EAN

European Article Numbering System, the international standard bar code for retail food packages.

EAN-13

a superset of UPC, containing the same number of bars as UPC Version A, but encoding an additional digit which, along with the 12th digit, identifies a country code.

edge curl/lift

the peeling back or lifting of the outer edge of a label which has been applied to a surface.

Edge Roughness

Irregularities in the printing of bar code elements, resulting in a non-uniform edge, and resulting in edge errors.

EDI

Electronic Data Interchange; a method by which data is electronically transmitted from one point to another.

EDP

an abbreviation for electronic data processing. It commonly is a name applied to pressure sensitive labels that are used on impact computer printers.

EF

an abbreviation for English finish. See English finish.

elastic limit

This is the maximum stress or distorting force an adhesive can withstand and still return to its original size after the force is removed. If it does not return to its original size, the elastic limit has been exceeded.

elastic memory

the tendency of some film materials to return to their original dimensions after being elongated or distorted

elasticity

the extensible property of an adhesive to contract and expand in such a manner as to overcome the differential contraction and expansion rates that the substrate may contain.

electrostatic

a method of printing utilizing a special electrostatic paper or charged drum, both of which attract toner to the charged area.

element

a single bar or space.

Element Size-2D Symbol

equates to the X Dimension of a linear bar code, and indirectly to the optical

Elmendorf

This is testing equipment to determine tear strength of paper. It uses a falling pendulum. See also tear.

elongation

the distance a material will stretch lengthwise before breaking, expressed as a percentage of its original length.

emboss

a design on a surface causing the letters, figures or patterns to be raised by pressure of dies, rollers and printing presses.

emulsion

a dispersion of fine particles of a liquid in another liquid normally incompatible with it. The term emulsion is frequently misapplied to dispersions.

enameled paper

a coated paper with a shiny finish. Sometimes it is referred to as just enamel.

encapsulation

the enclosure of adhesive particles with a protective film which prevents activation until pressure is applied. An example is carbonless paper. This is normally white, but turns dark in areas in which pressure is applied.

English Finish

a paper finish between machine finish and super calendered in degree of smoothness.

engraved die

a type of die used on roll presses that combines die and cylinder into one piece. This is the most common type of die used on narrow web pressure sensitive presses. The main advantage it offers compared to magnetic dies is long life span. The die can be re-sharpened several times before the end of its life cycle. This type of die also does not have circumference limitations that occur with magnetic dies. The main disadvantage compared to magnetic dies is higher cost. Also, engraved dies are very heavy in larger sizes. They are more difficult to transport, store and install into the press.

expansion

the change in dimensions of a sheet of paper due to absorption of moisture. Paper expands to a greater extent across the grain than with the grain.

extrude

forcing a liquid through a measured orifice. The amount of liquid forced though will depend on the size of the opening.