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.
  • Crock
    A measure of resistance to deterioration of an imprint on fabric by rubbing or abrasion.
  • Crocking
    The rubbing-off (wet or dry) of surface color, occurs when a dye or pigment is not adequately fixed in the substrate.
  • Cromalin
    DuPont trade name for integral color proof.
  • Crop
    To opaque, mask, or trim part of an image to fit a designated area.
  • Crop marks (tick mark)
    Sometimes referred to as tick marks, small marks placed in the margin, denoting the live area or areas of an image to be reproduced.
  • Cropping
    (1) Indicates what portion of the image is to be included in the final reproduction; (2) Trimming unwanted areas of a photographic film or print.
  • Cross direction
    The position across the grain or at a right angle to the machine direction.
  • Cross hatch test
    A test method used to determine how well an ink adheres to a substrate, refer to ASTM D3359 Ink Adhesion Test (US).
  • Cross laminated
    Lamination made with layers of material applied at right angles over previously applied layers.
  • Cross linking
    (1) A long chain, joining of molecules to form a change in the physical structure and properties of a material; (2) Connecting crosswise in parallel chains the atoms or atomical groups in a complex molecule; (3) A chemical bridge formed between molecular chains to enhance internal film bond to a substrate.
  • C-stage
    The final stage in the reaction of thermosetting resin where the material is relatively insoluble and infusible; thermosetting resin in a fully cured state
  • Cubic centimeter (cm3)
    A measurement unit of volume in the metric system that is equal to the volume of a cube whose length, width and breadth each measure a centimeter, abbreviated cm3.
  • Cubic foot (ft3)
    A unit of volume that is equal to the volume of a cube whose length, width and breadth each measure a foot.
  • Cubic inch (in3)
    A unit of volume that is equal to the volume of a cube whose length, width and breadth each measure an inch.
  • Cubic meter (m3)
    A unit of volume in the metric system of measurement that is equal to the volume of a cube whose length, width and breadth each measure a meter.
  • Cubic yard (yd3)
    A unit of volume that is equal to the volume of a cube whose length, width and breadth each measure a yard.
  • Cullet
    Waste or broken glass suitable as an addition to a raw batch.
  • Cure
    (1) To convert a wet coating to its maximum dry film state; (2) The resolving of coating material into a useable state by heat, chemical action, or firing; refer to curing.
  • Cure meter
    Instrument used to determine the curing characteristics of cross linking polymers, can also be used to measure setting time for resin.
  • Cure rate index (CRI)
    A measurement rate at specific wavelengths and power level, usually measured in centimeters per minute/feet per minute.
  • Cure time
    The time/temperature combination required to bring organic decoration to the desired level of hardness, caustic, and chemical resistance.
  • Curing
    (1) A drying process usually requiring elevated temperature of film that cannot be dried by oxidation; (2) In textile decoration, the application of heat to set the emulsion of pigment dye into the textile fibers; (3) A two (or more) part chemical reaction that, when completed, resembles a dried appearance such as photopolymerization of UV curable coatings.
  • Curing agent
    An additive that promotes the curing of an ink or coating; a catalyst reactive agent that is added to a resin to cause polymerization.
  • Curing oven
    A chamber where drying and/or some change of a freshly printed ink surface takes place during the drying process, to improve adhesion, solidify the film or otherwise convert film characteristics by means other than by solvent evaporation.
  • Curing unit
    A UV curing reactor that houses a UV energy emitter used for the polymerization of ultraviolet curable inks, coatings, and adhesives.