A dampening system for printing presses which utilizes more alcohol (25%) and less water; this greatly reduces the amount of paper that is spoiled.
DAMPENING
An essential part of the printing process whereby cloth covered rubber rollers distributes the dampening solution to the plate.
DANDY ROLL
During the paper making process while the paper is still 90% water, it passes over a wire mesh cylinder (dandy roll), which imparts surface textures on the paper such as wove or laid. This is also the stage where the watermark is put onto the paper.
DECKLE EDGE
The rough or feathered edge of paper when left untrimmed.
DEEP ETCHING
The etching or removal of any unwanted areas of a plate to create more air or white space on the finished product.
DEMY
A term that describes a standard sized printing paper measuring 17.5 x 22.5 in.
DENSITOMETER
An optical device used by printers and photographers to measure and control the density of color.
DENSITY
The lay of paper fibers relative to tightness or looseness that affects the bulk, the absorbency and the finish of the paper.
DENSITY
The degree of tone, weight of darkness or color within a photo or reproduction; measurable by the densitometer. See also densitometer.
DIE
An engraved stamp used for impressing an image or design.
DIE CUTTING
A method of using sharp steel ruled stamps or rollers to cut various shapes i.e. labels, boxes, image shapes, either post press or in line.
DIE CUTTING
The process of cutting paper in a shape or design by the use of a wooden die or block in which are positioned steel rules in the shape of the desired pattern.
DIE STAMPING
An intaglio process for printing from images engraved into copper or steel plates.
DIGITAL PROOF
Color separation data is digitally stored and then exposed to color photographic paper creating a picture of the final product before it is actually printed.
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
The qualities of paper to stabilize its original size when undergoing pressure or exposed to moisture.
DIPLOMA
A fine paper made specifically for the printing of diplomas, certificates and documents.
DIRECT SCREEN HALFTONE
A color separation process using a halftone negative made by direct contact with the halftone screen.
DISPLAY TYPE
Any type that stands out from the rest of the type on a page that attracts attention of the reader.
DISTRIBUTION ROLLERS
In the printing process, the rubber coated rollers responsible for the distribution of ink from the fountain to the ink drum.
DOCTOR BLADE
A term in gravure printing which refers to the knife-edge that runs along the printing cylinder; its function is to wipe the excess ink away from the non-printing areas.
