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.
  • Ambient temperature
    Temperature of the immediately surrounding air volume.
  • Application temperature
    The minimum temperature at which a pressure sensitive material can be applied to a surface.
  • Burn off temperature
    The temperature at which organic media is removed from applied colors, or the temperature at which the unwanted portion of a glass article is melted for removal.
  • Cold temperature adhesive
    An adhesive that will induce a bond to a cold substrate.
  • Color temperature
    (1) A measure of the energy distribution over the visible spectral range of a light source with a continuous spectrum, expressed in degrees Kelvin (K); the temperature at which an object emits its specific wavelength of light in degrees Kelvin (K); (2) Manufacturer’s method of indicating the color of a light source in degrees Kelvin (K) (2700K yellow/white, 4100K white, 5500K blue/white).
  • Deflection temperature
    Temperature at which a standard test bar deflects 0.25 mm (0.010 in) under stated load of either 0.45 MPa (66 psi) or 1.82 MPa (264 psi).
  • Firing temperature
    The peak temperature reached in a curing cycle.
  • Glass transition temperature (Tg)
    Midpoint of the temperature range over which a material undergoes a phase change from brittle to rubbery or vice versa.
  • High temperature adhesive
    An adhesive that will induce a bond to a hot substrate.
  • Maturing temperature
    The temperature where glass decoration must be held for a selected time to achieve the desired cure properties.
  • Maximum operating temperature
    The maximum temperature at which a device can be safely operated.
  • Mean temperature
    The average of the maximum and minimum temperatures of a process at equilibrium.
  • Negative temperature coefficient
    A decrease in resistance with an increase in temperature.
  • Peak firing temperature
    The maximum temperature at which firing of cermet or glass inks can be accomplished without deterioration or destruction of the imprint.
  • Positive temperature coefficient
    An increase in resistance due to an increase in temperature.
  • Process temperature
    The temperature of the process medium, as recorded by a sensor.
  • Resistance temperature characteristics
    Relationship between thermistor resistance and the temperature it is sensing.
  • Room temperature curing adhesive
    Adhesive that sets within an hour at room temperatures from 21° to 30°C (68° to 86°F) and reach full strength without heating.
  • Screen working temperature
    The temperature at which a heated printing screen is maintained while printing with thermoplastic inks.
  • Softening temperature
    The temperature where enamel or frit begins to flow.
  • Temp
    Acceptable abbreviation for temperature.
  • Temperature humidity controls
    Equipment or device for regulating both temperature and humidity in given areas.
  • Temperature tapes
    Paper material treated with a heat sensitive colored substance that drastically changes color at a specified temperature.
  • Tempered
    Having the required degree of hardness or elasticity.
  • Tempered glass
    Glass that has been strengthened by chemical tempering or by rapid cooling from near its softening point.