Each discipline possesses its own set of terms, and achieving proficiency in this specialized language may pose challenges, even with extensive experience in the field. The realm of 3D printing is no exception. Whether you are just delving into the world of 3D printing or have been pursuing it as a hobby for an extended period, chances are some technical terms may be unfamiliar to you.
1. 3D Modeling
3D modeling involves the creation of a three-dimensional design, often accomplished through the use of a CAD program. It's important to note that not every 3D model is compatible with 3D printing.
2. 3D Printer
A comprehensive term denoting any device capable of transforming a digital file into a tangible 3D model. 3D printers operate on the principle of additive manufacturing, constructing the physical object layer by layer using diverse methods. The predominant 3D printing technologies include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA).
3. 3D scanning
Is the procedure of generating digital 3D models by gathering data from actual physical objects or surroundings. Various technologies are employed in 3D scanning, with photogrammetry being the prevailing method in contemporary times.
4. 45-degree rule
An essential guideline in the design of overhanging features, this rule stipulates that an overhang should not exceed a 45-degree angle from the vertical axis. If the angle surpasses this limit, it becomes necessary to reinforce the feature with either a chamfer or a support structure.
5. ABS
Acetonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is widely utilized in filament-based 3D printing. Recognized for its thermal stability, chemical resistance, and robust nature as an engineering plastic, ABS is infamous for emitting toxic fumes during printing and exhibiting a notable tendency for warping.
6. Acetone vapor bath
An acetone vapor bath is commonly employed among the prevalent finishing techniques for 3D prints crafted from ABS. This technique entails placing a completed ABS print into an enclosed container with acetone vapors, selectively dissolving surface imperfections. This method yields a flawlessly smooth finish with minimal additional effort.
7. Additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing encompasses any production technique in which material is incrementally deposited, layer by layer, to bring a complete design into existence. This stands in contrast to subtractive manufacturing. While additive manufacturing reduces waste, it may not achieve the same degree of mechanical strength.
8. Amorphous
Unlike crystalline, an amorphous solid lacks an organized lattice pattern in its particle arrangement. Put, amorphous solids exhibit a more "free-flowing" structure. Most plastics utilized in 3D printing fall into the category of amorphous materials.
9. Anisotropic
In contrast to isotropic materials (refer to Isotropic), an anisotropic substance displays varying properties in magnitude along different directions. In 3D printing, items produced through FDM technology generally exhibit anisotropic characteristics in overall strength due to the inherent weakness in the layer-to-layer interface.
10. Bed leveling
The process of adjusting the level of the print bed to guarantee optimal printer functionality and consistent print quality. Certain printers come equipped with automatic bed leveling capabilities, whereas others necessitate manual adjustment by the user.
11. Belts
Responsible for converting the rotational motion of stepper motors into the movement of specific components in a 3D printer, such as the printhead in an FDM printer; belts must be maintained in a taut condition for proper operations.
12. Binder jetting
A 3D printing technology centered on powdered materials, binder jetting printers employ a nozzle to dispense a binding agent, uniting the powdered raw material. Typically, the final product necessitates post-processing to enhance the strength of the binding agent.
13. Blue painter's tape
Commonly used by painters to safeguard areas they don't want to paint, it is a popular adhesive aid in FDM-based 3D printing. An advantageous feature of Blue Painter's tape is unique in that it leaves no residue on the surface to which it is applied.
14. Bowden extruder
This extruder type situates the extruder assembly away from the hot end, typically affixed to the printer's frame. This configuration reduces the weight of the print head, enabling faster and more error-resistant movement.
15. Bridging
Bridging in 3D printing involves creating spans between two points. An FDM printer achieves this by extending the filament across two support points. Bridges are typically limited to a length of 5 millimeters before requiring reinforcement with a support structure underneath.
16. Brim
A brim extends the base layer of a model outward, enhancing the contact area between the build plate and the print. This promotes improved bed adhesion. A brim serves as a moderately conservative alternative to a raft.
17. Brittleness
Brittleness is a material property that causes it to break or fragment instead of deforming. Typically associated with rigidity and inflexibility, brittle materials cannot undergo substantial deformation.
18. BuildTak
BuildTak is a specialized brand of 3D printing surfaces tailored for FDM printers. It enhances bed adhesion for various filament types and is compatible with heated print beds. BuildTak can be reused for up to 250 hours of total printing time.
Build plate – The component of a 3D printer where the actual project is constructed also called the print bed.
19. Build time
The overall duration required for a 3D printer to complete a single project. Slicer software often provides an estimated build time once the parameters are configured.
20. Build volume
The maximum space a project can be created on a specific 3D printer. The build volume is a critical specification for a 3D printer model.
21. CAD
Computer-Aided Design is a comprehensive term denoting the method, technology, and software employed to create 2D or 3D designs using a computer program. These models are generated in digital format, facilitating
CAM – Computer-Aided Manufacturing refers to the technology of translating a 3D model from CAD into a series of commands for automated manufacturing. CAM is utilized in 3D printing and various other manufacturing methods employing CNC.
22. Cartesian
A coordinate system is founded on the x, y, and z axes. Movement and positioning in the Cartesian coordinate system are typically represented as unit distance numbers measured from a predetermined reference point. The majority of 3D printers employ the Cartesian coordinate system.
23. Chamfer
A design approach for creating overhanging features surpassing the 45-degree rule. A chamfer consists of progressively angled segments toward the horizontal, each providing support for the next.
24. CNC
Computer Numeric Control is the technology that automates industrial manufacturing equipment, including mills, lathes, drills, and 3D printers. CNC stands as a pivotal technological development contributing to the modern manufacturing industry.
25. Cold end
The section of a 3D printer is responsible for feeding the filament into the extruder. Typically featuring a hobbed gear driven by a motor, the cold end grips the filament to convey it toward the extruder assembly. The term 'cold end' distinguishes this part from the 'hot end,' where a heating element melts the filament. Easy sharing, editing, or reproduction.
26. Composite filament
A variety of 3D printing filament that blends two markedly different materials, often for aesthetic purposes. Standard composite filaments feature a matrix of PLA with embedded solid particles of wood, metals, carbon fiber, or ceramics. While prized for superior visual appeal, composite filaments may be slightly more brittle and abrasive than standard brass nozzles.
27. Cooling fan
Fans are incorporated into an FDM 3D printer to assist in maintaining optimal temperatures for its electrical components or cooling down filament just extruded through the nozzle. Rapid cooling enhances filament strength, which is particularly beneficial when constructing overhangs or bridges.
28. Cura
A widely used brand of 3D printer slicing software created and maintained by Ultimaker.
29. Curing
An essential post-processing step in 3D printing processes reliant on UV light. Curing involves placing the finished print in an oven with UV light to reinforce the parts further. Curing can occur in direct sunlight, though this method is significantly slower.
30. Delta 3D Printer
A 3D printer type featuring a triangular frame, a print head suspended on three arms, and a circular print bed. In contrast to Cartesian coordinates, the position of the print head in a Delta 3D printer is determined by the angle of each suspension arm. While extremely fast, Delta 3D printers have a limited build volume.
31. Desiccant
A substance that readily absorbs moisture to maintain dryness in its surroundings. Silica gel is a commonly used desiccant, though activated charcoal, zeolites, and calcium chloride are also popular. In 3D printing, desiccants keep filaments dry during storage and transportation.
32. Direct drive extruder
An FDM 3D printer configuration where the cold end and hot end are integrated into the print head. While simplifying troubleshooting and reducing filament deformation, this design makes the print head heavier and limits its rapid movement.
33. DLP
Digital Light Processing, a 3D printing technology utilizing UV light for photopolymerization. DLP differs from SLA (see SLA) by projecting a completely illuminated plane onto the resin, forming an entire layer simultaneously. This accelerates DLP printing, although SLA prints may have fewer artifacts.
34. Dual extrusion
An FDM 3D printer feature allows for prints with two different filaments. Useful for projects requiring different colors, materials, or printing support structures with special dissolvable filaments.
35. Elephant’s foot
A common flaw in FDM 3D printing is characterized by a flared base layer, often caused by a scorching print bed. This softens the base layer, making it unable to support the weight of the rest of the print.
36. End stops
Switches located at the endpoints of each axis in a 3D printer's movement. Tripping end stops indicate that the print head has reached the maximum position for a particular axis. Additionally, end stops assist the print head in locating its home or starting position at the beginning of a new project.
37. Extruder
The extruder encompasses all the components in an FDM printer that regulate the filament's feed rate and move it toward the hot end. While configurations may vary (see Bowden Extruder and Direct Drive Extruder), a typical 3D printer extruder consists of three fundamental parts: the stepper motor, the drive gear, and the idler.
38. Extruder motor
This motor rotates the extruder's drive gear, facilitating the movement or retraction of the filament. Typically of the stepper type (see Stepper motor), the extruder motor allows for precise and granular rotation control.
39. FDM
Filament Deposition Modeling is the prevailing technology in 3D printing that relies on layer-by-layer deposition of molten filament on a build plate according to a model.
40. Feeder
An alternate term for the feeding mechanism of an FDM 3D printer for the spool (see Cold End).
41. FFF
Fused Filament Fabrication is synonymous with FDM.
42. Filament
The raw material form used in FDM-based 3D printing is typically composed of a thermoplastic that can be molten to a semi-fluid state and solidified upon cooling. Filament delivery provides a consistent, cost-effective, and easily manageable form.
43. Fill density
The density of the infill structure is printed inside a semi-hollow outer shell. Adjusting fill density conserves filament and reduces build time while offering mechanical support to the finished 3D print.
44. Frame
The outer casing or chassis of a 3D printer is responsible for aligning all components and reducing vibration during operation. Frames are commonly made of stainless steel or aluminum, though acrylic frames are also found in less expensive models.
45. Glass transition temperature
The temperature at which a rigid solid material begins to soften and become semi-rigid. It's essential to note that the glass transition temperature differs from the melting temperature in most cases, especially in 3D printing.
46. Gluestick
A popular choice for adhesive aid on 3D printer print beds, favored for its low cost and ease of application.
47. G-code
The standard programming language for machines utilizing CNC, including 3D printers. G-code is a basic algorithm listing commands for the machine to follow, generated automatically by CAM (see CAM).
46. Hairspray
A standard adhesive aid for 3D printer print beds, known for its ability to apply a thin coating that remains stable at high temperatures. However, hairspray application can be messy and should be done away from the 3D printer.
47. Heat creep
A phenomenon in FDM printers where heat from the hot end conducts backward, expanding the melt area. Unchecked heat creep can lead to extrusion problems.
48. Heat sink
A hot-end component preventing heat creep is typically a conductive material just before the heating element. A heat sink fan aids in dissipating excess heat.
49. HIPS
High Impact Polystyrene, a filament material commonly used for printing support structures. HIPS has the unique characteristic of dissolving in limonene, simplifying support removal. Due to its printing temperature, HIPS works best with ABS.
Hot end – The segment of an FDM 3D printer responsible for filament melting, comprising the nozzle, heating block, thermistor, and heat sink.
50. Hygroscopic
The quality of readily absorbing moisture, a characteristic notable in 3D printing filaments, necessitates storage in airtight containers with desiccant.
51. Idler
A component within the extruder assembly opposite the extruder drive gear. Made typically of PTFE to minimize friction, the idler provides a surface against which the filament is held, enabling the drive gear to engage with the filament.
52. Infill
The material inside the outer shell of a 3D print, with customizable density and pattern to balance mechanical strength, filament consumption, and total build time. A fully solid 3D print has 100% infill.
53. Isotropic
Describing a material property that is equal when measured across different directions in each axis, contrasting with anisotropic (see Anisotropic).
54. Kapton tape
A prevalent choice for adhesive aid on 3D printer print beds, Kapton tape is a polyimide film valued for its thermal stability, similar to blue painter's tape (see Blue painter's tape), and leaves no sticky residue upon removal.
55. Layer
The fundamental building block of additive manufacturing, with each layer corresponding to a single slice of the reference 3D model. Each layer is completed before the nozzle or print bed moves to enable the construction of the subsequent layer.
56. Layer height
A slicer software setting determines the thickness of each layer. Thin layers reproduce precise details but extend build time, while thick layers expedite projects but may sacrifice detail. Layer height is also influenced by the nozzle diameter (see Nozzle).
57. Limonene
A liquid hydrocarbon derived from citrus fruit peels, frequently used in 3D printing as a solvent to dissolve support structures made from HIPS filament.
58. Lithophane
An embossed photo on a hard material that reveals details when backlit. Variations in thickness interact with light to display the represented photo. Lithophanes make for compelling 3D printing projects.
59. Melting point
The temperature at which a solid material transitions to a liquid. In 3D printing, filament material must be heated to its melting point for extrusion through a narrow nozzle.
60. Motherboard
Also referred to as the mainboard or controller board, a 3D printer's motherboard houses controllers crucial for printer operations. It executes G-code commands and receives data from sensors for closed-loop feedback.
61. Nozzle
The point of filament extrusion in an FDM 3D printer. Stock nozzles can be replaced with different diameters (see Nozzle diameter) or materials (see Wear-resistant nozzle).
62. Nozzle diameter
The opening diameter of the nozzle in an FDM 3D printer. Stock nozzles are typically 0.4 mm, with options for high-resolution prints (as small as 0.25 mm) or larger diameters (up to 0.6 mm) for reduced build time in low-detail models.
63. Nylon
A 3D printing filament renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. Operating at high temperatures, Nylon is susceptible to warping.
64. OBJ
A file format for 3D models preserves greater detail than STL (see STL). Supporting precise mesh surface encoding, OBJ files yield smooth surfaces at any viewing scale, albeit with larger file sizes.
65. Overhang
Any design feature lacking support underneath is susceptible to collapsing under its weight if oriented more than 45 degrees from the vertical. To counter this, a support structure can be placed beneath the overhang.
66. PAEK
Polyaryletherketone is a chemical group encompassing PEEK (see PEEK) and PEI (see PEI). PAEK polymers are known for exceptional strength and stability under high temperatures, emitting no toxic fumes when heated.
67. PEEK
Polyether Ether Ketone, a high-performance specialty filament for FDM 3D printing. Operating at very high temperatures (up to 400°C), PEEK is costly but offers exceptional thermal and chemical stability.
68. PEI
Polyether Imide is a high-performance filament material in FDM 3D printing. Characterized by high tensile strength, thermal stability, and chemical stability, PEI, like PEEK (see PEEK), is more expensive than standard 3D printing filaments.
69. PETG
Glycol-enhanced polyethylene terephthalate, a 3D printing filament often described as a blend of ABS and PLA's (see ABS and PLA) best properties. PETG is durable, thermally stable, resistant to warping, and emits no toxic fumes.
70. Photopolymer
A resin undergoes property changes when exposed to light, particularly ultraviolet (see UV) or visible light. In 3D printing, photopolymers serve as raw material for Stereolithography (see SLA).
71. Pillowing
A typical 3D printing flaw often manifests as holes or uneven surfaces on the top layer. Caused by top-layer warping, pillowing can be mitigated by increasing infill or rapidly cooling the top layer.
72. PLA
Polylactic acid a highly popular filament in FDM 3D printing. Recognized for ease of handling, resistance to warping, and printing at lower temperatures, PLA is favored by beginners. Additionally, PLA is derived from plant matter, making it sustainable and fully biodegradable in its base form.
73. Polar 3D Printer
A type of 3D printer utilizing a Polar coordinate system (see Cartesian coordinate system). Characterized by a rotating build platform and a vertically moving print head, Polar 3D printers are power-efficient but specialized for specific 3D printing applications.
74. PolyJet
Abbreviation for 'polymer jetting,' a 3D printing technology employing material jetting principles. PolyJet printers precisely deliver drops of photopolymer resin on a build plate, rapidly cured by UV lights. Typically used for projects requiring high-detail reproduction.
75. Post-processing
Any treatment applied to a 3D print after printing, including sanding, polishing, painting, and assembling separately printed parts.
76. Print bed
An interchangeable term for a build plate (see Build plate).
77. Print speed
The rate at which filament is extruded is usually measured in mm/sec. Configured in the slicer software, print speed can be adjusted for elements like the bottom layer, top layer, outer shell, and infill.
78. Printing temperature
The heating element temperature setting in an FDM 3D printer. Determined by the filament, printing temperature affects extrusion rate, layer-to-layer adhesion, thermal stress, and final product quality.
79. PTFE liner
Found in the hot end assembly entry point of an FDM 3D printer, the PTFE liner, made of Teflon, minimizes friction. Due to heat creep, periodic replacement of the PTFE liner is necessary.
80. PVA
Polyvinyl alcohol is a filament material used in FDM 3D printing, primarily for supporting structures. PVA dissolves in water, facilitating easy removal of support structures. Most compatible with PLA (see PLA) based on its printing temperature.
81. Raft
A feature adding a sacrificial layer beneath a model's base layer, aimed at preventing warping and enhancing bed adhesion. While effective, rafts consume a notable amount of filament.
82. Rapid prototyping
Quickly creating scale models of physical parts, facilitated by 3D modeling and additive manufacturing like 3D printing, offers faster results than traditional manufacturing methods.
83. RepRap
Short for 'replicating rapid prototyper,' an open-source project initiated in 2005 to develop a cost-effective 3D printer. Through various generations, RepRap printers have successfully reproduced identical parts.
84. Resin
The raw material in SLA-based 3D printing, photopolymer resin, is initially a highly viscous liquid that solidifies swiftly when exposed to UV light.
85. Resin tank
The container for resin in SLA 3D printers, with the SLA printer's build volume largely dependent on the tank's capacity.
86. Resolution
In 3D printers, resolution denotes the smallest size of features it can reproduce. Resolution may differ in the z-axis compared to the x and y axes, influenced by nozzle size and stepper motor movement.
87. Retraction
A partial filament retraction technique is achieved through the reverse rotation of the extruder drive gear. Retraction is commonly used to alleviate nozzle pressure and prevent over-extrusion issues.
88. Seam
The juncture between successive layers or the meeting line where they converge. Layer seams are more conspicuous in FDM prints than in SLA.
89. Shell
The outer walls flanking a 3D print.
90. Shell thickness
The aggregate thickness of the external walls in a 3D print. The shell thickness setting must be a multiple of the nozzle diameter.
91. Skirt
A slender filament line printed just beyond the first layer's shell, tracing its perimeter. Primarily, a skirt primes the extruder, preventing errors as the actual base layer printing begins. It also insulates against external cold air, slowing the base layer's cooling.
92. SLA
Abbreviation for Stereolithography, one of the earliest 3D printing technologies. SLA employs photopolymer resin, rapidly hardening upon exposure to UV light. UV light patterns, determined by slicer software, build the 3D model layer by layer.
93. Slicer software
A program functioning as CAM software for 3D printing. It dissects a 3D model into slices and generates a G-code to reproduce each slice as a layer in the 3D printer. Slicer software also incorporates features like support materials, rafts, skirts, and brims.
94. SLS
Abbreviation for Selective Laser Sintering is a 3D printing technology utilizing a high-powered laser beam to fuse powdered raw materials. Materials can include metal, plastics, ceramics, or glass. SLS, while versatile, faces limitations due to high capital costs and excessive waste generation.
95. Soft pull
A method for clearing blockages within a clogged nozzle. It involves heating the filament inside a nozzle to its glass transition temperature and pulling it out once cooled. Soft pull is a routine nozzle maintenance procedure.
96. Splitting
A 3D printing error resulting in visible layer separation in a finished print is often traced back to poor layer-to-layer adhesion due to improper layer height or printing temperature settings.
97. Stepper motor
A motor type where rotation occurs in discrete and equally spaced "steps," enabling precise control over rotation speed and positioning. Stepper motors are found in various moving parts of a 3D printer, such as the extruder and print head assembly.
98. STL
A file format for 3D models from the stereolithography CAD software platform. Lightweight and widely used in 3D printing, STL files simplify surfaces into an array of tessellated triangles. While offering less detail than OBJ files, STL files are preferred for sharing 3D models.
99. Stringing
A common FDM printing issue resulting in the formation of thin "strings" of filament, often indicative of over-extrusion or molten filament oozing while traveling.
100. Stripping
Occurs when extruder drive gear hobs bite into the filament, stripping off material and impeding gear function. It leads to extrusion problems and requires manual cleaning of the hobbed gear.
101. Subtractive manufacturing
A manufacturing method where the final part is cut from a solid block of source material generates more vital finished parts but produces substantial waste.
102. Supports
Also called support structures, these reinforce bridges or overhanging features in a 3D print. Supports can be added through slicer software and may be tree-type or lattice-type.
103. Tensile strength
A material property indicating its ability to withstand stress is further divided into yield stress and ultimate tensile strength. Yield stress involves plastic deformation, while maximum tensile strength is the stress causing a material fracture.
104. Thermal stress
Internal stress in a material reacting to temperature changes accumulates in 3D prints during cooling and causes warping.
105. Thermistor
A 'thermally sensitive resistor' measuring the hot end temperature in an FDM printer. Typically located near the heating block, thermistors provide feedback for precise temperature control.
106. TPU
Thermoplastic Polyurethane, a standard FDM 3D printing filament known for its rubber-like elasticity, is suitable for products requiring deformation resistance.
107. Travel speed
The speed at which an FDM printer's print head moves across the x and y-axis when not printing is measured in mm/sec. Increased travel speed reduces build time but poses the risk of print head overshooting, impacting print quality.
108. Under-extrusion
A prevalent FDM 3D printing issue is where insufficient filament is extruded, leading to missing layers, thin layers, or random holes in the print. Potential causes include suboptimal printing temperature, filament stripping, or a clogged nozzle.
109. ULTEM
A GE-owned brand of PEI filament. ULTEM 9085 has aviation certification for civil aircraft parts.
110. UV light
Ultraviolet light is used in 3D printing for curing photopolymer resins and is capable of causing breakdowns in certain FDM filament materials.
111. Viscosity
A fluid property is described as its "resistance to flow" or "thickness." In FDM 3D printing, viscosity ensures consistent molten filament flow through the nozzle and onto the build plate.
112. Warping
A typical 3D printing problem from thermal stress accumulation causes material deformation, dimensional inaccuracies, and poor bed adhesion. Some materials are more prone to warping than others.
113. Wear-resistant nozzle
Usually crafted from either stainless steel or hardened steel, this nozzle type is recommended for use when printing with abrasive filaments. However, it is worth noting that these materials exhibit lower thermal conductivity compared to the standard brass nozzle, which can be considered a drawback.
3D Printing Terms Glossary Definitions
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