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.
  • Adhesion
    The molecular force of attraction between unlike materials; being united or attached, by a mechanical, chemically, or reactive bond between surfaces causing them to stick together; (adhesion to a smooth surface may rely on polar adhesion).
  • Adhesion buildup
    An increase in the peel adhesion value of pressure sensitive tape after it has been allowed to dwell on the applied surface.
  • Adhesion shear
    A measure of the time required to slide a standard area (as of a decal) from a standard flat surface in a direction parallel to the surface.
  • Adhesion test
    Any of a variety of test methods used to determine adequate bonding of ink or coating to a substrate.
  • Chemical adhesion
    The attachment of an ink or coating to a surface by actual chemical attack which changes the character of the substrate.
  • Film adhesion
    The relative quality of the bonding of a screen printing stencil film to the screen printing fabric.
  • Intercoat adhesion
    1) The ability of inks and coatings to adhere to one another 2) The ability of an ink or coating to maintain its integrity without separating or layering.
  • Label adhesion test
    A method to determining the degree that a standard or designated label adhesive adheres to a surface under specific conditions.
  • Mechanical adhesion
    (1) Attraction between two surfaces that is promoted by a physical interlocking (plastisol adheres to fabric by such bond after curing); (2) An attachment of a ink or coating film to a surface by molecular attraction without altering the coated surface.
  • Peel adhesion
    A measure of the force required to remove a material from a test panel at a specified angle and speed after the material was applied to the panel under specific conditions.
  • Polar adhesion
    Adhesion to a surface that has polarity such as wood, paper and cloth.
  • Release and adhesion tester
    Instrument used to measure adhesion values of pressure sensitive paper stock by recording the force required to strip away face material or label stock from the release liner at preset speed and angle.
  • Shear adhesion
    Measure of internal strength of an adhesive; i.e. "cohesive" strength.
  • Specific adhesion
    The force required to remove a decal adhesive from a specified substrate under specified conditions.