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.
  • Double face
    (1) A sign or display printed on both sides of the material; (2) Paper or other sheet substrate that has been prepared for printing on both sides.
  • Face
    The better looking side of the fabric.
  • Face channel
    A lighted sign component with back, sides, and translucent face.
  • Face cut label
    A die-cut label where the matrix has not been removed.
  • Face down
    A decal designed for application to a transparent substrate through which the pattern or design can be viewed.
  • Face material (body stock) (face stock) (base material)
    Any paper, film, laminate, or foil material suitable for converting into pressure sensitive decals that are attached to a backing or support sheet.
  • Face plate
    Synonymous with fascia or overlay, refers to the top most area of a membrane switch.
  • Face print
    Screen printing on the first surface of a transparent substrate, as opposed to printing on the back (reverse).
  • Face slitting
    Cutting through the face sheet of a pressure sensitive laminate without cutting through the backing. (Slitting is done lengthwise of a web, or crosswise, in straight parallel cuts to form strips of desired width).
  • Face up
    A decal designed for application to an opaque substrate that is read or observed from the same side as the application surface.
  • First surface
    The outside or exposed area of a sign face or translucent material.
  • Graphical User Interface (GUI)
    A computer operating or control system that applies graphics for the operator to command the computer with a mouse or stylus
  • Kiss cutting (face cutting)
    The die cutting of a face material of a laminated substrate without cutting the support material.
  • Non-porous surfaces
    Surfaces such as glass, ceramic, or metal where the tendency of the ink to absorb slightly or bond with an application is absent.
  • Porous surfaces (porosity of substrate)
    Surface of substrate with open pore construction as in paper that have the capability of slight absorption, thus offering a mechanical bond with ink applications.
  • Second surface
    The back or reverse side of a substrate.
  • Split face
    A slit in the face of pressure sensitive product to facilitate removal from the liner.
  • Subsurface printing
    Placing the image on the underside of the substrate; also refer to second surface.
  • Surface mount device (SMD)
    A component that is attached to the surface pad of a substrate to perform an electronic function.
  • Surface mount technology
    Printed circuitry where surface mounted component leads are soldered to the top level conductors of the printed circuit board (PCB).
  • Surface resistivity
    The resistance of a surface of an insulating material to the flow of direct electrical current; the electrical resistance between opposite edges of a unit square on the surface of an insulation material express in ohm/sq.
  • Surface tack
    The force (in grams) necessary to cause separation of material or surface in contact.
  • Surface tension
    The property of a liquid that causes the surface to pull into the smallest area for maximum volume; measured in dynes/cm.
  • Surface treatment spray
    Silicone, wax, or stearate applied to glass surface to increase scratch resistance and reduce breakage, applied as glass exits annealing zone of the lehr (causes decoration problems).
  • Surface-color-perception solid
    In the Munsell color system, a cylindrical solid based on the three color perception attributes of hue, lightness and saturation.