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.
  • Clear ink coat
    A colorless printable compound of varnish or transparent material.
  • Clear vinyl
    Vinyl plastic formulated so that the resulting sheet or film is transparent.
  • Clearance
    The smallest distance separating conductive parts at a specified setting on a membrane switch.
  • Clearing
    A process of removing fog from the film negative or positive during development.
  • Clearing agent
    A chemical that neutralizes hypo in film or paper processing, thereby reducing washing time and producing a more stable image.
  • Cleat
    A strip of wood or metal used to strengthen a sign, display, or other construction.
  • Cliche
    A photoengraved pad printing plate made of steel or plastic.
  • Clip
    A display part used for attaching small items to the back of a display.
  • Clip art
    Previously developed designs and graphics used in composing artwork, copyright free and/or purchased for a fee.
  • Clipping
    The grouping (usually unwanted) of all tones or colors above or below a certain value into one composite tone.
  • Clogging
    (1) Premature drying of ink in the screen mesh that blocks portions of the stencil; (2) A restriction of the passage of a material through application equipment.
  • Cloning
    Retouching function on a color imaging system used to remove image defects by replacing pixels in the defective area with duplicate pixels from adjacent non-defective areas.
  • Close tolerance printing (precision printing)
    Screen printing with extreme precision in relation to dimensions and/or placement of design elements, as in electronic circuits.
  • Closeness of control
    Total variation from a desired set point; also referred to as amplitude of deviation.
  • CLUT (Color Look-Up Table) (LUT)
    A color-management software reference file that maintains the proper calibration of devices, such as monitors, printers and scanners. 
  • CMC
    Acceptable abbreviation for the Society of Dyes and Colourists in Great Britain.
  • CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
    The three subtractive primary colors used in color negative printing, and some output devices, to produce a full gamut of color.
  • CMYK
    Acceptable acronym for cyan, magenta, yellow, black.
  • CN
    Acceptable acronym for cellulose nitrate.
  • Coagulation
    The transition of a coating material from colloid to the solid state through precipitation.
  • Coalescence
    The joining or unifying of liquid films or adhesives.
  • Coalition of Northern Governors (US)
    Proposed and enacted regulations adopted by many states that limits lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium to 100ppm total in packaging materials and printing inks.
  • Coarse mesh
    Screen printing mesh with low mesh count and large openings or apertures between the woven threads or strands.
  • Coated cloth
    Fabric which has been back coated with rubber or plastic to impart moisture resistance and longer wear.
  • Coated lens
    A camera lens that has been coated with an ultra-thin film, usually bluish in color to minimize glare or flare from extraneous lights not a color correction method.