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.
  • Shingling
    An allowance made during paste up or image assembly to compensate for creep.
  • Shooting
    To expose photographic film or photostencil materials to light.
  • Shore A
    A hardness reading of an elastomer or other flexible material with a durometer on a scale from 0 to 100.
  • Shore D
    A hardness reading of a rigid or semi-rigid material with a durometer on a scale of 0 to 100.
  • Shore hardness (indentation hardness)
    A scale for measuring the indentation hardness of the material as determined by tests made with a durometer gauge or scleroscope, a higher number indicates greater hardness. (Consists of a ball for deflection or pin point for depression into the material, which is at least 100 mils thick - Instrument manufactured by Shore Instrument Manufacturing Co., Jamaica, New York USA).
  • Shoreline
    Defect characterized by a series of rings or lines (similar to lines produced by receding water on seashore) in an enamel.
  • Short
    Mixtures of ink with low flow characteristics.
  • Short exposure time
    Duration of exposure that is not as long in minutes, seconds, or other units of time measurement as accepted standard.
  • Short ink
    A printing ink that does not flow freely, and typically has a high yield value; typically described as buttery in consistency.
  • Short run
    Screen printing production run that requires less than the average number of imprints usually produced.
  • Short stitch filter
    A digitizing program that eliminates stitches shorter than a predetermined length to reduce thread breakage.
  • Short ton
    A unit of weight equal to 0.907 metric ton or 2000 pounds avoirdupois.
  • Short wave infrared
    Wavelengths of between 0.76 and 2 microns that are typically reflected by light substrates and penetrated by darker colors.
  • Shorting pad
    Conductive dots or printed pads that operate to close a circuit.
  • Short-term exposure limit (STEL)
    ACGIH-recommended exposure limit, maximum concentration to which Workers can be exposed for a short period of time (15 minutes) for only four times throughout the day with at least one hour between exposures.
  • Show through
    A condition where the printing on one side of a substrate can be seen from the other side when viewed by reflected light; also refer to transparency.
  • Showcard
    An interior card that is printed on card stock with a standard size of 71.1 x 111.8 cm (28 x 44 inches).
  • Shrink mark
    A defect in a molded plastic part where the surface has retracted from the mold interface.
  • Shrinkage
    To become reduced in size.
  • Shute wire
    In wire cloth, those wires that run across the width of the metal woven mesh, comparable to the weft threads in synthetic mesh.
  • Shuttle
    (1) The device in a loom that carries the weft thread through the shed from one side of the web to the other; (2) The lower thread or bobbin in a sewing machine.
  • SIC
    Acceptable acronym for Standard Industrial Classification (US) no longer in use, replaced by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS).
  • Side clamp
    A screen holding device on a textile printing press that secures the printing screen by clamping it on the sides rather than one end.
  • Side heading
    A sub-heading set flush into the text at the left edge.
  • Side hinged pocket
    A pocket that is attached to a display on one side only.