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.
  • B stage
    An intermediate stage in the reaction of a thermosetting resin where the material softens when heated and swells in contact with certain liquids, but does not fuse or dissolve; also refer to A and C stage.
  • B?zier curve
    Curved line segments created by establishing endpoints or anchor points, and at least one transient point or node.
  • Back card
    A card unit attached to the back of a dump bin, floor bin, or counter merchandiser that projects above the merchandise and presents the selling message at eye level.
  • Back gray cloth
    Cotton fabric material placed over the waterproof layer on top of the felt padding on the screen printing table to prevent through printed dyes from being absorbed into the felt padding.
  • Back lighted display
    A printed display prepared on transparent material that can be illuminated from the rear to enhance attention value.
  • Back lighting
    The process of illuminating transparent artwork or screen printed transparency film from behind.
  • Back printing
    Printing on the underside or second surface of a transparent sheet or film; also referred to as reverse printing.
  • Back score
    A cut score made from the back of a display.
  • Back slanted letter
    Type that is slanted toward the left.
  • Back slit
    A cut or slit through the backing sheet of pressure sensitive film.
  • Backbone
    The back of a bound book connecting the two covers; also referred to a spline.
  • Back-etching
    A color correction technique for reducing the density of a continuous tone negative.
  • Background
    Area appearing behind the legend or principle subject of a print.
  • Backing
    Typically a non-woven material applied beneath material being sewn to increase fabric stability and support stitches.
  • Backing adhesive
    An adhesive applied to the back surface of a membrane switch, 0.002 to 0.005 thick, to attach it to the application surface.
  • Backing sheet (carrier)
    Support aid such as the plastic or paper support sheet of knife-cut stencil film, indirect photoscreen stencil film, camera film, and the support sheet of pressure sensitive laminations.
  • Backing up
    Printing the reverse side of a sheet that has already been printed on one side.
  • Backlap
    An extremely heavy, uneven application of color at one edge of a print.
  • Backlash
    Movement beyond actual adjustment in a device, usually when a screw type adjustment cannot be locked into the adjusted position.
  • Baffle
    A device used to separate one light source from another.
  • Baffle mark
    A seam on a bottle resulting from an imperfect mold joint between the blank mold and the baffle.
  • Bake
    To convert an organic coating film from a liquid to a continuous, hard, dry film by the application of heat.
  • Baked enamel
    A type of finish, usually screen printed or sprayed on a metal surface with enamels containing resins, dried, and then baked at a high temperature to prolong the life of the coating.
  • Baking
    To dry or harden by subjecting to heat, usually a temperature above 65.6° C (150° F).
  • Baking cycle
    The time and temperature combination used to develop maximum properties of an organic film.