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.
  • Alcohol
    Any of a class of chemical compounds derived from hydrocarbon by replacing one or more of the hydrogen atoms with an equal number of hydroxyl radicals; a class of solvents that in addition to the hydrogen and carbon elements, also have oxygen, general formula C2H5OH.
  • Butyl alcohol
    A solvent high in strength for most natural gums, widely used in the formulation of nitrocellulose lacquers and synthetic resin inks and coatings.
  • Diacetone alcohol
    A ketone manufactured by the condensation of acetone in two grades, one containing up to 15% acetone and the other acetone free.
  • Ethyl alcohol
    Grain alcohol; a colorless limpid volatile liquid widely used solvent, where high volatility is essential.
  • Methyl alcohol
    Used in combination with ethylene dichloride as a solvent and thinner for some types of water-soluble blockouts used to remove lacquer knife-cut stencils from a screen.
  • Polyhydric alcohol
    Alcohols such as glycol and glycerol containing more than one C-OH group per molecule.
  • Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)
    A thermoplastic that is produced from full or partial hydrolysis of vinyl ester such as vinyl acetate resulting in the replacement of some or all of the acetyl groups with hydroxyl groups.
  • Polyvinyl alcohol emulsion
    A solution made by dissolving specific amounts of a fine white synthetic powder known as polyvinyl alcohol and ammonium or potassium bichromate in specific volumes of water.