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.
  • Simple pocket
    A display pocket that has a lock in the bottom.
  • Simplex decal (slide-off decal) (water slide decal)
    A design printed on a special paper that is highly water absorbent, and has a coating of water soluble adhesive on one face. (The design is printed on the adhesive surface, and in application is dipped in water to release the design from the adhesive so it will slide into position from the paper surface).
  • Simplex decal paper
    A single sheet of heavy paper that has been coated with a water soluble adhesive used for decals smaller than 23 x 23 cm (9 x 9 inches); (2) temporary support sheet for a water slide decal prior to application.
  • Simulated process color
    A special computer and camera effect that creates a full color process look by using posterization and grayscale techniques.
  • Single coated
    A stock that has been coated on one side; refer to C1S.
  • Single knit
    Cloth constructed on a circular knitting machine with only one set of needles.
  • Single pole single throw (SPST)
    A normal circuit configuration for a membrane switch.
  • Sink mark
    A depression or dimple found on the surface of an injection-molded part.
  • Sinkage
    The blotchy effect caused by sinking in of an applied ink to a printed substrate with a porous surface.
  • Sinter
    A glass material or mixture fired to less than complete fusion, resulting in a coherent mass.
  • Sintering
    The formation of a solid mass by firing to fusion, but without complete vitrification.
  • Sixteen sheet
    A poster measuring 3050 mm x 2030 mm (120 x 80 inches).
  • Size
    (1) Cutting paper stock to required size; (2) To coat a paper stock with a clear sealing agent to inhibit absorption of ink; (3) A material applied to fabrics to stiffen the cloth and inhibit absorbency.
  • Sizing
    Chemicals mixed with pulp that makes paper less able to absorb moisture.
  • Sizing standard
    A standard range of dimensions, capacities, or weights used by all manufacturers.
  • Skeleton black
    The black film positive used in process printing to print only the shadow areas, but not sufficient for use in UCR or achromatic reproduction.
  • Sketch
    A rough drawing on any kind of paper, usually in pencil or felt marker, primarily to convey the idea of the projected design.
  • Skew (snowplow)
    Occurs when a squeegee travels with its lengthwise dimension at an angle that is not perpendicular to the direction of its travel.
  • Skid
    (1) A wooden platform usually about 20.3 cm high (8 inches) supported by runners length-wise of the construction with heavy lumber crosswise; also referred to as a pallet; (2) Any quantity of stock packed on a moveable platform.
  • Skinning
    A thin layer of dried ink that forms on top of a stored ink.
  • SKU
    Retail inventory term for stock-keeping unit.
  • Slide
    A 35 mm transparency.
  • Slide arm machine
    The heating element of a heat transfer machine that slides away from the lower platen.
  • Sliding latch lock
    A lock used for set-up of folded display parts.
  • Slip
    A slurry containing clay minerals.