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.
  • Diffusion
    Softening the detail in a print with a diffusion lens/disk or other material that scatters light.
  • Diffusion disk
    A flat glass with a pattern of lines or concentric rings that breaks up and scatters light from an enlarger lens; softens detail in a print.
  • Diffusion enlarger
    A type of enlarger that scatters light, distributing light evenly on the negative.
  • Diffusion transfer
    photographic method of transferring an image from an exposed donor negative paper to a receiver film or paper, in one step, using a film processor.
  • Diffusion-transfer base stock
    A paper with a high degree of wet strength and smooth surface to which a silver halide-gelatin emulsion is applied, produced on stock free from iron, copper, and sulfur and resistant to yellowing when exposed to a caustic solution.
  • Digital
    Image and line data that has been translated into numerical values for manipulation and reproduction.
  • Digital color printing
    One of several non-impact technologies where the image is formed by a computer controlled printer.. (Generally accepted to include: electrostatic, ink jet, laser photo, and thermal transfer.)
  • Digital halftone
    The process of obtaining various tones by breaking up the image into a graduated series of dots. The dots repeat in a regular pattern, creating the illusion of continuous tone. The digital printing process is controlled by the size and shape of dots.
  • Digital printer
    Any printing device that is capable of translating digital data into hardcopy output.
  • Digitize
    To transform a continuous tone image into computer readable data using a device called a scanner.
  • Diisobutyl ketone (DIBK)
    A relatively slow evaporating ketone used as a retarding solvent.
  • Dilatancy
    The property of some suspensions that increase in viscosity with increasing shear rates.
  • Dilatant fluids
    Fluids whose viscosity increases as shear rate increases.
  • Dilatometer
    Instrument used for measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion and melting point of glass and ceramic materials.
  • Diluent
    A reactive or non-reactive additive whose function is to extend the material to which it is added, but weakens the power of the active solvent.
  • Dilutable
    Solution that can be thinned or made weaker in strength with the addition of the appropriate solvent, water, or other liquid.
  • Dilute solutions
    A solution containing a small amount of solute in proportion to the solvent, the solute being dissolved by the solvent; also refer to concentrated solution.
  • Dimensional accuracy
    The ability to reproduce the dimensions of the original art identically in the printed image.
  • Dimensional stability
    The property of a material to retain its desirable basic qualities under production stresses and the influences of humidity fluctuations; to resist length, width, and thickness changes.
  • Dimple
    A slight depression or indentation in any surface.
  • DIN
    Acronym for Deutsches Institut für Normung e V, a German National Standards Body.
  • DIN rating
    A European scale by which the relative sensitivity of photographic films is identified.
  • Ding
    An indentation that can be felt such as a dent or nick.
  • Dinitrosaniline orange
    An organic orange pigment with good bleed and permanency.
  • Dioxazine violet RL
    A violet pigment with excellent lightfastness and bleed characteristics, resistant to acid and alkali.