Anodizing - Electrochemical process which prepares the surface of aluminum to achieve either a shiny or matte finish. The component can then be dyed to a custom color. This anodized finish is very durable and resists scuffs and scratches.

CAD - Computer Aided Design. Use of computer to draw/design parts.

Cap - Closure

Cavity - Mold component which forms the exterior or external surfaces of a part.

Core - Mold component which forms the internal surface of the molded part.

Electroplating - Deposition of a metallic coating on an object by putting a negative charge onto the object and immersing it into a solution which contains a salt of the metal to be deposited. The metallic ions of the salt carry a positive charge and are attracted to the part. When they reach it, the negatively charged part provides the electrons to reduce the positively charged ions to metallic form.

Finish - The ultimate surface of a plastic part.

Gate - An orifice through which the molten resin enters the cavity. May be internal or external.

Heat Transfer Label - Graphic that is pre-printed in the flat, usually in complex multi-color, on a film carrier. Heat transfers are used where multi-color graphics must be applied to a part.

High Purity Aluminum - Aluminum with a minimum amount of other elements used to achieve a high gloss shiny finish in anodizing.

Hot Stamping - Process entailing applying an image with colored foil through a hot die.

Injection Molding - Process of turning plastic resin into parts that range from very simple to highly complex in shape. The molten resin is fed under pressure into a mold where it solidifies into shape when it comes into contact with the cold wall of the mold and then is removed.

Low Purity Aluminum - Aluminum with trace amounts of other elements used to produce matte aluminum colors in the anodizing process. This aluminum is used for a part that is buffed and lacquered.

Matte Finish - A surface which displays no gloss when observed at any angle.

Metallizing - Applying a thin coating of metal to a non-metallic surface. See vacuum metalizing.

ml - Milliliter - metric measurement of capacity i.e. 50ml jar

Mold - The cavity or matrix of cavities into which plastic melt is placed and takes form.

Pearlescent Pigments - Pigments consisting of particles that are essentially transparent crystals of a high refractive index. The result is a silvery luster, iridescent effects and metallic sheen resembling a natural pearl.

Pad Printing (Tampo) - Used for printing across relatively small areas on plastic items and when the area to be printed is difficult to get at or is contoured.

PCTA - Co-polyester with applications in closures.

PETG - Co-polyester with applications in thick-wall jars.

Resin - Generic term for raw plastic material.

Silk Screening - Photographic process that transfers artwork onto a porous nylon screen which allows a custom color ink to flow through the screen and be deposited on an aluminum or plastic component.

Soft Touch - Decorating process giving a “rubbery”, soft feel applied over plastic.

Styrenics - (ABS, SAN, etc.) Plastics used for their impact resistance and hard, shiny appearance.

Tampo Printing (Pad) - Used for printing across relatively small areas on plastic items and when the area to be printed is difficult to get at or is contoured.

Thermoforming - Plastic sheet is softened by heating, clamped over a mold, drawn over and into the mold by vacuum, cooled, removed from the mold and cut from the sheet.

UV Lacquer - Decorating process offering high gloss and scratch resistance.

Vacuum Metalizing - Process of evaporating metals (most commonly aluminum) in a vacuum chamber, which then bond to the desired parts to achieve a thin uniform layer resulting in a highly reflective surface.