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.
  • Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)
    The maximum number of defects per one hundred units that can be considered to be satisfactory as a process average.
  • National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
    A set of maximum concentration levels for air pollutants established by the 1970 US Clean Air Act; particulate matter, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, photochemical oxidants, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides are among the substances regulated.
  • Print quality
    The properties of a print that meet or exceeds customer specifications.
  • Promotional quality
    A garment that is lighter in weight and less expensive.
  • Quality
    A measure of the degree of perfection of all phases of a process.
  • Quality assurance (QA) (quality control) (QC)
    A system of inspections, and/or tests instituted at various stages in a manufacturing or printing process to ensure that the end product will meet predetermined standards.
  • Quality factor
    A measure of the ratio of pixels per halftone screen ruling.
  • Statistical quality control (SQC)
    A process sampling and charting method for quality assurance.