Glossary

The PRINTING United Alliance Glossary serves as an excellent industry terminology resource. It is the language by which we all communicate. Without it, universal understanding would be impossible.

To keep our constituents well informed about changes to the increasingly complex industry terminology, PRINTING United Alliance has developed this glossary of terms. Definitions are for general reference only. Usage may vary between companies, individuals, or national and country customs. The information presented is as accurate as the authors and editors can ascertain and PRINTING United Alliance assumes no responsibility for the use of information presented herein.
  • British Thermal Unit (Btu)
    A measure of generated heat; the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at or near its point of maximum density.
  • Cap printing machine (textiles)
    A specifically engineered device for printing onto the rounded surfaces of a cap using a flat or flexible curved screen.
  • Capability performance index (Cp)
    A measure of the relationship between the allowable process spread (part tolerance) and the actual process spread (natural balance).
  • Caret mark
    A symbol (_) indicating where an omission in the copy should be inserted.
  • CE mark
    Indicates product meets European Union for Standardization product safety testing requirements.
  • Cermet run summary
    A data sheet bearing all technical specifications, instructions, etc., including that developed in targeting and production runs in thick film circuit production, that identifies each specific job; a guide sheet of specs and values of a thick film circuit.
  • Certification mark
    A mark used by a person other than the owner of the mark, certifying origin, quality, material or other characteristics. Example: ILGWU (International Ladies Garment Workers Union) label.
  • Chain marks
    Impression caused by support systems used to convey a substrate through the heat cycle.
  • Chemical milling (chemical machining) (photofabrication)
    A process of producing very small precise shape in metal that is usually too fragile to withstand machine shaping. (A resist is printed on the metal foil in the design desired and the excess, unprotected metal is then etched away).
  • Chill mark
    A wrinkled surface condition on glassware resulting from uneven cooling in the forming process.
  • Chroma
    (1) Intensity or strength of a color, the degree of brightness or brilliance; (2) The extent that a color is diluted by white light; (3) Its saturation or degree of departure from black and white; (4) Hue or color information.
  • Chromalin
    A color proofing system by DuPont.
  • Chromatic
    Perceived as having hue; not white, gray, or black.
  • Chromatic attributes
    Those attributes associated with the spectral distribution of light.
  • Chromaticity
    A color specification that is indicated by dominant wavelength and purity.
  • Chromatone
    A photographic color print process.
  • CIE chromaticity coordinates (Trichomatic Coefficients or Trilinear Coordinates)
    The ratios of each of the tristimulus values of a color to the sum of the tristimulus values. (In the CIE systems they are designated by x, y, and z).
  • CIE chromaticity diagram
    Two-dimensional graph of the chromaticity coordinates, x as the abscissa and y as the ordinate, which shows the spectrum locus (chromaticity coordinates of monochromatic light 380 to 700nm).
  • CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
    The three subtractive primary colors used in color negative printing, and some output devices, to produce a full gamut of color.
  • Coefficient of thermal expansion - linear
    (1) The fractional part of its length that a material elongates when raised one degree Celsius in temperature; (2) Fractional change in length or volume of a material divided by the change in temperature.
  • Collective mark
    A distinctive mark or symbol identifying an association, fraternal society, or membership in a trade union such as SGIA, SME, ASI, and AFL/CIO.
  • Color fastness (color permanence) (color stability)
    (1) The property of a screen printed or digital imprint to retain its color under normal storage or age conditions and to resist color change when exposed to light, heat, or other environmental influences; (2) Ability of a dyed fabric to resist fading due to washing, exposure to sunlight, or other environmental conditions.
  • Color Management System (CMS)
    A combination of software and hardware devices to produce accurate color results throughout a digital imaging system.
  • Color match
    Condition resulting when no significant difference in hue, saturation, and lightness can be detected between two color samples when examined under specified illumination and viewing conditions.
  • Color matching functions
    Relative amounts of three additive primaries required to match each wavelength of light. The term is generally used to refer to the CIE Standard Observer color matching functions.