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.
  • Automatic feeder
    A device for picking up single sheets from a pile and moving them, one at a time into the printing area of the press to be printed.
  • Feeder
    A mechanical mechanism that separates, lifts, and passes individual sheets of substrate to be printed from the stock pile to the printing base, by means of grippers, belts or suction devices.
  • Pile feeder
    An automatic sheet feeding mechanism.
  • Stream feeder
    The action of an automatic feeding system where sheets are fed to a machine or press without appreciable or predetermined interruptions.