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.
  • Dot gain
    The optical increase in the size of a halftone dot during prepress operations or the mechanical increase in halftone dot size that occurs during printing.
  • Dot matrix printer
    A printer where each character is formed from a matrix of dots.
  • Dot pattern
    An arrangement that represents the original art subject, the light and dark tones produced by varying size dots making up the whole image.
  • Dot pitch
    Distance between the dots on a computer monitor, typically 0.2 to 0.3 millimeters. (The closer the dots, the sharper the image on the monitor).
  • Dot range
    Difference between the smallest printable halftone dot and the largest non-solid printing dot.
  • Dot resolution
    The integrity of a reproduced printed dot to the original represented on the film.
  • Dot size
    Relative area occupied by each dot composing a halftone negative, positive or print in relation to respective highlight and shadow areas in the image.
  • Dot slurring
    The smearing or elongating of the trailing edge on a printed halftone dot.
  • Double coated paper
    Paper stock that has been coated twice on the same side with either the same or different material.
  • Double crimp
    Occurs when both warp and chute wires are crimped to form woven wire cloth.
  • Double earned safety lock
    A lock used in displays that is rigid and permanent.
  • Double edge lock pocket
    A deep pocket that ships flat and is set up without cutting into the back of the display.
  • Double face
    (1) A sign or display printed on both sides of the material; (2) Paper or other sheet substrate that has been prepared for printing on both sides.
  • Double image
    The appearance of extra unwanted dots in the image area of the print.
  • Double MEK rub
    A test procedure to determine solvent rub resistance, or state of cure where a pad of cheesecloth saturated with MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) is rubbed back and forth over a cured coating with moderate hand pressure.
  • Double platform stand
    A display part used as an easel and for storage of small items in the back of a display.
  • Double twill weave
    A pattern of weave for screen mesh where the threads are woven, over two under two; also refer to twill weave.
  • Double wing easel (akimbo)
    A display support with two fold-out segments, both locking at 90 degrees to the display background piece, used where the single wing type is not considered sufficiently strong; also known as akimbo, a double winged easel with wings spread widely to support a heavier load.
  • Double-sided roller coater
    A roller coating machine with capability of coating both faces or sides of a sheet simultaneously.
  • Down-sampling
    The process of receiving data from another computer, server or system. The reduction in resolution of an image, necessitating a loss in detail.
  • Dpi
    Acronym for dots per inch.
  • DPIA
    Acronym for Digital Printing & Imaging Association headquartered in Fairfax VA USA.
  • Draft
    (1) Taper or slope of a vertical surface of a mold, designed to help removal of molded parts from the mold; (2) A difference of pressure that causes air or gas flow into a lehr or kiln.
  • Draft gauge
    An instrument used to measure small pressure differentials below atmospheric.
  • Drag knife
    A cutting blade that is mounted to turn freely.