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.
  • Chemical resistance
    The resistance of an ink film or imprint to deteriorating from exposure to or immersion in chemicals of specified type under specified conditions.
  • Chemical vapor drying
    The hardening and setting of the surface of a printed ink film with a gaseous mixture of elements instead of heat.
  • Chemistry
    Generic use referring to chemicals used in a darkroom.
  • Chessy
    Under cured, used in evaluating the degree of cure in a plastisol ink film.
  • Chill mark
    A wrinkled surface condition on glassware resulting from uneven cooling in the forming process.
  • China
    A dense porous white opaque glazed or unglazed vitreous ceramic whiteware.
  • China clay
    Natural white inorganic mineral pigment used in paper coatings and as an ink extender.
  • Chipboard
    An inexpensive single ply paperboard manufactured from mixed waste papers to a low density, used whenever durability or appearance are not important factors.
  • Chips (wafers)
    (1) Factory formed substrate on which electronic circuits are printed, usually a formulation including alumina, with high heat resistance; (2) A fingernail-sized chip of silicon that carries circuitry.
  • Chlorinated solvent
    A family of solvents made up of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine, or carbon and chlorine. (Chlorinated solvents have high solvent strength for oils and fats not ordinarily dissolved by the esters, ketones, or alcohols).
  • Choke
    A process whereby an image is made smaller in size without changing its shape or position.
  • Chroma
    (1) Intensity or strength of a color, the degree of brightness or brilliance; (2) The extent that a color is diluted by white light; (3) Its saturation or degree of departure from black and white; (4) Hue or color information.
  • Chromalin
    A color proofing system by DuPont.
  • Chromatic
    Perceived as having hue; not white, gray, or black.
  • Chromatic attributes
    Those attributes associated with the spectral distribution of light.
  • Chromaticity
    A color specification that is indicated by dominant wavelength and purity.
  • Chromatone
    A photographic color print process.
  • Chrome green
    An opaque green pigment that is fairly light resistant, made by mixing freshly precipitated iron blue and chrome yellow.
  • Chrome yellow
    A light resistant opaque yellow pigment composed essentially of lead chromate.
  • Chromic acid treatment
    An acid bath treatment for polyolefins (polypropylene, polyethylene), in preparation for coating, bonding, or printing.
  • Chrominance
    The portions of a signal that are dedicated to describing the hue and saturation. Used in measuring the difference between two colors of equal brightness.
  • Chromium
    In photosensitive process, a blue-white metallic element compound which is used as a bleaching or hardening agent.
  • Chromium tanning
    The changing by action of actinic light, of polyvinyl alcohol films, coatings, or emulsions containing potassium bichromate or ammonium bichromate that results in the PVA becoming insoluble in water.
  • Chronic
    A toxic effect that results from exposure to a toxic material over a long period of time.
  • Chronic effect
    Refers to the adverse health effects that develop over a long period of time or upon repeated/prolonged exposure to a hazardous material.