Terminology of Envelope Construction

These diagrams illustrate the parts of an envelope.

A- Seal Flap

B- Seal Gum

C- Shoulder(s)

D- Throat

E- Face or Front Panel

F- Side Flaps or Side Seams

G- Bottom flap or Back Panel

Variations on these parts create different envelope styles.

Dimensions and Designations

This envelope is designated Open End (OE) Catalog because the opening and seal flap are located on the short dimension.

This envelope is designated Open Side (OS) Booklet because the opening and seal flap are located on the long dimension.

Flap and Seam Styles

The shape of the seal flap is very important in the determination of the envelope's style, and ultimately its most appropriate uses. Seams also determine envelope style and typical application.

Commercial Style Flap, Diagonal Seam

Square Flap, Side Seam

Wallet Flap, Center Seam

Remittance Flap, Side Seam

Envelope Size Guide

Commercial Envelopes

Size

    Dimension

#6-1/4

    3-1/2 x 6

#6-1/2

    3-9/16 x 6-1/4

#6-3/4

    3-5/8 x 6-1/2

#7

    3-3/4 x 6-3/4

#7-3/4 (monarch)

    3-7/8 x 7-1/2 (pointed flap)

#8-5/8 (check size)

    3-5/8 x 8-5/8

#9

    3-7/8 x 8-7/8

#10

    4-1/8 x 9-1/2

#11

    4-1/2 x 10-3/8

#12

    4-3/4 x 11

#14

    5 x 11-1/2

Standard Window Sizes and Positions

An envelope's window should always be measured with the flap oriented at the top. Measure from the left edge of the envelope to the left edge of the window and from the bottom edge of the envelope to the bottom edge of the window.

Standard window commercial envelopes have a 1-1/8" x 4-1/2" window located 7/8" from the left and 1/2" from the bottom. The exception to this standard is the #8-5/8 envelope, which has a 1" x 4" window located 1" from the left and 3/4" from the bottom.

A-Style (Announcement) Envelopes

Size

    Dimension

A2

    4-3/8 x 5-3/4

A6

    4-3/4 x 6-1/2

A7

    5-1/4 x 7-1/4

A8

    5-1/2 x 8-1/8

A10

    6 x 9-1/2

Coin Envelopes

Size

    Dimension

#1

    2-1/4 x 3-1/2

#3

    2-1/2 x 4-1/4

#4

    3 x 4-1/2

#4-1/2

    3 x 4-7/8

#5

    2-7/8 x 5-1/4

#5-1/2

    3-1/8 x 5-1/2

#6

    3-3/8 x 6

#7

    3-1/2 x 6-1/2

Remittance Envelopes

Size

    Dimension

#6-1/2

    3-1/2 x 6-1/4

#6-3/4

    3-5/8 x 6-1/2

#9

    3-7/8 x 8-7/8

Two-Way/Returnalope Reply Mailer Envelopes

    Dimension

    3-1/2 x 6-1/2

Teller Helper Envelopes

    Dimension

    3-3/4 x 7

Sealing Methods

Seal Gum:

Applied to seal flaps for moistening when flaps are about to be sealed.

Latex:

Self-adhering latex adhesive on two surfaces that seal on contact.

Peel and Seel:

Type of pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the flap and covered with a protective removable strip.

Clasp:

Double-pronged metal clasp for added security and repeated use.

String and Button:

Tie down for repeated use.

Converting

The following conditions shall apply to orders accepted for making envelopes (converting) from stock supplied by customers, whether such paper is printed or plain:

+ Use the furnished layout provided when positioning printing.

+ Do NOT reposition the cut(s) - finished printed stock MUST be in the same position as it is on the layout.

+ Print cutting marks per the furnished layout on the first 2% of the pressrun only.

+ Hone off cutting marks for the rest of the run.

+ Clearly label marked sheets and place to the top of the order.

+ Allow at least 1/8" wrap for any bleed.

+ Clearly mark Guide and Gripper.

+ Sheets must be delivered flat, carefully jogged, and all stacked in the same direction.

+ The amount of printed sheets should be clearly marked on each skid.

+ Furnish "Overs" per order quantity:
Order Size: under 3,000 =        500 sheets over
Order Size: 3,000-20,000 =      15% over
Order Size: 20,001-100,000 =  10% over
Order Size: over 100,000 =       5% over

+ Clearly identify and separate any additional "Make-Ready" provided.