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.
  • Color toner
    An ink formulation intermixed with another formulation to control the appearance of the final imprint. (Toner colors are not intended for printing alone as compounded), also refer to tinter.
  • Color transparency
    (1) A full color photograph on transparent film; (2) Full color manually drawn design rendered in transparent colors to permit light transmission through the film and color layers, can be used in displays by back lighting, or as a photographic subject by transmitted, rather than reflected light; (3) A transparent film screen printed with translucent inks.
  • Color variation
    (1) A changes in a color that occur in density of color during printing; (2) Changes in the density of color caused by variations in the amount of ink accepted by the substrate or by the amount of ink delivered to the substrate.
  • Color volume
    The ink-holding capacity of all the mesh openings in one square meter of stretched screen mesh.
  • Color wheel
    The visible spectrum’s continuum of colors arranged into a circle, where complementary colors such as red and green are located directly across from each other.
  • Colorant
    A substance used to create colors, dyes, pigments, toners, waxes, and phosphors.
  • Colorimeter
    A device for measuring color values; an optical measurement instrument that responds to color in a manner similar to the human eye by filtering reflected light into its dominate regions of red, green, and blue.
  • Colorimetric purity
    The ratio of the luminosity of the spectrum color to the luminosity of the mixture of illuminate and spectrum color that matches the color of the specimen viewed by the illuminate alone.
  • Combination densitometer
    Measures both reflection and transmission densities.
  • Combing
    The process for removing short fibers and impurities from fabric that has been carded, generates a softer hand or feel.
  • Combining
    Contacting different negatives such as a line shot and halftone shot to the same sheet of film in proper position and register.
  • Combustible liquid
    A liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8 degrees C (100 degrees F), but below 93.3 degrees C (200 degrees F).
  • Combustion
    Rapid oxidation or burning.
  • Combustion chamber
    Enclosure where fuel is burned to provide heat; (2) part of a furnace or kiln.
  • Combustion product
    Matter resulting from combustion such as flue gases, ash, and water vapor.
  • Commercial register
    In process color reproduction, an allowable misregister, not more than one row of dots.
  • Commercial waste
    All solid waste emanating from a business establishment.
  • Common cause
    A source of variation that effects all the individual values of the output of a process.
  • Compatibility
    The ability of ink, film, substrate, and/or solvents to function together in harmony.
  • Complement
    Two colors that, when combined create neutral gray.
  • Complementary colors
    Reference to the Munsell color wheel, any color directly opposite from a selected color is complementary to the chosen color, including tints and tones. (Complementary colors neutralize or accentuate each other, diminishing or enhancing the attention value of the print).
  • Compliance colors (non-toxic colors)
    Inks that conform to US governmental regulations by not containing any Of the banned heavy metal salts.
  • Compliance date
    The date that a business is required to meet applicable pollution control requirements (US).
  • Component
    An ingredient in a formulation; a part of the whole.
  • Composing stick
    A hand tool where foundry type is assembled and justified.