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.
  • Depth of focus
    The distance that a lens can be moved toward or away from subject or copy when focused, without throwing the subject or copy out of focus.
  • Dermatitis
    A skin condition or inflammation produced by direct contact with certain chemicals.
  • Descender
    The portion of a lower case character that extends below the baseline, such as in g, j, or p.
  • Descreening
    In scanning, the method of applying a controlled blur to erase discreet components of a halftone image and make it appear more like a continuous-tone image. This process will minimize effects of causing moiré patterns if the image is re-screened.
  • Desiccated
    A condition referring to a substance where some or all of the moisture has been removed; to dry or dehydrate.
  • Design of experiments (DOE)
    A methodology for designing experiments to test the effect of multiple process parameters on a given process’s outcome.
  • Detackifier
    An additive used to reduce tackiness in a plastisol ink, thereby improving ink flow and shear.
  • Detergent resistance
    Degree of, or ability to resist chemical action of detergents.
  • Deutschas Institut f?r Normung e V:
    A national standards organization in Germany.
  • Developer
    A solution or chemical for converting the latent or invisible image obtained during exposure into a visible image.
  • Developing
    The process of converting latent images, produced by exposure, into visible images. In screen printing, chemical solutions and/or water may be used for developing or washing exposed stencil films and printing screens.
  • Developing sink (darkroom sink)
    A fixture resembling a household sink, especially designed for developing photographic film with trays and/or partitions for solutions, water mixing faucet with or without temperature controls and some are designed with built-in light table for visually examining results.
  • Developing trays
    Large, shallow trays of plastic, stainless steel or other non-ferrous substances in which exposed films can be processed manually.
  • Deviation
    The difference between the value of the controlled variable and the value at which it is being controlled.
  • Deviation bridge
    Device used in measuring in percentage, the deviation from nominal value of electronic components.
  • Device-dependent
    Describes a color space that can be defined only by using information on the color-rendering capabilities of a specific device.
  • Device-independent
    Describes a color space that can be defined using the full gamut of human vision, as defined by a standard observer, independent of the color-rendering capabilities of any specific device.
  • Devitrification
    (1) A surface defect caused by the loss of gloss as a result of crystallization; (2) Change from vitreous to crystalline state.
  • Dewpoint
    The temperature at which a given sample of air will have a relative humidity of 100%.
  • Diacetone alcohol
    A ketone manufactured by the condensation of acetone in two grades, one containing up to 15% acetone and the other acetone free.
  • Diameter
    A straight line passing through the center of a circle dividing it into two equal parts.
  • Diamond grade
    A highly retro-reflective sheeting made of prismatic lenses formed in a durable resin, sealed with a white film and backed with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
  • Diaphragm
    An adjustable device for controlling the amount or area of light which passes through the lens of a camera.
  • Diapositive
    European term used to designate a photographic film positive or a manually made positive.
  • Diarylide yellow
    A strong organic yellow pigment with good color, small particle size, high tinctorial strength, poor to fair lightfastness.