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.
  • Square foot (ft2)
    A unit of measure of area where each side of a square is equal to a foot and is equivalent to 144 square inches.
  • Square inch (in2)
    A unit of measure of area where each side of a square is equal to an inch and is equivalent to 6.452 square centimeters.
  • Square meter (m2)
    A unit of measure of area in the metric system where each side of a square is equal to a meter and is equivalent to 0.84 square yards.
  • Square root
    A quantity whose square equals a given quantity such as 3 is the square root of 9; a number of quantity when squared, or multiplied by itself will produce a given number of quantity; symbol Ã.
  • Square yard (yd2)
    A unit of measure of area where each side of a square is equal to a yard and is equivalent to 9 square feet.
  • Squeegee
    (1) A blade used to force ink through the openings of a screen printing stencil when in contact with a substrate; (2) A small plastic device used to burnish down self-adhesive vinyl.
  • Squeegee angle
    The angle formed by the face of the squeegee blade, on the side toward the direction of the printing stroke, and the plane of the screen mesh, with squeegee in printing position but without pressure.
  • Squeegee carriage
    A mechanism or device that holds the squeegee at the proper angle for printing.
  • Squeegee holder
    That part of a screen printing press or manual screen printing unit to which the squeegee is attached for printing.
  • Squeegee oil
    A mixing medium in liquid form of organic material used as a vehicle in direct printing paste.
  • Squeegee paste
    A mixture of squeegee oil and finely divided inorganic materials compounded for screen printing on glass.
  • Squeegee pressure
    The force exerted by the squeegee on the printing screen to bring it into contact with the substrate and press ink through the open screen apertures.
  • Squeegee printing edge
    That corner or edge of the squeegee blade that contacts the mesh to force the ink through the stencil.
  • Squeegee profile
    The cross-sectional shape of the squeegee blade.
  • Squeegee sharpener
    A mechanical device to restore sharpness to a squeegee edge.
  • SRA
    A paper size in the series of ISO international paper sizes, slightly larger than the A series, allowing the printer extra space for bleed.
  • Stability
    To resist sudden change.
  • Stabilizer
    Chemicals used in plastic formulations to assist in maintaining physical and chemical properties during and after processing; an additive that acts to prevent or limit changes in the physical properties of a substance during processing or product life.
  • Stage connector
    A display part used in stage-like constructions.
  • Stagnation pressure
    The sum of the static and dynamic pressures of a fluid.
  • Stain
    (1) To discolor or blemish; (2) To color or dye by penetration.
  • Stainless steel screen
    Printing screen made of woven stainless steel mesh, also referred to as wire cloth.
  • Stamping
    To impress forcibly or permanently; also refer to hot stamping.
  • Stamping die
    A die used for foil stamping.
  • Stand oil
    Term used in United Kingdom; refer to linseed oil.