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.
  • American Wire Gauge (AWG)
    A wire diameter specification where the smaller the number designator, the larger the wire diameter.
  • Deflection gauge
    Refer to tensionmeter.
  • Draft gauge
    An instrument used to measure small pressure differentials below atmospheric.
  • Durometer gauge
    An instrument for measuring the degree of hardness of an elastomer or rubber such as a squeegee blade (lower number softer, higher number harder); also refer to shore hardness.
  • Film gauge
    A number indicating the thickness of film.
  • Gauge
    (1) Any of various instruments or tools for precise measuring; (2) to measure exactly; (3) a standard of measure, dimension, or capacity.
  • Knit shrinkage gauge
    Instrument used for measuring the ability of preshrunk to return to original size under tension.
  • Line gauge
    A ruler scaled in picas and points, but may also include inches and agate measurements, used by printers.
  • Screen gauge
    A device for determining the screen ruling used in a printed halftone negative or positive.
  • Tensionmeter (tensiometer) (deflection gauge)
    (1) An instrument used to measure the tautness of screen mesh in newtons per centimeter; (2) An instrument to measure surface and interfacial tension of liquids, or tensile strength of solids.
  • Thickness gauge
    A type of instrument used to determine the thickness of a stencil, screen mesh, or ink layer.
  • Type gauge
    A printer’s measurement tool calibrated in picas and points.