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.
  • Chuck
    A holding jig or fixture for three-dimensional ware, used to position the object to be decorated.
  • CIE - Commission International de l'Eclairange
    A set of color standards based on mathematical modeling of human vision and light, CIE color spaces are used for the communication of color independent of a specific device.
  • CIE chromaticity coordinates (Trichomatic Coefficients or Trilinear Coordinates)
    The ratios of each of the tristimulus values of a color to the sum of the tristimulus values. (In the CIE systems they are designated by x, y, and z).
  • CIE chromaticity diagram
    Two-dimensional graph of the chromaticity coordinates, x as the abscissa and y as the ordinate, which shows the spectrum locus (chromaticity coordinates of monochromatic light 380 to 700nm).
  • CIE L*a*b*
    Scale adopted by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) to serve as a worldwide standard for color measurement.
  • CIE LAB (L*a*b*)
    A color model to approximate human vision consisting of three variables: L* for luminosity, a* for one color axis, and b* for the other color axis; the most widely used and recognized color matching system for describing colors with numbers.
  • CIE luminosity function
    A plot of the relative magnitude of the visual response as a function of wavelength from 389 to 780 nm adopted by CIE in 1924.
  • CIE LUV (CIE L*u*v*)
    Color space in which values L*,u* and v* are plotted at right angles to one another to form a three dimensional coordinate system with equal distances in the space approximately represent equal color differences.
  • CIE standard illuminants
    Known spectral data established by CIE for four different types of light sources.
  • CIE standard observer
    A hypothetical observer having the tristimulus color mixture data recommended in 1931 by the CIE to a 2° viewing angle. (If not specified the 2° standard observer should be used. If field of view is larger than 4° the 10° standard observer adopted in 1964 should be used).
  • CIE tristimulas values
    The amount of the three reference or matching stimuli required to give a match with the color stimulus considered in a given trichromatic system.
  • Circle cutter
    A compass fitted with a sharp blade for cutting perfect circles.
  • Circuit
    (1) Electronic path between two or more points; (2) Number of conductors, interconnected for the purpose of carrying an electric current.
  • Circuit pattern
    The configuration of components, their interconnecting printed wiring, as printed to form an electronic circuit, or as designated by an electronics engineer.
  • Circular screen
    A circular halftone screen which may be rotated to allow multiple screen angle selection without having to reposition copy.
  • Cissing
    A defect where a wet ink or varnish recedes from small areas of the surface leaving either no coating or an attenuated one.
  • Citric acid
    An organic acid used in testing the acid resistance of ceramic colors.
  • Clamshell press
    (1) A heat transfer machine/die-cutting machine with two platens, one directly over the over and hinged together on one side to open and close like a clam’s shell; (2) A flatbed screen printing press designed with the screen carriage hinged to the printing table at one end.
  • Clarifier
    (1) An additive that increases the transparency of an ink or other material; (2) A settling tank where solids are mechanically removed from process waste water.
  • Clarity
    The characteristic of a transparent material such that distinct images may be observed through it.
  • Clay coated board
    Display board with excellent print acceptance and brilliant white color manufactured in a variety of thickness, coated on one or both sides with an earthy material to improve the quality of the printing surface.
  • Cleanroom
    An enclosed area where airborne particles, temperature, relative humidity and pressure are controlled to specified requirements.
  • Clear coat
    Transparent protective coating applied over a screen printed image to ensure maximum durability.
  • Clear frit
    A frit that remains essentially transparent when processed into a porcelain enamel.
  • Clear glaze
    A transparent colorless ceramic glaze.