T E R M D E F I N I T I O N
PREPRESS
SCREENED PHANTOM The creation of a background screen from solid artwork submitted or stock art from catalog. The percentage of screen is no lower than 10. If you should choose to have the screen printed flat, with the balance of the card thermographed, remember to add the additional cost of two pass printing.
HALFTONE OF PHOTO Scanning and screening of black and white picture supplied. Thermography will slightly distort the halftone and we recommend having it printed flat.

Note: This is controlled via plate maker/RIP. Screens need to be supplied on disk or other means of file transfer because we cannot scan and hold the original quality.
PROOF A faxed copy of the layout of the item that is being purchased. This will include a composite as well as separations by color. If there is a backside to a business card, it is only considered to be one proof.
DIRECT TO PLATE The process of producing a polyester plate for offset printing using an entirely digital means. The result is first generation imaging on the plate, enhancing the sharpness of type and consistency of screened images. The standard output is 1200 dots per inch.
THRIFTY CARDS For the cost conscious customer we have provided nine layouts that can be ordered with one of three ink colors (Black, Reflex Blue, or Red) on our standard white plate. These layouts can not be deviated from and camera ready art does not qualify.
GRAB BAG BUSINESS CARDS This is for the non-discriminating customer. BCT will choose the ink color and stock, while the customer can choose the layout. Orders can not be returned if the customer does not like the ink and/or stock combinations.
PRESS
SECOND SIDE PRINTING On business cards utilizing the backside for more information. Both sides are printined in thermography. Because it is two press passes there is an additional charge and therefore requires additional production time.
LASERSAFE THERMOGRAPHY The process for creating thermographed stationery that will not melt in a laser printer or copier. A special powder and heating unit are utilized that cure the thermography beyond the melting point in most laser printers and copiers. This special powder is dull and therefore it will distort the normal ink color that you choose. There is an additional cost for this service identified within the custom services section.
CLOSE, HAIRLINE & TRAP REGISTRATION When an order is printed in more than one color having two of the colors within 1/16" of each other. Also when an item has no tolerance for movement. For example if a United States Flag is printed in blue and red. If the two colors of the flag are separated beyond 1/16", it is still imperative that the positioning of the two colors is held perfectly thereby creating the dimension of a flag. Another example would be when a line of type utilizes more than one color within. If either color moves up and down or side to side the desired effect won't be realized. Therefore exact positioning is required. With the underscore line being a different color and the same length as the type, there is no tolerance for movement, without loss of effect.
PMS INK WASH When a customer chooses an ink that is not a standard that is offered. The process of producing the job includes the removal of a standard ink from the press, mixing the ink ordered, reinking the press, producing the job, removing the special ink from the press, and restoring the original ink that was removed. The cost of the labor involved is shown as a custom service charge. When possible we request a previous customer approved sample as well as a specific PMS number. For thermographed work it is important that you use the coated section of the PMS book.
FOIL STAMPING
FOIL STAMPING A process of heat and pressure which permanently transfers a foil material to the surface of the paper. Foil stamping is not guaranteed to be lasersafe.
BLIND EMBOSSING & DEBOSSING A process used to create an elevated or recessed impression on a sheet of paper. This process can be used in combination with ink or foil stamping.
INK EMBOSSING & DEBOSSING Flat printing on a sheet of paper and then blind embossing/debossing the printed area.
FOIL EMBOSSING & DEBOSSING Foil stamping on a sheet of paper and then blind embossing/debossing the foil stamped area.
PREMIUM FOIL Foil stamping colors including Blue, Green, Teal, Red, Purple, Yellow, Pink, and White.
HOLOGRAPHIC FOIL Foil stamping including Crystal, Digital, and Sparkle.
RUBBER STAMPS & EMBOSSERS
SELF-INKING STAMP This stamp has a die attached to a moving mechanism within the unit. When depressed this die comes into contact with an ink pad and then returns to be impressed on the item being stamped. It can be reinked and remounted with a new die.
THRIFTY STAMP Generic self-inking stamp that can only be ordered in black. It can accomodate up to five lines of average size type. Helvetica type style only.
PRE-INKED STAMP This stamp has a die that allows for the ink to travel through it. It has fewer moving parts therefore resulting in a higher level of quality image. It can be reinked with special ink, but cannot be remounted with a new die.
ROUND MOUNT STAMP This stamp is ideal for round images. It is designed to allow for alignment of round images to be stamped into specific areas as required. It is a self-inking stamp.
DESK EMBOSSER This embosser is designed to be used in a stationery setting. It has a sturdy base and can easily be used repeatedly.
POCKET EMBOSSER This embosser holds a die that allows for individual impressions to be made on paper. The pocket embosser is more compact than a desk embosser and therefore is easily transported.