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.
  • Base artwork
    Artwork that requires additional components to be added before reproduction.
  • Base chuck (turret)
    An indexing device for screen printing of cylindrical and tapered objects.
  • Base color
    The background color in multiple color printing.
  • Base line
    (1) Any line or specified quantity used as a point of reference; (2) The positioning of the bottom of letters so that they appear to rest on a common but imaginary line.
  • Base resolution
    Photo CD image resolution (512 x 768 pixels) formatted for display on current consumer televisions.
  • Base/16
    An image resolution with 1/16 the number of pixels of a base resolution.
  • Base/4
    An image resolution with 1/4 the number of pixels of a base resolution.
  • Basic dyes
    Dyes that have not been incorporated into carriers or vehicles of any type.
  • Basic flash exposure
    In halftone work, the secondary exposure required to produce a shadow dot of the desired size in the film. (The basic flash exposure is of relatively short duration compared to the main exposure which precedes it).
  • Basic size
    A specific size recognized by the trade as being the one from which its basic weight is determined, generally 500 sheets (wrapping tissue uses a ream count of 480 sheets).
  • Basis weight (substance weight)
    The weight of a ream (500 sheets) in pounds cut to the basic size for its grade; refer to paper sizes international. (In the US the basic sizes are 635 x 965 mm - 25 by 38 for book papers, 508 x 660 mm - 20 by 26 for cover papers, 610 x 914 mm - 24 x 36 for newsprint, 432 x 559 - 11 x 22 for bond, and 648 x725 mm - 25 _ by 30 _ for index).
  • Bastard size
    A non-standard size of any material.
  • Batch
    A quantity produced as the result of one operation.
  • Batch consistency
    A preservation of uniformity in the formulation or manufacturing of screen printing inks, plastic compositions, etc., to ensure subsequent batches match preceding batches of like formulation in all respects.
  • Batch sample
    The collection of substances or products of the same category, configuration, or subgroup that are drawn from a batch and from which test samples are drawn.
  • Batch scan
    The process of scanning numerous pages that contain similar data.
  • Bath
    Any chemical solution used in photography; a common expression designating a solution of developing agents, fixing agents, and/or solutions that inhibit or stop chemical reaction, or other solutions used in photographic processes.
  • Baume scale
    Hydrometer scale that separately covers liquids with specific gravities greater and less than 1.
  • Bead
    An enlarged rounded edge of a tumbler or other glass article.
  • Beam easel
    An easel whereby a shelf on a display can be locked into position.
  • Beater
    A larger mixer used where pulp is combined with other ingredients in paper manufacturing.
  • Bed knife
    A stationary knife located in a sheeting machine.
  • Bellows
    A collapsible light-tight portion of some cameras that connect the lens to the camera back.
  • Belt conveyor
    A moving belt system for transporting prints from one processing stage to the next as from press to dryer, through dryer, from dryer to packing area, in almost any conceivable order. (Belt may be made of metal or synthetic mesh, heavy cloth, web straps, wires, etc.).
  • Belt mark (chain mark)
    A depression on the bottom of a glass article from metal link belt in lehr caused by slight overheating of either the conveyor belt or the glass article or by over-firing of the ware.