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.
  • Cellulosics
    Thermoplastic resins manufactured by chemical modification of cellulose.
  • Celsius (C) (Centigrade)
    Formerly known as Centigrade, a thermal scale for measuring heat and/or cold temperature, more widely used than the Fahrenheit scale in scientific and other laboratory work with a freezing point of zero.
  • Cement exposing method
    An exposing technique involving the temporary securing of the film positive or hand made positive to the photoscreen film with rubber cement prior to exposure.
  • CEN
    Acceptable abbreviation for European Committee for Standardization.
  • Centi
    A prefix utilized in the metric system of measurement that denotes 10 to the negative 2 power (10-2) or 0.01, abbreviated c.
  • Centigram (cg)
    A unit of weight in the metric system that is equal to 1/100 of a gram; abbreviated cg.
  • Centimeter (cm)
    A unit of measure in the metric system of measurement equivalent to 1/100 of a meter or 0.3927 inch; abbreviated is cm.
  • Centipoise
    A unit of measure of viscosity equal to one hundredth (0.01) of a poise, the viscosity of water at 20° C.
  • Centistoke
    A unit of measure of kinematic viscosity.
  • Central line
    A line on a control chart that depicts the average or median value of the terms plotted.
  • Centrifugal force
    A force exerted on an object moving in a circular path which is directed away from the center of rotation.
  • Centripetal force
    A force exerted on an object moving in a circular path which is directed inward toward the center of rotation.
  • CEPS (Color Electronic Prepress)
    A high-end digital publishing system specifically designed for color correction and image assembly.
  • Ceramic
    Technology concerned with the manufacture of products from inorganic, non-metallic substances, and materials that are subjected to a high temperature during manufacture or use.
  • Ceramic coating
    An inorganic, essentially non-metallic, coating suitable for use at or above red heat.
  • Ceramic enamel
    A vitreous coating that is fused at elevated temperature to a ceramic or glass substrate.
  • Ceramic ink
    An ink containing ceramic pigments and flux that is applied to ceramic substrate.
  • Ceramic substrate
    Wafers, chips, or other forms such as steatite compositions used for printed electronic circuitry.
  • Cermet
    Derived from "ceramic" and "metal"; (1) A material composed of processed ceramic particles bonded with metal and used for high temperature applications; (2) A film, or coating, screen printed with formulations of conductive and insulating materials onto a ceramic substrate.
  • Cermet run summary
    A data sheet bearing all technical specifications, instructions, etc., including that developed in targeting and production runs in thick film circuit production, that identifies each specific job; a guide sheet of specs and values of a thick film circuit.
  • Certificate
    A written statement stating an organization’s procedures or material complies with a set of standards or requirements.
  • Certificate of compliance (C of C)
    A certificate generated by a quality control department confirming that a product or material meets a certain standard or requirement.
  • Certification
    The verification that specific training or testing has been performed and that required proficiencies or parameter values have been attained.
  • Certification mark
    A mark used by a person other than the owner of the mark, certifying origin, quality, material or other characteristics. Example: ILGWU (International Ladies Garment Workers Union) label.
  • CFM
    Acceptable abbreviation for cubic feet per minute.