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.
  • Conc
    Acceptable abbreviation for concentrated.
  • Concentrated solution
    A solution containing a large amount of solute in proportion to the solvent; refer to dilute solution.
  • Concentration
    The amount by percentage of a solute contained in a given amount of solution.
  • Condensation resin
    Any of the alkyd, phenol-aldehyde, or urea formaldehyde resins.
  • Condenser enlarger
    A type of enlarger using undiffused light to produce high contrast and high definition images.
  • Conditional match
    A color match that depends on present values of illumination and observation.
  • Conditioning
    The process of subjecting materials to specific temperature and humidity conditions for a stipulated period of time.
  • Conduction
    The transfer of energy through a material by passing it from molecule to molecule.
  • Conductive ink (thick film ink)
    An ink for the screen printing of electronic circuits that contains materials that permitting electric current flow through a printed line or pattern.
  • Conductivity
    The quality or power to conduct or transmit electrical current.
  • Conductor
    An element or substance that has many free electrons permitting a free flow of electric energy within its mass.
  • Conductor width
    The width of a trace or line when printed on the substrate.
  • Confluence of ink
    The flowing together of the tiny segments of ink deposited through a screen printing stencil into a solid, unbroken line.
  • 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.
  • Conjunctivitis
    A very painful condition of the eye or conjunctive - the inner lining of the eyelid - caused by harsh light exposure to a UV light source or the sun.
  • Consecutive numbering
    The identification of screen printed items by applying number in correct counting order.
  • Consistency
    (1) The relative stiffness (body) of an ink or coating; (2) Describes the apparent viscosity of an ink or varnish when shearing forces of varying degrees are applied to it in various ways.
  • Conspicuity
    A highly reflective film, rendered in bright safety colors to enhance appearance under highway conditions.
  • Const
    Acceptable abbreviation for constant.
  • Constant viscosity
    A property of certain liquids, the ratio of shear stress over shear rate being constant.
  • Contact
    A physical meeting of two continuous surfaces without trapping of air in between.
  • Contact angle
    An angle formed between two substances, as determined by their surface tensions, when in contact.
  • Contact bounce
    An intermittent opening and closing of a switch after actuation.
  • Contact film
    A blue sensitive continuous tone film with a relatively high maximum density, excellent resolution, and a special antihalation backing that allows exposure through its base without loss of quality.