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.
  • Paper thermometer
    A strip of heat sensitive paper that indicates achieved temperature; also refer to temperature tapes.
  • Paperboard
    One of the two broad subdivisions of paper that is generally 12 points (0.3 mm/0.012 inch) or more in thickness.
  • Para red
    An organic red pigment used in ink manufacturing.
  • Parallax
    The difference between the field-of-view seen through the viewfinder and that recorded on the film.
  • Parallelogram easel
    An easel used in the construction of three-dimensional displays that requires assembly with parallel sides.
  • Parallel-receding press
    A screen printing press where the top frame assembly rises up and back or in some models, up and sideways simultaneously, while remaining parallel or horizontal.
  • Parameter
    Controllable variables that describe the conditions of a process.
  • Parchment
    (1) Historically, a sheet made from the skins of goats; (2) An artificial paper made to resemble original; refer to vegetable parchment or vellum.
  • Parian ware
    A soft porcelain composed of one part china clay and two parts feldspar, used for making statuettes.
  • Parison
    A hollow molten plastic tube from which an object is blow molded.
  • Parity
    A set of binary digits where the total numbers of digits in each expression is deliberately kept odd or even by the addition of an extra digit whenever necessary.
  • Particle
    Solid or liquid matter generally between 0.001 micron and 1000 microns in size.
  • Particulate
    Smallest unit; a substance that consists of a minute particle of solid or liquid matter, usually suspended in air.
  • Parylene
    A linear, highly crystalline polymer that is deposited from the vapor phase by a process similar to vacuum metalization, used as a conformal coating for silicone rubber keypads and electronic assemblies.
  • Pascal (Pa)
    A basic unit of pressure equal to the pressure resulting from a force of one Newton acting uniformly over an area of one square meter (N/m2).
  • Passive component
    A component that cannot control voltage or current to produce gain or switching activity.
  • Passive substrate
    An insulating substrate such as glass or ceramic material that provides physical support.
  • Paste
    A smooth textured semi-solid substance.
  • Paste gold
    Gold particles in a suspension of heavy paste that can be thinned to desired consistency, used in glass decorating.
  • Paste up
    A mechanical, composition of flat objects pasted on a backing.
  • Pastel
    A soft light hue or tint.
  • Pasting
    To cause to adhere by applying paste.
  • Patchwork die-cut transfer
    Flex/heat transfer material with a patchwork quilt look; may be applied to cotton and cotton blends.
  • Patent coated board
    Newsboard that has been coated to improve the surface.
  • Pattern
    A plan, diagram, or model to be followed in producing an item.