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.
  • Duplex paper
    A fine paper, cover weight with a different color or texture on each side.
  • Duplicating film
    A one-step film used for producing a negative from a negative, or a positive from a positive.
  • Durability
    The degree to which a coating or material resists wear or destructive elements.
  • Duration
    The amount of time that something last.
  • Durometer
    The measurement of the hardness of rubber or polyurethane squeegee material measured on the Shore A scale.
  • Durometer gauge
    An instrument for measuring the degree of hardness of an elastomer or rubber such as a squeegee blade (lower number softer, higher number harder); also refer to shore hardness.
  • Dust
    Any fine grain particles light enough to be suspended in air.
  • Dusting
    The release of filler particles or other fine materials from the surface of paper.
  • Dwell
    (1) A delay or pause between cycles of an automated press to allow feeding or unloading of print stock; (2) The amount of time heat is applied to a heat transfer during the application process.
  • Dye
    (1) A non-pigment coloring agent of mineral or vegetable origin with high penetration capability, used mainly in decorating of textiles. (2) Coloring material that is soluble in a vehicle or solvent as opposed to pigments that are insoluble.
  • Dye emulsion
    Screen printing ink of the emulsion type where dye rather than a pigment acts as the colorant.
  • Dye ink (dye paste)
    Screen printing ink for textile decoration made by suspending dye in appropriate vehicle formulation with inert thickening agents.
  • Dye migration
    The movement of a relatively low-energy dye from cloth to the ink in a print caused by the application of heat, typically above 150 degrees C (300 degrees F); also refer to sublimable dyes.
  • Dye pigment
    Dyestuff that are insoluble in water and can be used directly as pigments without chemical transformation.
  • Dye sublimation
    An imaging process that vaporizes colorant with heat and pressure and deposits it onto a substrate in order to simulate a continuous tone or line image.
  • Dyed mesh
    Screen mesh that has been dyed a color usually yellow, orange, or amber to enhance the ability of the mesh to absorb UV light during stencil exposure.
  • Dyeing
    The act of applying a liquid coloring matter for imparting a particular hue to fabric.
  • Dyeline processor
    Automatic film copier capable of processing both film and paper from a translucent original.
  • Dynamic range
    The measurable difference between the brightest highlight and the darkest value.
  • Dynamic tension
    The tautness of stretched screen mesh when increased by the applied load (force) of a printing squeegee.
  • Dyne
    A unit of force equal to the force that would give a free mass of one gram an acceleration of one centimeter per second.
  • Earth colors
    Pigments such as ochre, Venetian red, Indian red, the siemans, or umber all made from various ores and oxides found in the earth.
  • Earthenware
    Glazed or unglazed porous non-vitreous ceramic whiteware.
  • Easeling
    The attaching of easels to displays.
  • Easy release
    A condition where the proper combination of adhesive product and liner or backing paper facilitates separation of the face sheet from the backing such as when neutralized, reflective, or laminated sheets are involved.