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.
  • Air knife (air jet)
    The tiny holes or slots in the sheet, plate, or similar configuration within a drying system through which air is forced under compression onto the surface of freshly printed substrate to accelerate drying; also referred to as air jet.
  • Jet
    (1) The blackness or intensity of the masstone of black or near-black ink or colored surface; (2) A pressurized stream of air used as a drying mechanism.
  • Jet dryer
    A mechanical unit consisting of a conveyor belt for transporting wet prints through a chamber where hot air is projected through holes or slits onto the surface of the print to hasten evaporation of the volatile solvents from the wet ink film.
  • Jet drying
    The drying of screen printed material by means of a jet dryer.
  • Jet spray etcher
    A device for etching printed circuit boards by means of the application of etchants through a nozzle, rather than by immersion.