Terminology of Envelope Construction
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These diagrams illustrate the parts of an envelope. |
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A- Seal Flap |
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B- Seal Gum |
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C- Shoulder(s) |
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D- Throat |
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E- Face or Front Panel |
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F- Side Flaps or Side Seams |
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G- Bottom flap or Back Panel |
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Variations on these parts create different envelope styles. |
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Dimensions and Designations |
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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. |
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Flap and Seam Styles |
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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. |
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Commercial Style Flap, Diagonal Seam |
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Square Flap, Side Seam |
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Wallet Flap, Center Seam |
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Remittance Flap, Side Seam |
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Envelope Size Guide |
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Commercial Envelopes |
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Size |
Dimension |
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#6-1/4 |
3-1/2 x 6 |
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#6-1/2 |
3-9/16 x 6-1/4 |
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#6-3/4 |
3-5/8 x 6-1/2 |
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#7 |
3-3/4 x 6-3/4 |
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#7-3/4 (monarch) |
3-7/8 x 7-1/2 (pointed flap) |
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#8-5/8 (check size) |
3-5/8 x 8-5/8 |
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#9 |
3-7/8 x 8-7/8 |
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#10 |
4-1/8 x 9-1/2 |
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#11 |
4-1/2 x 10-3/8 |
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#12 |
4-3/4 x 11 |
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#14 |
5 x 11-1/2 |
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Standard Window Sizes and Positions |
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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. |
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A-Style (Announcement) Envelopes |
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Size |
Dimension |
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A2 |
4-3/8 x 5-3/4 |
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A6 |
4-3/4 x 6-1/2 |
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A7 |
5-1/4 x 7-1/4 |
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A8 |
5-1/2 x 8-1/8 |
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A10 |
6 x 9-1/2 |
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Coin Envelopes |
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Size |
Dimension |
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#1 |
2-1/4 x 3-1/2 |
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#3 |
2-1/2 x 4-1/4 |
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#4 |
3 x 4-1/2 |
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#4-1/2 |
3 x 4-7/8 |
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#5 |
2-7/8 x 5-1/4 |
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#5-1/2 |
3-1/8 x 5-1/2 |
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#6 |
3-3/8 x 6 |
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#7 |
3-1/2 x 6-1/2 |
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Remittance Envelopes |
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Size |
Dimension |
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#6-1/2 |
3-1/2 x 6-1/4 |
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#6-3/4 |
3-5/8 x 6-1/2 |
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#9 |
3-7/8 x 8-7/8 |
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Two-Way/Returnalope Reply Mailer Envelopes |
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Dimension |
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3-1/2 x 6-1/2 |
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Teller Helper Envelopes |
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Dimension |
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3-3/4 x 7 |
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Sealing Methods |
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Seal Gum: |
Applied to seal flaps for moistening when flaps are about to be sealed. |
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Latex: |
Self-adhering latex adhesive on two surfaces that seal on contact. |
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Peel and Seel: |
Type of pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the flap and covered with a protective removable strip. |
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Clasp: |
Double-pronged metal clasp for added security and repeated use. |
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String and Button: |
Tie down for repeated use. |
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Converting |
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The following conditions shall apply to orders accepted for making envelopes (converting) from stock supplied by customers, whether such paper is printed or plain: |
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+ Use the furnished layout provided when positioning printing. |
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+ Do NOT reposition the cut(s) - finished printed stock MUST be in the same position as it is on the layout. |
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+ Print cutting marks per the furnished layout on the first 2% of the pressrun only. |
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+ Hone off cutting marks for the rest of the run. |
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+ Clearly label marked sheets and place to the top of the order. |
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+ Allow at least 1/8" wrap for any bleed. |
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+ Clearly mark Guide and Gripper. |
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+ Sheets must be delivered flat, carefully jogged, and all stacked in the same direction. |
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+ The amount of printed sheets should be clearly marked on each skid. |
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+ Furnish "Overs" per order quantity: |
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+ Clearly identify and separate any additional "Make-Ready" provided. |