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.
  • Balance
    (1) A device for weighing material in the preparation of processing compounds and solutions; (2) Harmony and equilibrium of graphic elements due to placement.
  • Color balance
    (1) Correct combination of cyan, magenta, and yellow needed to reproduce an original without unwanted color variation; (2) The specific combination of cyan, magenta, and yellow needed to produce a neutral gray in the color separation process.
  • Counterbalanced squeegee
    A squeegee with a weight similar to the weight of the squeegee, placed on the opposite side of a pivot, to absorb all or part of the actual weight of the squeegee, reducing operator fatigue.
  • Gray balance
    The combination of cyan, magenta, and yellow halftone dots that yield a neutral gray tint without hue for a specific press, substrate, and ink combination (Gray balance elements are targets made up of overprints of cyan, magenta, and yellow halftone tints that are intended to appear as a neutral gray with no hue).