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.
  • Conditional match
    A color match that depends on present values of illumination and observation.
  • Conformability
    The ability of a material to yield to the contours of a surface that is other than smooth and flat.
  • Conformal coating
    Insulating coating applied to printed circuit board wiring assemblies that covers all of the components and provides protection against moisture, dust, and dirt.
  • Container printing machine (bottle press)
    A screen printing press capable of printing on cylindrical or other three-dimensional part.
  • Corrosive material
    (1) A chemical liquid or solid that causes visible damage or irreversible change in human skin tissue at the site of contact after an exposure period of 4 hours or less; (2) A liquid where its corrosion rate exceeds 0.250 inch per year on steel (SAE1020) at a test temperature of 54 degrees C (130 degrees F).
  • Cromalin
    DuPont trade name for integral color proof.
  • Crop marks (tick mark)
    Sometimes referred to as tick marks, small marks placed in the margin, denoting the live area or areas of an image to be reproduced.
  • Damar (dammar)
    A fossil resin used as an ingredient in screen printing varnishes and lacquers.
  • Dead match
    An exact matching of a mixed color with a sample or previously match batch.
  • Decalcomania (decal)
    An abbreviated form of decalcomania, the French designation of a design printed on specially prepared paper for transfer to a substrate.
  • Decalcomania paper
    A specially coated absorbent paper made of cotton fiber mixed with chemical wood pulp, having a smooth, uniform finish and with a good wet strength and finished as a simplex or duplex decal paper.
  • Deformation
    A change of shape through stress.
  • Dermatitis
    A skin condition or inflammation produced by direct contact with certain chemicals.
  • Diathermal
    The property of transmitting radiant heat.
  • Die, male and female
    Convex and concave matching dies.
  • D-max
     Highest level of density.
  • Dot matrix printer
    A printer where each character is formed from a matrix of dots.
  • Double image
    The appearance of extra unwanted dots in the image area of the print.
  • Dry transfer photomechanical material
    A group of photomechanical aids that permit direct application of textures, patterns, symbols, and letters to another surface.
  • Dye sublimation
    An imaging process that vaporizes colorant with heat and pressure and deposits it onto a substrate in order to simulate a continuous tone or line image.
  • Electromagnetic spectrum
    The complete range of wavelengths and frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves including visible light.
  • Erythema
    An irritation of the skin, typically exhibited by redness that can be caused by exposure to UV light rays.
  • ESMA
    Acceptable acronym for European Screen Printing Manufacturers Association.
  • Face material (body stock) (face stock) (base material)
    Any paper, film, laminate, or foil material suitable for converting into pressure sensitive decals that are attached to a backing or support sheet.
  • Film image assembly (image assembly)
    Positioning, mounting, and securing various individual films to one carrier sheet in preparation for screen making.