Glossary

A 3D Printer is a sophisticated device that constructs three-dimensional objects. It works by methodically adding material, typically layer-by-layer, using a design from a digital blueprint. This additive manufacturing method allows for complex designs and rapid prototyping. Read more

ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a durable, petroleum-based thermoplastic commonly used in 3D printing for its strength and flexibility. Read more

Refers to a process where digital 3D design data is used to build up a component in layers by depositing material. It’s the opposite of subtractive manufacturing methods. Read more

Anisotropy in 3D printed objects refers to the variation in material properties in different directions. Due to layer-by-layer construction in 3D printing, objects can have different strengths or features depending on the direction of force or observation. Read more

In 3D printing, backlash refers to the slack or play in mechanical systems, causing a slight delay in movement and potentially affecting print precision. Read more

Bed adhesion refers to how well the first layer of a print sticks to the build plate, ensuring print success and preventing warping or detachment. Read more

Bed leveling is the process of ensuring that the printing surface, or bed, is perfectly flat and parallel to the movement of the extruder, ensuring consistent print quality. Read more

Binder Jetting is a 3D printing process where a liquid binder is used to “glue” powder particles together, layer by layer, to form an object. Read more

A Bowden extruder feeds filament to the hotend using a long tube, separating the motor from the print head, which can reduce weight and allow faster printing but may result in more stringing. Read more

In the realm of 3D printing, Breakaway refers to specific types of support materials or structures that are designed for manual removal. Once printing is done, these supports can be detached from the primary object without the necessity of special… Read more

Breakaway Materials in 3D printing refer to support materials designed for manual removal post-printing. Unlike soluble supports, these are detached by hand or tools, but are formulated to break away with minimal effort, leaving the primary print mostly untouched. Read more

In 3D printing, bridging describes the printer’s ability to print horizontal spans without supports, such as gaps between two raised points. Read more

In 3D printing, a brim is a single or multi-layered flat addition that surrounds the base of a model to help with adhesion to the build plate. Read more

The build envelope refers to the maximum volume within which a 3D printer can produce an object, defining its maximum length, width, and height capabilities. Read more

The flat surface on which a 3D printer builds its models. It’s crucial that it remains level for successful prints. Read more

The Build Platform, often referred to as the print bed in 3D printing, is the surface upon which the 3D printer deposits material to create the object. Its properties, such as temperature control and adhesion, play a significant role in… Read more

Build Volume describes the maximum size of an object that a 3D printer can produce. It’s defined by the dimensions of the printer’s build platform and the vertical limit of the printer’s movement, typically given in length x width x… Read more

Buildtak is a brand of print surface sheets designed to improve first layer adhesion in 3D printing. The surface offers a textured grip, ensuring the print adheres well during the printing process. Read more

CAD, or Computer-Aided Design, refers to the use of computer software to assist in the design, drafting, and modeling of objects, which can then be exported for 3D printing. Read more

Calibration is a crucial step in the 3D printing process. It involves fine-tuning the printer’s settings to ensure accuracy in the final print. Proper calibration ensures the print head moves correctly, the bed is level, and that the deposited material… Read more

A cartesian printer is a 3D printer that operates on a standard XYZ coordinate system, with linear movements on the X, Y, and Z-axes to position the print head. Read more

Clean Breakaway in 3D printing is a design feature of certain support structures. These are crafted so that post-print, they can be removed seamlessly, ensuring that the main printed object remains untarnished and free from significant residue or markings. Read more

In 3D printing, clogging refers to the blockage of the printer’s nozzle, preventing smooth extrusion of filament. It can be caused by contaminants, incorrect temperature settings, or filament inconsistencies. Read more

In the realm of 3D printing, a clone refers to non-original printers or parts that are designed to replicate the function and appearance of original, often branded, components but are not produced by the original manufacturer. Clones can vary in… Read more

In 3D printing, the cooling fan helps solidify the extruded material quickly after it leaves the nozzle. Proper cooling ensures better print quality, reduces stringing, and prevents warping, especially in materials like PLA. Read more

Cura is a popular open-source slicing software that converts 3D models into instructions for 3D printers, determining how the model will be printed layer by layer. Read more

A Delta Frame refers to a specific design of 3D printers where three arms move in unison to control the print head. Unlike traditional Cartesian printers, delta printers have a circular build plate and are known for their speed and… Read more

A delta printer is a type of 3D printer that uses three arms moving in unison to control the print head, allowing for faster movement and unique circular build plates. Read more

DLP is a a type of 3D printing where an object is created by solidifying a photosensitive resin with a digital light projector. Read more

A direct drive extruder places the extruder motor directly next to the hotend, offering more precise filament control and typically better performance with flexible materials. Read more

A 3D printing technique where a laser selectively fuses powdered metal, building the object layer by layer. DMLS allows for complex metal parts to be printed directly. Read more

Directed Energy Deposition is a 3D printing method where material, usually in powder or wire form, is melted using a focused energy source like a laser, and deposited layer by layer to form an object. Read more

Dual extrusion utilizes two separate extruders and nozzles, allowing a 3D printer to use two different colors or materials in a single print. Read more

Elephant foot in 3D printing refers to the outward flare at the base of a printed object, caused by the weight of the print and insufficient cooling on the first layers. Read more

An enclosure in 3D printing is a cover or chamber around the printer, which can maintain a consistent temperature, reduce noise, and protect the print from external factors. Read more

In 3D printing, an endstop or limit switch is a component that detects the end of the travel of a moving part, ensuring the printer knows its position and preventing it from moving beyond its design limits. Read more

The Extruder in 3D printing is a critical component responsible for pushing the filament or printing material forward. It heats the material, typically plastic or resin, until it melts and can be deposited layer by layer to form the desired… Read more

The Extruder Feed Rate in 3D printing defines the speed at which the filament is pushed through the extruder. Adjusting this rate can affect the print’s quality, as it determines the amount of material deposited during the printing process. Read more

Filament is a thermoplastic material, often in the form of a thin wire, used as the primary feedstock in many 3D printers. It’s heated by the extruder, melted, and then deposited layer-by-layer to construct three-dimensional objects. Read more

Filament Run-Out refers to the scenario where the 3D printer exhausts its current filament supply during a print job. Many modern printers have sensors to detect this situation and pause the print, allowing for filament replacement without disrupting the job. Read more

First layer adhesion in 3D printing refers to how effectively the initial layer of filament sticks to the print bed. Proper adhesion is crucial for the success and quality of the entire print. Read more

The flow rate in 3D printing determines the amount of filament extruded by the nozzle. Adjusting this rate can affect the print’s precision, strength, and finish. Read more

A 3D printing technology where a thermoplastic filament is melted and extruded through a nozzle, building up the model layer by layer. Read more

G-Code is a language used to control CNC machines, including 3D printers. In the context of 3D printing, G-Code contains detailed instructions for the printer, dictating movements, extrusion rates, temperatures, and other parameters to guide the printing process. Read more

Ghosting or ringing are wavy patterns seen on the surface of a print, typically resulting from the printer’s vibrations or rapid directional changes. Read more

A heated bed is the part of the 3D printer that warms up to help the first few layers of a print adhere better, reducing the chances of warping. Read more

In 3D printing, HIPS is a lightweight filament often used as a dissolvable support material in conjunction with ABS printing, as it can be dissolved in limonene. Read more

The hotend is the heated component of a 3D printer that melts the filament, allowing it to be extruded through the nozzle and deposited onto the build platform. Read more

Refers to the internal structure of a 3D print. Instead of being solid, most 3D printed objects have a patterned infill to save on material while still providing strength. Read more

Isotropy in 3D printing signifies that the material properties of a printed object are uniform in all directions. Achieving isotropy can be challenging due to the inherent layer-by-layer construction of additive manufacturing. Read more

A lattice structure in 3D printing is a complex geometric design of interlocking units, offering both strength and reduced material usage. It’s often used in lightweighting objects. Read more

In 3D printing, a Layer is a single cross-sectional slice of the final object. Printers construct objects by depositing material one layer at a time, with each layer fusing to the one beneath it to form the final object. Read more

Layer Height defines the thickness of each individual layer in a 3D print. A smaller layer height generally results in smoother and more detailed prints, but also takes longer to print than larger layers. Read more

Marlin firmware is a popular open-source firmware for many 3D printers. It controls how the printer operates, interpreting G-code commands into precise movements and actions, and is customizable to suit specific printer configurations. Read more

In 3D printing, the Material Feed or Filament Feed is the mechanism or system responsible for supplying the printer’s extruder with material. It ensures a steady and consistent flow, crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of the printed object. Read more

Material jetting in 3D printing is a process where droplets of material are selectively deposited and cured, allowing for high-resolution prints and the use of multiple materials simultaneously. Read more

Material Retraction, or Filament Retraction in 3D printing, refers to the process where the extruder slightly pulls back the filament. This action prevents unwanted oozing or stringing of the material when the print head moves between points without printing. Read more

Mesh repair addresses flaws or inconsistencies in a 3D model’s mesh, ensuring the model is watertight and ready for 3D printing. It’s an essential step to prevent printing errors. Read more

Multi-material printing involves 3D printers that can use two or more different types of materials in a single print, allowing for varied properties and colors within a single printed object. Read more

In 3D printing, a nozzle is the component at the end of the extruder that deposits the melted filament onto the build plate in precise layers. Read more

The nozzle diameter refers to the width of the 3D printer’s nozzle opening. Common sizes range from 0.2mm to 1.0mm, with smaller diameters allowing for finer details but slower prints. Read more

Nylon is a durable and flexible filament used in 3D printing, known for its strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, making it suitable for functional parts and prototypes. Read more

An OBJ file is a standard 3D format that contains information about geometry, textures, and materials. It’s commonly used in 3D modeling and printing. Read more

OctoPrint is a popular open-source platform that provides remote management and monitoring of 3D printers. Users can control and observe their prints from a web interface. Read more

Open Source refers to a type of software or hardware design that is publicly accessible, allowing individuals to view, modify, and distribute the original work. In the 3D printing community, open-source designs and software can spur innovation, as users collaboratively… Read more

In 3D printing, an overhang is any part of a model that extends outward without any support beneath it, often requiring support structures to print successfully. Read more

PA-CF stands for Polyamide Carbon Fiber. In 3D printing, it’s a composite filament that combines nylon (polyamide) with carbon fibers, resulting in prints that are strong, lightweight, and have enhanced structural rigidity. Read more

PC, or Polycarbonate, is a strong thermoplastic material used in 3D printing. Known for its high impact resistance and optical clarity, PC filament requires higher printing temperatures but yields parts that are durable and heat-resistant. Read more

PEEK, or Polyether ether ketone, is a high-performance thermoplastic with excellent strength and temperature resistance, making it suitable for advanced 3D printing applications. Read more

In 3D printing, a PEI surface refers to a print bed surface made of Polyetherimide. It offers excellent adhesion for a variety of filaments, reducing warping and ensuring a smooth first layer. Read more

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a 3D printing filament offering a good balance between ease of printing and mechanical properties, known for its clarity, strength, and temperature resistance. It’s often used for parts needing transparency. Read more

A photopolymer in 3D printing is a resin that cures (hardens) when exposed to light, especially UV light. Photopolymers are commonly used in resin-based 3D printing methods such as SLA or DLP, where light sources selectively harden the resin to… Read more

PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch. It’s a popular filament choice in 3D printing due to its ease of use, low odor, and environmentally friendly properties. Read more

PolyJet Printing is a 3D printing process where layers of liquid photopolymer are jetted onto the build platform and cured with UV light. Read more

In 3D printing, post-processing refers to any finishing steps taken after printing, such as sanding, painting, or assembling, to improve the print’s appearance or functionality. Read more

Powder bed fusion is a 3D printing process that involves using a heat source, such as a laser or electron beam, to selectively fuse areas of a powder bed, building up an object layer by layer. Read more

A print farm in 3D printing is a collection of multiple 3D printers operating simultaneously, usually in a centralized location, to increase production capacity, often used for large-scale or batch printing tasks. Read more

The print resolution in 3D printing denotes the layer height or thickness of each printed layer. A finer resolution captures more detail but often requires more time to print. Read more

In 3D printing, print speed refers to the rate at which the print head moves and lays down material. Faster speeds mean quicker prints, but potentially lower detail. Read more

In the context of 3D printing, proprietary refers to software, hardware, or designs that are owned by an individual or company, often with restrictions on modification, distribution, or use. Read more

PVA, or Polyvinyl Alcohol, is a water-soluble filament often used in 3D printing for support structures. After printing, objects can be submerged in water, causing PVA supports to dissolve, leaving the main print intact and free of residue. Read more

A raft in 3D printing is a flat horizontal latticed structure printed first to help with bed adhesion and provide a smooth surface for the actual print. Read more

Rapid prototyping is the use of 3D printing to quickly produce a physical model or prototype of a design, enabling faster iteration and testing. Read more

In 3D printing, Registration refers to the alignment of multiple printed layers or parts. Ensuring accurate registration is vital for the cohesion, structural integrity, and aesthetic quality of the final printed object. Read more

In 3D printing, resin is a liquid material that hardens under UV light or other sources, commonly used in SLA and DLP printing methods. Read more

Retraction is when the extruder briefly pulls back or retracts the filament during printing to prevent unwanted oozing or stringing as the print head moves across open spaces. Read more

Scaffolding in 3D printing mirrors the function of support structures. These temporary constructs provide the necessary framework to uphold certain portions of a design, ensuring that the final object is stable and adheres to the intended shape. Read more

An SD Card, short for Secure Digital Card, is a portable storage device used to store data. In the context of 3D printing, many printers allow users to load digital design files or G-Code instructions directly from an SD Card,… Read more

A 3D printing method that uses a laser to sinter powdered material, binding it together to create a solid structure. Read more

Sheet lamination involves bonding sheets of material together layer by layer to form a 3D object. In 3D printing, it’s a process where sheets, often paper or metal, are adhered together to create a model. Read more

In 3D printing, the shell refers to the outermost layers of an object. Increasing the number of shells can enhance an object’s strength and surface finish. Read more

Slicing software converts 3D models into layers and generates the necessary G-code for a specific 3D printer, determining print settings and structures. Read more

Soluble Scaffolding refers to support structures made from materials that can dissolve in certain solvents, like water. After the main object is printed, these scaffolds can be easily removed by placing the object in the solvent, leaving a clean final… Read more

A Spool in 3D printing is a cylindrical device around which filament is wound. It ensures the filament is organized, untangled, and can be smoothly fed into the printer’s extruder as the print job proceeds. Read more

A stepper motor in 3D printing is an electromechanical device that can divide a full rotation into a large number of steps, allowing precise control over movement. It’s integral to positioning components like the print head or the build platform. Read more

A form of 3D printing technology that converts liquid materials into solid parts, layer by layer, using ultraviolet light in a process called photopolymerization. Read more

The STL File Format, short for stereolithography, is a widely-used file type in 3D printing. It contains information about the surface geometry of a 3D object without any color, texture, or other attributes, making it ideal for 3D model slicing… Read more

Stringing or oozing occurs when excess filament is extruded as the print head moves between points, leading to thin strands or “strings” of material connecting parts of a print. Read more

In 3D printing, Support structures are often essential. They are additional, temporary structures printed alongside the primary object. Their role is to provide stability and support, particularly for designs that have overhangs or sections that would otherwise collapse during printing. Read more

Temporary structures printed alongside a model to prevent overhangs and unsupported parts from collapsing during the printing process. Read more

In 3D printing, T-glass is a type of filament known for its clarity and strength, resembling glass in its transparency, and offers flexibility, making it a popular choice for certain applications. Read more

Thermal warping occurs when different parts of a printed object cool at different rates, causing the material to deform. Proper bed adhesion and heating can help reduce this effect. Read more

In 3D printing, tolerance refers to the allowable deviation from a specified dimension, reflecting how accurately a printer can reproduce a model’s details. Read more

Topology optimization in 3D printing is the use of computational methods to design parts with optimized material distribution, achieving the desired functionality with minimal material use. Read more

TPE, or Thermoplastic Elastomer, is a type of flexible filament used in 3D printing. Similar to TPU, it’s elastic and can return to its original shape after being stretched, making it ideal for various flexible applications. Read more

TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is a type of flexible filament used in 3D printing. It’s known for its elasticity, abrasion resistance, and ability to withstand higher pressures, making it suitable for parts that need to bend or flex. Read more

A voxel in 3D printing is a volumetric pixel, representing a value in three-dimensional space. Much like how pixels make up digital images, voxels can represent 3D objects in digital models, particularly in processes that require detailed volumetric data, such… Read more

WiFi is a technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly over a network. In the realm of 3D printing, WiFi-enabled printers can receive print jobs, updates, or be monitored remotely, providing flexibility… Read more

The X-axis in 3D printing denotes horizontal movement from left to right, guiding the printer’s movement along the width of the build plate. Read more

In 3D printing, the Y-axis signifies horizontal movement from front to back, guiding the printer’s movement along the depth of the build plate. Read more

In 3D printing, the Z-axis represents vertical movement or height. Objects are built layer by layer along this axis. Read more

The Z-offset determines the initial gap between the printer’s nozzle and the build plate, ensuring optimal first-layer adhesion and print success. Read more