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.
  • After tack
    Stickiness that develops in an ink film after it has apparently dried, or after a heat drying operation.
  • Angle of attack
    The angle formed by the face of the moving squeegee blade and the plane of the screen, under pressure. (Due to the flexibility of the blade, this angle generally differs from the squeegee angle, which is measured without movement or pressure).
  • Detackifier
    An additive used to reduce tackiness in a plastisol ink, thereby improving ink flow and shear.
  • Loop tack tester
    Instrument used to measure the tackiness of flexible pressure sensitive adhesives by determining the force required to break a bond formed when the adhesive is brought into contact with a test surface.
  • Low tack adhesive
    An adhesive with an initial non-aggressive character for ease of application that usually becomes a more permanent bond after 24 hours or other pre-selected time period.
  • Residual tack
    The tackiness remaining in a film which, although set, does not reach the tack-free stage.
  • Solvent attack
    An effect or change in a material when contacted by a solvent. 
  • Surface tack
    The force (in grams) necessary to cause separation of material or surface in contact.
  • Tack
    (1) Condition of being sticky; (2) The relatively low splitting force of ink; (3) A large loose stitch used as a temporary fastener of fabric.
  • Tack rag
    A treated cloth used to remove dust or other foreign material from a surface. 
  • Tack surface
    A surface having a sticky feel.
  • Tack-free finish
    Any coating or ink that is not sticky to touch after curing or drying.
  • Tackifier
    An additive used to improve stickiness of an adhesive film; also refer to detackifier.
  • Tackmeter
    Instrument used to measure the stickiness of material by pressing two surfaces together under a known weight for a given time period, and then using a steadily increasing force to separate them.