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.
  • Dead front
    Cosmetic feature of a graphic overlay where the display is visible only when backlit.
  • Dead match
    An exact matching of a mixed color with a sample or previously match batch.
  • Dead stretch
    The net increase in length after a plastic material has been elongated without breaking, and allowed to relax.
  • Dead white
    A neutral white without any visible tint.
  • Dealer's privilege
    A two-sided p.o.p. unit which carries an advertisement on one side and a message from the dealer to his customers on the reverse.
  • Debossing
    A technique for impressing a design or texture into a material.
  • Debug
    (1) Testing and/or correcting errors; (2) to bring any newly installed unit of equipment up to operating mode dependability.
  • Deburring
    The process of removing rough edge deformations caused by cutting and/or drilling dielectric supports for printed circuits.
  • Deca (deka)
    A prefix utilized in the metric system of measurement that denotes 10 to the power of one (101); symbol is da.
  • Decal (deca)
    An abbreviated form of decalcomania, the French designation of a design printed on specially prepared paper for transfer to a substrate. Also see cement-type decal, duplex decal, heat release decal, simplex decal, varnish-on decal, water slide decal, decalcomania.
  • Decal adhesive
    A clear, screen printable, water soluble compound printed over the face surface of decal for face-down adhesion on a transparent substrate for viewing through the substrate.
  • Decal varnish
    A specially formulated fast-setting varnish used for adhering certain types of decals usually intended for outdoor exposure.
  • Decalcomania (decal)
    An abbreviated form of decalcomania, the French designation of a design printed on specially prepared paper for transfer to a substrate.
  • Decalcomania paper
    A specially coated absorbent paper made of cotton fiber mixed with chemical wood pulp, having a smooth, uniform finish and with a good wet strength and finished as a simplex or duplex decal paper.
  • Decant
    To remove liquid and leave the solids behind in a liquid slurry.
  • Deci
    A prefix utilized in the metric system of measurement that denotes 10 to the negative 1 power (10-1) or 0.1; symbol is d.
  • Decibel (dB, db)
    The logarithmic acoustical unit scale used for expressing transmission gains, losses, and levels, and for measuring relative intensity of sound.
  • Deckle
    Papermaking, the width of the wet sheet as it comes off the wire of a paper machine.
  • Deckle edge
    The untrimmed, feature edge of a sheet of paper formed when the pulp flows and sets against the deckle or is formed by a jet of water or air against the edge during paper making. (Deckle-edged papers are often used in fine art printing).
  • Decoating
    Refer to reclaiming.
  • Decolorization
    A material added in small amount to a glass batch to counteract the effects of iron or other contaminating element.
  • Decomposition
    The breaking down or separation of a substance.
  • Decorated
    To embellish, adorn, mark, and/or make more attractive aesthetically or functionally.
  • Dedicated circuit
    An independent electrical connection devoted to a special purpose.
  • Deep line cut
    A method of cutting overlays so that trapping is improved.