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.
  • Surface mount device (SMD)
    A component that is attached to the surface pad of a substrate to perform an electronic function.
  • Surface mount technology
    Printed circuitry where surface mounted component leads are soldered to the top level conductors of the printed circuit board (PCB).
  • Surface resistivity
    The resistance of a surface of an insulating material to the flow of direct electrical current; the electrical resistance between opposite edges of a unit square on the surface of an insulation material express in ohm/sq.
  • Surface tack
    The force (in grams) necessary to cause separation of material or surface in contact.
  • Surface tension
    The property of a liquid that causes the surface to pull into the smallest area for maximum volume; measured in dynes/cm.
  • Surface treatment spray
    Silicone, wax, or stearate applied to glass surface to increase scratch resistance and reduce breakage, applied as glass exits annealing zone of the lehr (causes decoration problems).
  • Surface-color-perception solid
    In the Munsell color system, a cylindrical solid based on the three color perception attributes of hue, lightness and saturation.
  • Surfactant
    A material used in small amount to modify the surface properties of liquids or solids. (Detergents, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, dispersion agents, and foam inhibitors are all surfactant).
  • Surprint
    In photography an exposure from one negative superimposed upon a previous exposed image of a second negative.
  • Swash
    A capital letter with an ornamental flourish.
  • Swatch
    A small sample piece of material used for color matching or color measurement; also refer to as a color swatch.
  • Swatch book
    A booklet containing small samples of paper or ink color.
  • Sweating
    (1) Condensed atmospheric moisture; (2) To excrete moisture through a porous surface.
  • Sweep speed
    The speed that the squeegee travels across the printing screen.
  • Swivel stencil knife
    A stencil knife that has a freely rotating blade or pin, used for cutting stencil film.
  • SWOP
    Acceptable acronym for specification for web offset printing.
  • Symbol (sym)
    A pictorial object representing a function.
  • Symmetry
    The balance of design elements where one side equals another.
  • Synchronize
    To operate in unison; to cause to operate with exact coincidence in time or rate.
  • Syneresis
    The exudation of plasticizer from a plastic or polymer formulation.
  • Synergy
    A combination of chemicals that brings about some type of risk.
  • Synthetic fabric
    Any fabric made from man-made fibers, strands, or threads.
  • Synthetic paper
    A non-cellulosic material that is made from plastic or other non-petroleum based product.
  • Synthetic resin
    Complex chemical resin produced through reactions of simple molecules; a man-made resin.
  • Tablet (Graphics Tablet)
    An input device that uses a stylus or specialized mouse to write or draw on the tablet surface to communicate with the computer.