Terminology

Artwork

Artwork is normally supplied for body copy only. It can be supplied as reflective artwork or as an electronic file. We accept PC or Mac based files, preferably in Quark Express or Illustrator.

Note: We will internally typeset your tabs at no charge.

Bank

A bank of tabs is a complete row of same size tabs running the length of the face edge. The face edge is normally the 11" edge.

Blank Tabs

A tab that has no printing. Blank tabs can be ordered, then inventoried at your location for imprinting on your copier on-demand.

Bleeds

Printed colors that run all the way to the edge of the paper necessitating extra cutting.

Body Copy

Body copy is any printing on the tab sheet other than on the tab extension.

Body / Overall Sizes

The body size of an index tab sheet is normally 11" x 8 1/2". It is the dimensions of the tab sheet without the tab. The overall size of an index tab sheet is normally 11" x 9". It is the dimensions of the tab sheet with the tab.

Camera Ready

Artwork that has all type, line art and graphics in place and ready to be photographed or digitally transfered to film in preparation for making printed plates.

Collating

The process of gathering individual tabs in to complete sets.

Common Body Copy

This is printing that repeats in exactly the same place on the body of each tab. It can be a company logo, a part number or anything that repeats on each tab. See Different Body Copy.

Cut

The cut is the number of tabs in a bank. For example a 5th cut tab would have 5 tabs in a bank.

Custom Tabs

Any index tab set that has custom imprinted tabs that includes our printing and die-cutting capabilities.

Die Cutting

The process of trimming the tab extension out of the overall size tab sheet.

Different Body Copy

This is printing on the body of the tab that varies from tab sheet to tab sheet. As an example: The tabs may have each distinct tab title printed on the body of each tab sheet. See Common Body Copy.

Drilling

This is the process of putting holes in the sheets. There are three factors used to define the drilling specification:

1) The number of holes. This is normally 3-holes, and sometimes 2-holes but it can be up to 7-holes.

2) The spacing of the holes. This is normally 4 1/4" center to center on 11"x 8 1/2" body size sheets. This changes to 2 3/4" center to center on 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" body size sheets.

3) The diameter of the holes. This is normally 5/16".

Drytime

Drytime is the amount of time it takes the ink to dry prior to lamination and tab cutting. Due to the combination of heat and pressure associated with the lamination process, the dry time on body copy projects is extended. The normal turnaround time on index tabs that have body copy is 10 calendar days from the date of final proof approval.

Edge Reinforcing

This a 9/16" strip of mylar laminated to the back side of the binding edge of the sheet. It is used to strengthen the sheet. Applying edge reinforcing to the tab sheet will minimize the probability a tab will be torn off the rings. This is a wise investment if the tabs are going to be used frequently.

Extension

The tab extension is the length the tab extends out from the body of the sheet. The standard tab extension is 1/2". This means a standard tab sheet with a body-size 11" x 8 1/2"and a 1/2" extension will generally have an overall-size of 11" x 9".

Finishing

The processes involved in the transformation of a press sheet that has been trimmed to the overall-size into an index tab. Finishing includes any combination of the following processes: lamination of tab mylar to the sheet; the process on tab cutting; the process of edge reinforcing; drilling; collating and shrink-wrapping.

Indent

The indent measures the distance from the top of the sheet to where the top tab starts, or conversely, the measure from where the bottom tab ends to the bottom of the sheet.

Mylar Laminate

A plastic film used to strengthen and provide a variety of colors to the tab extension. It is applied using high temperature and pressure. Ink on the body of the sheet must be completely dry before it can be laminated.

Overs

Overs are additional sets produced due to efficiencies in the production process. An allowance for overs is considered normal when ordering tabs.

Overs Policy

We reserve the right to overship no more than 10% and bill accordingly.

Per Set Pricing

The price of one set of index tabs. For example: Suppose you have 5 tabs in a set. A $1.00 per set price represent the price of all five tabs with the set. In this example the price per tab would be $0.20.

Plain Tab

A tab that has no mylar laminated to the tab extension.

Proof

A proof is a sheet of paper used to clearly communicate the specifications and tab layout. It is used to assure the tab project will be produced exactly the way you desire. Proofs are sent via fax for your review. Once the proof is reviewed you provide your signature indicating approval or a request for additional changes. It is at this point any changes needed can be performed free of charge.

Set of Tabs

All the tabs contained in a single unit of your order. For example: if you have 5 tabs total, then the 5 tabs whether collated or uncollated make up a set.

Typesetting

The typing of the tab titles in the desired typeface and point size, as well as the arrangement of the tab titles into perfect position for printing and tab cutting.

UPS

Many of our shipments are sent via United Parcel Service.

Working Days

Working days are based on a period of time from final to the completion of the last manufacturing process.