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.
  • Automatic machine (automatic press) (mechanically fed)
    A machine that completes partial or full operation cycles by means of energy other than human motion. (A fully automatic screen press loads, prints, and discharges the print without manual effort on the part of the operator other than the switching on and off of the energy source, usually electricity, or controlling machine speed. In some cases, may include ink feeding).
  • Automatic peel
    A feature generally found on a larger automatic screen printing press, where the screen is lifted mechanically behind the moving squeegee, by a spring or cam device.
  • Automatic processor
    A unit where exposed photosensitive sheet material is fed to travel through the processing baths under controlled conditions, and be delivered fully processed and dried at the point of removal.
  • Autopositive film
    A film that develops a positive form from a positive original on exposure, or a negative image from a negative original by reflex exposure through yellow sheeting.
  • Autoscreen film
    Film that has a line halftone screen incorporated into the emulsion, and after exposure to an original, develops to a halftone image.
  • Auxiliary display
    Any type of point-of-purchase display that is in addition to general line of checkout displays, including floor displays, baskets, racks and counter displays.
  • Auxiliary racks
    Display fixtures that are in addition to general line racks, including checkout racks, and racks that can be attached to a general line rack.
  • Avoirdupois weight
    A system of weights and measures based on a pound containing 16 ounces, 7000 grains, or 453.59 grams, and an ounce weighing 16 drams.
  • AWG
    Acronym for American Wire Gauge.
  • Axis
    (1) A straight line, real or imaginary that passes through a body and about which the body may or actually does rotate; (2) Geometric guidelines used to place a coordinate that determines knife or tool paths for plotters and routers.
  • Azodye
    Any of various red, brown, or yellow acidic or basic dyes derived from nitrobenzene in an alkaline solution.