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.
  • Edge acutance
    The edge sharpness of the printed image, controlled by the screen stencil, screen tension, ink thixotropy, and related factors.
  • Edge curl
    The tendency of a pressure sensitive sheet to deform or bend away from the surface to which it has been adhered.
  • Edge definition
    The sharpness and integrity of the image edge lines or data compared to the original represented on the film.
  • Edge sealer
    A material designed to provide additional security and durability after application of a pressure sensitive product to a substrate.
  • Edition
    The size of a print run, particularly of fine-art prints or serigraphs, where the number of prints is limited, and each print is generally signed by the artist.
  • Effective resolution
    The final appearance of a scan that has been enhanced to produce more data than the scanner can record. This is done by interpolation.
  • Effloresce
    To dry or crystallize into a white powder.
  • Effluent
    (1) Waste material treated or untreated in liquid form; (2) The release of pollutants into a waterway.
  • Efflux cup
    A simple viscometer such as a Zahn cup or Shell cup used to measure viscosity by the number of seconds required for the cup to empty through an orifice of known size.
  • EGA resolution
    Computer monitor resolution, which is typically 660 x 440 data (pixels) for the entire screen.
  • Eggshell
    (1) A slight gloss surface resembling an egg shell in color and texture; pale yellow to yellowish white; (2) A very thin translucent porcelain.
  • Eight sheet
    A poster made up of eight individual sheets measuring 153 x 203 cm (60 x 80 in).
  • Ejector pin (knockout pin)
    A device for knocking a cured plastic part from a mold.
  • EL lamp
    A thin 0.0103 to 6.35 mm (0.010 to 0.25 inches) illuminating device used to light large areas in liquid crystal displays, control panels and membrane switch backlighting.
  • Elastane
    The original name for Spandex™; term used in Europe.
  • Elastic elongation (elastic memory)
    The stretching of a material and yet it retains the ability to return to its original length.
  • Elastic limit
    The maximum stress a material is capable of sustaining without any permanent change remaining after the stress is released.
  • Elasticity
    The capability of a material to recover its original shape and size after it has been stretched or altered.
  • Elasticity reserve
    The extra resilience in a tautly stretched screen mesh that permits its conformance to moderate curvature in the substrate.
  • Elastomer
    A material at room temperature that can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice its original length and upon immediate release of the stress will return with force to its original length.
  • Electroformed printing screen
    The direct conversion of electrical energy into light, through the use of a capacitive sandwich that includes a transparent conductive coating, a phosphor layer, and an opaque conductive layer, separated by a dielectric film.
  • Electroluminescence (EL)
    The direct conversion of electrical energy into light by solid phosphor subjected to an alternating electrical field.
  • Electrolyte
    (1) A non-metallic substance, when in solution or fused, is capable of conducting electric current; (2) Chemicals (soda and silicate of soda) used to make slip more fluid for casting.
  • Electromagnetic spectrum
    The complete range of wavelengths and frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves including visible light.
  • Electron beam
    A continuous stream of electrons used to cure or crosslink reactive inks and coatings.