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.
  • Atmosphere
    (1) Climate or environment in a given place, generally a reference to temperature and relative humidity; (2) A standard unit of pressure, equal to 1.01325 x 105 newtons per square meter or 14.7 pounds per square inch or 760 mm of mercury.
  • Neutral atmosphere
    An atmospheric condition in a firing kiln that is neither strongly oxidizing or reducing.
  • Oxidizing atmosphere
    (1) Sufficient oxygen content in a lehr to produce or support combustion; (2) Air volume containing oxygen sufficient to promote drying of wet ink applications by oxidation; (3) An environment with an oversupply of oxygen.
  • Reducing atmosphere
    A furnace environment that tends to remove oxygen from a substance or material placed in a lehr or kiln.