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.
  • Central line
    A line on a control chart that depicts the average or median value of the terms plotted.
  • Centrifugal force
    A force exerted on an object moving in a circular path which is directed away from the center of rotation.
  • Centripetal force
    A force exerted on an object moving in a circular path which is directed inward toward the center of rotation.
  • CEPS (Color Electronic Prepress)
    A high-end digital publishing system specifically designed for color correction and image assembly.
  • Ceramic
    Technology concerned with the manufacture of products from inorganic, non-metallic substances, and materials that are subjected to a high temperature during manufacture or use.
  • Ceramic coating
    An inorganic, essentially non-metallic, coating suitable for use at or above red heat.
  • Ceramic enamel
    A vitreous coating that is fused at elevated temperature to a ceramic or glass substrate.
  • Ceramic ink
    An ink containing ceramic pigments and flux that is applied to ceramic substrate.
  • Ceramic substrate
    Wafers, chips, or other forms such as steatite compositions used for printed electronic circuitry.
  • Cermet
    Derived from "ceramic" and "metal"; (1) A material composed of processed ceramic particles bonded with metal and used for high temperature applications; (2) A film, or coating, screen printed with formulations of conductive and insulating materials onto a ceramic substrate.
  • 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.
  • Certificate
    A written statement stating an organization’s procedures or material complies with a set of standards or requirements.
  • Certificate of compliance (C of C)
    A certificate generated by a quality control department confirming that a product or material meets a certain standard or requirement.
  • Certification
    The verification that specific training or testing has been performed and that required proficiencies or parameter values have been attained.
  • 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.
  • CFM
    Acceptable abbreviation for cubic feet per minute.
  • CFR
    Acceptable acronym for the US Code of Federal Regulations that is maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.USA.
  • CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile)
    A vector-based standard for graphics files that allows images to be transferred between applications.
  • Chain marks
    Impression caused by support systems used to convey a substrate through the heat cycle.
  • Chain stitch (moss stitch)
    A stitch formed by a hook that acts as a needle and one thread that is fed from the bottom side of the fabric.
  • Chair easel (single wing easel)
    A display easel with a single fold-out support section that can be locked at a 90 degree angle to the back of a display card.
  • Chalking
    A screen printed ink where the pigment is not properly bound to the substrate and can be easily rubbed off in the form of a powder, common with exposure to the elements.
  • Channel
    A component of a digital image that carries the data for a color component or a mask.
  • Channel black
    Carbon black produced by impinging a natural gas flame against a metal surface.
  • Channel connector
    A display part used for connecting two attached planes.