3D printing vocab

3D Printing Glossary of Terms

Here is the glossary from the back of our user manual. We use this vocabulary in our videoconference trainings and tech support.

3D

Three-dimensional

3D Printing

The process of creating a three-dimensional object from a digital file. Usually, it is achieved by stacking two-dimensional layers of material to form a physical 3D object. There are many different 3D printing processes that use many different materials, but the most common process is material extrusion—also known as Fused Deposition Modeling and Fused Filament Fabrication—which uses thermoplastic filament. Also known as additive manufacturing.

3D Printer

A machine tool that creates a three-dimensional object from a digital file by stacking thin, two-dimensional layers of material. This machine usually reads g-code files that give it specific instructions on how to print an object. The most common type of 3D printer uses the process of material extrusion, or fused deposition modeling (FDM), to form parts.  

3D Design Program

A type of software used to visualize, design, and manipulate 3D products while providing a test environment for strength and dynamic analysis. Also known as a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program or 3D Modeling Software. Free examples for educators include Autodesk Inventor, Fusion360, SketchUp, Onshape, and Tinkercad.

3D Modeler

A type of multimedia artist or animator who creates three-dimensional models or visuals of items using a variety of different computer software programs and tools. Also, a program used to manipulate 3D shapes to create objects for animation or production.

A5

The A5 is an open source material extrusion 3D printer design that prints 125 x 150 x 100mm. NWA3D heavily modifies this original design to meet the rigorous classroom environment and calls the version an NWA3D A5. We build, modify, and test every printer. We are the sole-source provider of the NWA3D A5. Changes include hardware upgrades, custom operating system, and our unmatched warranty, lifetime training, and support for educators.

A31

The A31 is an open source material extrusion 3D printer design that prints 300 x 300 x 400mm. NWA3D modifies the original design to meet the rigorous classroom environment and calls the version an NWA3D A31. We build, modify, and test every printer. We are the sole-source provider of the NWA3D A31. Changes include hardware upgrades, custom operating system, and our unmatched warranty, lifetime training, and support for educators.

ABS

Stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is a thermoplastic used for 3D printing. ABS is a common form of plastic found in most household items that were injection molded.

Additive Manufacturing

The process of creating an object from a digital file by stacking 2D layers to form a 3D object. Also called 3D printing. see also 3D Printing

Axis Binding

A problem associated with the X-, Y-, or Z-axis on a printer, in which the axis is unable to move freely or perform a given movement.

Belt

Toothed gear belt that is used to transfer movement.

Bridging

Bridging occurs in a 3D print when filament is extended across an open area without supports. The distance a print can bridge is determined by the hardware capabilities of the printer and the slicer settings.

Brim

A platform adhesion option whose function is to reduce shrinkage of bottom print layers or better adhere a low surface area object by providing a larger base platform.

Build Plate

The surface where the printer deposits the materials used for printing. Also known as the Print Bed. see also Print Bed  

Bowden Extruder

An extruder assembly used pushing filament that uses a tube to feed the filament from the motor to heated areas. This type of extruder assembly reduces heat transfer to filament pressure point, thereby reducing plastic buildup and clogs.

CAD

Computer Aided Design or CAD is the process of digitally designing 3D models. see also CAM

Calibration

The act or process of adjusting a device or instrument to perform correctly or more efficiently.

CAM

Computer Aided Manufacturing or CAM is the process using digital programs and/or CAD to physically manufacture objects through additive or subtractive manufacturing.

Carriage

The moving assembly that holds the nozzle and hot end of the of the extruder.

CNC

A Computer Numerical Control machine, or CNC, a a machine that uses subtractive manufacturing to create 3D objects. see also Subtractive Manufacturing

Control Screen

LCD screen that displays information and provides an interface to select settings and manipulate the printer.

Cooldown

The process of cooling down the hot end. Cooldown occurs automatically after a print is finished, or can be done manually after changing filament to to prevent filament baking and clogs. Can be controlled using the Control Screen or turning off the 3D printer.

Cura

A 3D printer slicing software. Utilized to transform 3D models into a X, Y, and Z coordinate language called g-code in “.gcode” format.

Endstop

Mechanical switches that indicate where the “home” or “zero” position is on each print axis. see also Limit Switch

Extrude

The act of dispensing build material onto the build platform through a small nozzle commonly referred to as a "hot end.”

Extruder

The assembly that handles feeding and extruding filament during a print. The extruder has two parts: the stepper motor and feeding system that pushes the material into the printer, and a hot end that heats and extrudes the material through a nozzle onto the build surface.

Extruder Fan

Fan that cools the heat sink of the extruder.

Extruder Motor

Stepper motor of the extruder assembly.

Extruder Nozzle

A brass or steel funnel-shaped die through which melted plastic is extruded.

Extruder Release Lever

The trigger lever that applies pressure to the extruder gear, which forces filament to flow into the Bowden tube of the extruder to the hot end.

Extrusion Multiplier

A percentage value associated with the flow rate of plastic extrusion. The flow rate can be manipulated by adjusting this multiplier.

Filament

Typically a thermoplastic formed into a continuous wire and wound onto a spool so it is compatible with a 3D printer’s extrusion system. see also ABS, PLA, TPU

Filament Diameter

The size designation of a roll of filament. Usually 1.75mm or 3mm/2.85mm (3mm and 2. 85mm are in the same size filament category are used interchangeably in 3mm and 2.85mm material extrusion 3D printers).

Fill

The area within a 3D-printed object that connects the top, bottom, and side layers. See also Infill

Fill Density

A percentage value that determines how much of the interior volume of a 3D-printed object is filled with material. This value can range from 0–100%, recommended is 5–25%.

Flow

The action of filament moving in a steady continuous stream. see also Extrusion Multiplier

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

FDM is another name for material extrusion and FFF. It is a trade name created by Stratasys, the company that invented and first commercialized the material extrusion process. see also FFF, Material Extrusion

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

FFF is another name for material extrusion and FDM.  see also FDM, Material Extrusion

Gantry

The part of the extruder assembly and X-axis motor that moves up and down on the Z-axis of a 3D printer. see also Z-Axis Carriage

G-code

Coding language that the 3D printer understands. It is used to transmit instructions to a 3D printer’s control system to tell the printer how to print the 3D model. see also Cura, Slicer

Heated Build Plate / Heated Print Bed

The heated surface where the printer deposits the material used for printing. A heated bed can help reduce warping on large prints and help adhere parts better.

HIPS

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a thermoplastic used as a 3D printing material that can be dissolved using limonene and therefore used for dissolvable supports on delicate prints.

Hot End

The heated portion of the extruder assembly that includes the nozzle and heating block.

Infill

The area within a 3D-printed object that connects top, bottom, and side layers. This creates a rigid structure and determines print durability.

Kapton Tape

Heat-resistant polyimide adhesive tape typically used to secure wiring and insulate the hot end of the extruder.

Layer

Extruded plastic of a closed loop, represented as a two-dimensional drawing on the X-Y plane. When replicated over again in the Z direction, it produces a 3D object or multi-layered X-Y drawing. see also Layer Height

Layer Height

Utmost determinant of quality for 3D printing, it defines the distance between lines of extruded plastic in the Z-direction. Material extrusion 3D printers typically print layers between 0.1mm and 0.3mm high. A lower layer height translates to a smoother, higher quality print. A higher layer height translates into a faster, low quality print.

Limit Switch

Mechanical switch that indicates where the “home” or “zero” position is on each print axis. see also Endstop

Material Extrusion

A 3D printing process that dispenses material through a nozzle or orifice. Also known as FFF or FDM. see also FDM, FFF

Minimal Layer Time

The least amount of time required of the printer to maintain action on any layer of a printed object for the filament to sufficiently cool before fusing a layer on top if it.

Mesh

A collection of polygons attached by edges and vertices that makes up a net-like surface area in CAD.

Motor

In 3D printing, the stepper motor that produces precise movement of the extruder, X-, Y-, or Z-axis. see also Stepper

Nozzle

A brass or steel funnel-shaped die through which melted plastic is extruded. see also Extruder Nozzle, Hot End

OBJ

OBJ stands for Object File, an alternative to the STL file format. OBJ (.obj) files store object exterior pattern and color.

PLA

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from the starch in plants (normally corn) that is used for 3D printing.

Perimeter

A continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure. In 3D printing, the perimeter is created by the edges of every layer. see also Shell

Preheat

Heating prior to using the device or tool. In 3D printing, the nozzle needs to be preheated before printing or for loading and unloading filament.

Print Bed

The surface where the printer deposits the materials used for printing. Also known as the build plate. see also Build Plate

Print Speed

The rate at which a 3D printer is capable of moving while extruding plastic. A print speed of 50mm/s will be successful on most FDM printers. A print speed of 20–30mm/s will produce higher quality prints.

Print Quality

Refers to the quality of the print and is determined by many factors including mechanical capabilities of the printer, slicer used, layer height, print speed, support, and print orientation.

Printing Temperature

The temperature of the hot end at which the filament is melted and extruded.

PVA

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)  is a water soluble plastic that is a common ingredient in standard wood glue. It can be used in 3D printing to print dissolvable supports.

Raft

A platform adhesion option in which several layers of printed material are deposited on the build surface to smooth out any irregularities in the build surface and help prevent warping in the model being printed on top of the raft. A raft also helps with bed adhesion of delicate models.

RepRap

An open source 3D printing project, started in 2005, to create the best desktop printers and to make them capable of duplicating themselves.

Repetier Host

An open source slicer program, used for the preparation of STL files prior to 3D printing. Allows manipulation of files prior to printing; rotating, scaling, and duplication.

Resolution

The smallest movement a printer’s extruder can make within a single X-Y layer. Often indicates the produced quality of a printed model.

Retraction

Backwards movement of an extruder motor to reduce the amount of material stringing or oozing.

SD Card

A non-volatile memory card for use in portable devices to transfer information, such as .gcode to 3D printers.

Seam

The point at which two layers of 3D-printed material connect.

Shell

The sidewalls of a 3D printed model, created by the exterior edges of every layer. see also Perimeter

Shell Thickness

The total width of an outside wall of a 3D-printed part. Shell thickness should be a multiple of nozzle size. Two shells is typically best. An increased number of shells will lead to a stronger model. see also Shell

Skirt

A platform adhesion option that extrudes an offset outline of the model on the first layer of the print. The skirt helps to remove unwanted colors and build pressure for material extrusion. It also checks the accuracy of bed leveling.

Slice

The action of changing a model file (STL, OBJ, etc.) into a a G-code file. The coordinate type can vary depending upon setting selection. The most common type uses cartesian coordinates on an XYZ plane. see also Slicer

Slicer

A type of program, such as Cura or Repetier Host, that allows manipulation of a 3D model and converts the file type into a coordinate system (usually .gcode) the printer follows to create a model. see also Cura, Repetier Host

Soft Pull/Soft Removal

The process of heating filament to the phase transition temperature (solid to liquid) and removing it from the extruder assembly. The process helps to remove unwanted material and can assist in the removal of nozzle blockage. NWA3D recommends to always remove filament using the soft pull method as preventive maintenance for your 3D printer.

Stepper/Stepper Motor

An electric motor that moves in discrete movements, or steps, to allow more precise regulation of its movement. see also Motor

STL

The STL  file format (STL stands for stereolithography) is the recommended file format for 3D models for 3D printing. The filetype contains the best mesh for solid 3D-printed objects. see also Mesh

Support

Additional removable structures that are printed to support overhangs or other parts of a model that do not make contact with the build plate during printing.

Subtractive Manufacturing

Manufacturing techniques that remove material to create an object. Common types are CNC routing and laser cutting.

Tension Arm

Arm that presses the filament into the gear of the extruder motor. see also Extruder Lever

TPU

Thermoplastic urethane (TPU) is a semi-flexible plastic that is used in 3D printing.

Travel Speed

The rate at which the nozzle assembly will move to a new position when not extruding.

USB Connection

USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is a connection type to send files from a slicer on a computer to a 3D printer via a USB cable.

Viscosity

A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. The higher the viscosity, the more resistant the fluid is to flowing.

Vitamin

A part for a 3D printer or 3D printing project that isn’t 3D printable.

X-Axis

The principal or horizontal axis of a system of coordinates.

Y-Axis

The secondary or vertical axis of a system of coordinates.

Z-Axis

The axis in three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates which is usually oriented vertically.

Z-Lift

The process that a printer uses to lift the hot end upward prior to retraction and moving.

Z-Axis Carriage

The part of the extruder assembly and X-Axis motor that moves up and down on the Z-Axis of a 3D printer. see also Gantry

3D printing glossary for beginners

Brim: a series of attached/concentric layers all in contact with the bed and your piece to maximize the grip of your piece to the bed. Especially useful for pieces with "islands" (the end points of contact with the bed. For example, if you print the model a chair on your printer). In the image on the opposite side, the Brim is shown in green.

Extruder gauge: also called an extruder nozzle gauge, it is the print head diameter (extruder). It is usually 0.35 mm or 0.4 mm by default. Some 3D printers offer packs of nozzles with different diameters, such as the Olsson Pack for Ultimaker, with nozzles from 0.15 mm (precise printing) to 1 mm (fast printing).

CAD:Computer Aided Design refers to all graphical modelling techniques and software making it possible to virtually test and make manufactured goods.

SD card: SD cards are memory cards for storing and transferring all kinds of computer files.

External dimensions: the external dimensions of your device (3D printer, scanner, etc.).

Extruder: A special term used in FDM 3D printing (fused deposition). It's the print head that the melted plastic flows out of (just like ink in a conventional printer).

STL file: 3D modelling file format commonly used for 3D printing. All the data from your 3D model enabling your printer to understand where and how to lay down the layers of material are recorded in the STL file.

3D filament: this is the consumable of 3D printing called FDM, just like the ink cartridge for a conventional/2D printer. It is usually a coil of filament material (generally plastic based) that is progressively melted through the extruder to model, layer by layer, the desired object.

Gcode: file format containing the 3D model (usually an STL file) as well as the instructions so the 3D printer can print it (travel, speed, layer height, etc. ). This is the final format to launch a 3D print.

Firmware: Micro software integrated into the machine. Manages the 3D printer's various native functions.

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM): this is an additive manufacturing technology. That is to say, the process is the deposition of material layer by layer (additive). This is the technology used by most desktop 3D printers as it was the first to become more accessible.

Layer thickness / Layer height: Certainly one of the most watched criteria by makers. This is the fineness of your 3D printer's printed object. The 3D printing is done by successively depositing superimposed layers of material, and the layer thickness (or layer height) refers to the thickness of each layer of deposited material. A succession of very thin layers (0.02 mm, or 20 microns, for example) provides a perfectly smooth rendering your final piece. On the other hand, your print will last longer than if you print with layers of 200 microns, with a final result that's more 'rough'.

Hollow : means a piece whose degree of filling (Infill) is 0%. The printed piece is, therefore, only made of the walls, and the interior is empty.

Islands: small points of contact of a piece with the bed. For example, if you print a chair standing on your bed, the legs of the chairs are islands. These islands are likely to come unstuck from the bed more easily. You can counteract this effect by printing a Brim.

3D printer: The 3D printer is the machine intended to make three dimensional pieces by depositing successive layers of melted material (plastic, metal, food, etc.). 3D (or "three-dimensional") printers, therefore, make it possible to produce real objects.

Infill: Expressed in percentage or decimals (0 to 1) depending on the software, the "Infill" option is the fill rate of the inside of your 3D creation. 10% Infill means the inside your piece will be 10% material and 90% empty. 100% Infill refers to a completely solid piece.

Maker (a): An English term meaning "one who makes", it is commonly used abroad for a person who designs 3D objects using a 3D printer.

Micron: reference unit of length when talking about printing accuracy for a 3D printer. 1 micron (1µ) = 0.001 millimetre. For example, an accuracy of 100 microns is equal to 0.1 mm (one tenth of a millimetre).

3D Model: the 3D model is the three dimensional "drawing" of your object to be printed. Generally, it's sent to the 3D printer as an STL file. The 3D model, when imported and then processed through print software comes out in Gcode format. Therefore, in its memory, it contains all the necessary characteristics for an object so that it is understood and printed by the 3D printer.

Offset: voluntary forced displacement of a measurement. Applying a 1 mm offset to Z axis, for example, through the printer software, means that when printing starts, the bed will be shifted 1 mm from the nozzle throughout printing.

Open Source: The open source, or "open source code", designation applies to software and products whose licence meets specific criteria established by the Open Source Initiative, that is to say, free redistribution, access to the source code (the case of software) and the possibility of creating derivative works.

Printing bed: this is the bed on which the melted plastic will be deposited, layer by layer, in order to create the final object to be printed.

Bridge: area of a suspended 3D printed piece, cantilevered, for which no support is generated.

Pre-calibrated: a pre-calibrated device is a device already set according to pre-established reference data. In the case of a 3D printer, this means that the basic settings are already made, such as: the position of the extruder, axes settings, belt tension, horizontality of the bed, etc.).

Raft: These are the first layers deposited on the bed, on which your printed object will be deposited. They are thicker and provide better adhesion to the bed for your piece. Once printing is complete, the raft is removed from your final print.

RepRap: RepRap is the abbreviation for "replicating rapid prototyper". It's an initiative to develop an open source 3D printer that can print its own components and, consequently, can largely self-replicate. The advantage being building a low-cost 3D printer.

Retraction: the fact that the extruder "swallows" the filament, usually when going from point A to point B of your piece without extruding. That makes it possible to avoid "stringing" (the appearance of unwanted strings of material between point A and point B).

3D Scanner:3D scanners allow you to model an object by scanning it with lasers; that is to say, to record all its features, and make a 3D drawing/model of it. This is to transmit the scanned data (the 3D model) to a 3D printer, and reproduce the object at will.

Skirt: initial deposit of material around your piece to be printed. The skirt is deposited before printing your piece in order to ensure regular, clean flow when you 3D print starts.

SLA: refers to stereolithography, a 3D printing technology operating on the principle of the photopolymerisation of liquid resins. Backed by the Manufacturer Formlabs, it's the second technology to become accessible after FDM. This technology makes highly precise 3D printing with an exceptional level of detail possible because it virtually eliminates the stair-stepping effect of FDM due to solidification by an ultra-precise laser.

Supports: supports are additions of soluble materials making it possible to print cantilevered sections on your pieces. In the case of a figurine with outstretched arms, the first layer deposited to form the arms rests on nothing if the supports are absent; therefore, your extruder will deposit the filament into empty space. From a 30° inclination, supports are usually required. Supports are made of PVA (water soluble and recommended for PLA) and HIPS (soluble in D-limonene and recommended with ABS). Find an example of a support on the HIPS 3D filament sheet.

Shells: the "number of shells" refers to the thickness of the outer part of your piece. The minimum and standard for this measurement is 1. Each "shell" that you add adds an extra layer to the perimeter of your piece. So, if you specify "shells = 2" in your software, you will get a thickness of 3 concentric circles. These additional layers are added inside your piece so that the external dimensions do not vary.

Vase mode: print mode in which the Z axis moves with snap action to the end of each layer. It moves progressively throughout printing; this is also called a dynamic "Z". Printing in vase mode is very restrictive as regards the characteristics of the model to be printed but generally produces cleaner prints.

Print speed: print speed is a highly regarded feature when buying a 3D printer. Indeed, designing a plastic part takes time, and the possibility of reducing its print time from 6 hours to 4 hours makes a difference. Current printers have print speeds from 20 mm/sec to 120 mm/sec as a standard speed. Some machines, like the Ultimaker 2+ can even print up to 300 mm/sec (however, high-quality results cannot be expected at this speed). Apart from the machine itself, print speed is particularly affected by the complexity of the piece or the desired accuracy.

Print volume: often called "length x width x height" measurements (or LxWxH), the print volume is the maximum object volume/size that can be printed by the 3D printer. If a machine's maximum print volume is 25 x 20 x 18 cm, you can print objects with a maximum size of 25 cm in length, 20 cm in width and 18 cm in height. If the object is larger, nothing prevents you from printing it in several parts.

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We found out why 3D printing is dangerous. The main myths about technology

Vladislav Kochkurov General Director of the Center for Additive Technologies

The first product was 3D printed in 1983 - it was a small container in the form of a bowl. Now researchers are creating aircraft engines and rockets, jewelry, food, and even houses. Despite the fact that there is a lot of information about this area, many people still do not understand exactly how 3D printing works. Vladislav Kochkurov, General Director of the Center for Additive Technologies, talks about the misconceptions we face when talking about layer-by-layer creation of three-dimensional objects.

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Myth No. 1. 3D printing takes place with little or no human intervention

new product. One gets the false impression that the entire cycle of additive manufacturing consists only of the operation of equipment, and a person hardly participates in this - he only turns on a 3D printer and loads a polymer, metal powder or other material into it.

But the key role in building an object is played by its 3D model. It is a map on which the finished product will be built. The quality and characteristics of the future subject depend on its detailed study. Here, the participation of specialists with high competencies in the fields of design, technology and materials is needed.

In industrial production, the construction of a 3D model is carried out in AutoCAD computer-aided design systems. The design engineer, in accordance with the terms of reference and using various calculation methods, creates the geometry of the future product. Even if the 3D model already exists and does not need to be built from scratch, AutoCAD programs carry out its topological optimization - redesign for additive manufacturing.

This process aims to eliminate stress raisers and thin-walled features that can cause cracks or other damage during the printing process. Together with the 3D model, the location of technological supports is also designed - supporting structures needed for optimal positioning of the part on the platform, heat removal and reducing the risk of deformation during the printing of the product. Printing is also preceded by the process of developing technological modes of construction, which is being worked on by a process engineer.

Further, based on the prepared 3D model, the printer prints on its own, sometimes working for several days in a row. But before that, the equipment needs to be prepared - make sure that the build platform is level and all the mechanisms move as they should. Even the powder in the 3D printer is not just poured, but goes through the stages of incoming control and preparation.

Another mandatory stage in the production cycle of a product that requires human participation is post-processing.

Myth #2: A finished product comes out of a 3D printer. Robotic installations in a matter of minutes create superhero costumes and print elements of spaceships. Technology, of course, is striving for this, but today all products removed from the printer need post-processing.