottles through the tubing and cartridges to the paper. An excellent time saver compared to refilling as well as a huge money saver compared to purchasing prefilled cartridges. There are many manufacturers for these units. Ask for referrals from others who use them to avoid the potential of purchasing a unit that is either poorly assembled or difficult to install.

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Carts- Slang for inkjet ink cartridges

 

Chip Resetter- An electronic device that was created by techies to reset/reprogram the OEM Epson chips that are on the outside of most newer models of Epson brand printers. See details of this device. These resetters come in single model or universal mode. Note that they will not work on most 3rd party chips. To work with refillers, you will likely want to do a chip swap.

 

Chipped Printer- A chipped printer is how we refer to a newer model printer from Epson. Though the reason for Epson changing to chipped printers/cartridges is only something we can speculate about, basically these printers now have several small pins where the cartridge will be inserted. The cartridges have a small chip on the outside. These chips align with the pins inside the printer. Be careful, putting a cartridge into a chipped printer without the chip in the cartridge will cause PERMANENT FATAL DAMAGE. If you must mess with the chips at all; do so with caution.

 

CLC- Color Laser Copier

 

CLP- Color Laser Printer

 

Clamshell- A type of heat press. The word clamshell represents the fact that the top heat plate pulls down onto the bottom platen at an angle, like a clam shutting. The other type is a Swing Away.

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DPI- Short for Dots Per Inch. This term is frequently used when talking about the print quality that a person is printing at. Older inkjet printers printed at lower DPI settings such as 360. While 360 is still an option for many printers, it is not uncommon to have a printer now that can print up to 1440 and higher. The DPI is determined by how many dots will be placed into a 1" square. The lower DPI will have fewer dots per inch where the higher DPI settings will have more dots per inch. The higher DPI settings produce a higher quality print.

 

Dye Sub- See Dye Sublimation. Dye Sub is slang.

 

Dye Sublimation- A form of transfer. The inks are heated to the point of becoming a gas form. At that point the gas impregnates the blank item and is then permanently a part of the blank. This method does not work with cotton material. Polyester material is the most common material used for dye sublimation. This method is also the method to use when customizing an item such as a tile, plate, mug, etc. Pigmented ink transfers will not do mugs, etc.

 

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Graphics Program- A graphics program is simply a software application that allows you to do things such as create, edit or print from. Some of these can be Corel Draw, PaintShop Pro, PhotoShop, MGI PhotoSuite, Adobe Illustrator, etc. These are not required, but assist you in creating a top quality professional product. Some people use their word processing software as well. Prices for these range from free (or with a purchase of a scanner, etc) to several hundred dollars. You will probably want to ask others what programs they use and why if you are new to graphics and want to know which program to purchase. There are Raster and Vector programs. Keep this in mind when choosing your software.

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Heat Transfer- The process of moving a graphic from a printed paper to a blank item such as t-shirt, mousepads, puzzle, towels, coasters, etc.

 

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ICC Color Profile- This is something that is commonly used and associated with Dye Sublimation. Since the inks are not the same color as the OEM Epson inks, a method of changing the way the printer sprays the inks onto the paper is necessary. These color profiles are necessary for Dye Sublimation in most brands. It is not necessary with most Pigmented Inks however (unless you are using an ink that is not designed for Epson printers).

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MM�- Magic Mix line of pigmented archival inks

 

Magic Mix�- The name of the pigmented archival inks that we sell. A combination of ink lines found to provide a superior heat transfer product that will not fade or bleed as many OEM inks and even some pigmented brands do.

 

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Pigmented Ink Transfers- This method is likely the most common method being used. Be cautious that you do not confuse the common 'iron on' method with this. While they are very similar when using the retail/hobby supplies, it is entirely possible and very economical to use this method of transferring artwork to items such as t-shirts, mousepads, puzzles, coasters, etc. to create a highly professional product. It is vital for this method to product professional results that you use professional supplies otherwise the products can bleed and/or fade when washed or wetted.

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Raster- Raster is the word used to describe a form of graphic/artwork where the graphic, when enlarged will not maintain it's shape like a vector graphic will. It will eventually become choppy, where the colors blend. A raster graphic is usually in formats such as .jpg, .gif, etc. Photos are considered raster.

 

Royalty Free- Royalty free is typically a term used for graphics and/or artwork if the creator of the artwork does not require a royalty fee in return for use of their graphics. Usually the artwork is paid for one time and the person is then allowed to use it for personal and/or commercial use as the creator allows. Be very careful to read the license agreement on any graphics you use or purchase rights to. They are not all the same. Some allow personal use only!

S-

Sublimation- See Dye Sublimation. Sublimation is slang.

 

Swing Away- This is a type of heat press.  Unlike the clamshell type of heat press, the swing away style allows the top plate of the press to stay horizontally level, allows it to swing out of the work area, then swing back into the work area, and flat down onto the bottom heat platen.  For items such as tiles, or other breakables, a swing away is recommended (though not required).

T-

Transfer Paper- Paper used in printer typically inkjet. Can also be used for other other types of printers and copiers. Make sure you are getting the correct transfer paper type for your printer whether laser, inkjet or other.

 

TJ2- Slang or shortened form of TransJet II transfer paper for inkjet printers.

Teflon Sheet- A Teflon sheet is a sheet that is used to protect surfaces.  Some use a sheet to cover the bottom of the press. This can have an elastic around it so that it covers the bottom entirely. More often however, this is cut into specific sizes (usually same or slightly larger than the size of the press is ideal) and is available in varying thicknesses. It is often used when pressing two sided blanks such as front/back of a shirt. It is also used often when you are pressing an item where the blank is smaller than the transfer paper. The overhang of the paper/transfer will melt over onto the Teflon rather than damaging the press. Dye sub method uses Teflon sheets very often where it is more of an optional item with pigmented ink transfers.

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V-

Vector- Vector is the form of graphic that most use when creating a graphic from scratch. The vector artwork is not able to have the blends that a raster graphic can. However, when enlarging a vector graphic to many times it's size, a vector graphic will not distort its shape. Common vector formats are AI, Cdr, etc.

 

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