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Common PCB Printing Terms

CCD camera	Charge coupled device. A solid state camera used by machine vision systems in the viewing and inspection process.
CIJ (Continuous ink jet)	Continuous ink jet is a technology where a stream of ink is directed onto a product using electromagnetic fields.
Conductive Ink	Ink that contains electrical conductors allowing for wires to be printed onto a circuit board, replacing the standard wiring process used by most printed circuit board manufacturers.
DOD: Drop-on-demand	Drop on demand is printing technology where drops of ink fall from the print head to form the printing pattern.
DPI Dots per inch	Dots per inch. The number of drops of ink placed by the drop on demand print head in a square inch of printing. Greater dpi produces higher the resolution or quality of the image. An image printed with 600 dpi resolution will be superior to an image printed with 300 dpi resolution
End to end material handling	Continuous manufacturing process with minimal or no operator intervention. Manufacturing materials are handled automatically throughout the manufacturing process.
Fabricator	Printed circuit board manufacturer.
Indelible Ink	Ink that is resistant to removal by solvents and other harsh chemicals.
PCB	Printed Circuit Board
SMEMA	Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association. SMEMA develops board handling standards and mechanical and electrical specifications.
SMEMA Compatible Material Handling	SMEMA compatible equipment passes circuit boards between SMEMA compatible equipment in an assembly line. SMEMA compatible equipment meets the standards set forth by SMEMA.
Sub-straight	The circuit board base material where the printing will be applied.
Circuit Board Stuffer or Assembler	A company that assembles printed circuit boards, often needing the ability to print individual serial numbers, lot and bar codes for board identification.
Thernal Transfer Printing	A printing process using heat elements to transfer material from a printer ribbon onto the circuit board substrate.
UV Curing Process	Ultraviolet light is used to initiate a chemical reaction in the ink. The chemical reaction is typically used to harden the ink. Often inks are sensitive to specific light frequencies (colors) and must be exposed to a certain intensity and dose of UV light of the proper frequency to solidify the ink.
X,Y, Z and C head positioning	The ability to move the print head in three linear directions and also allowing for print head rotation.