3D Printing Industry Glossary

Introduction to 3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has revolutionized the way we approach design, prototyping, and production. It involves creating physical objects by layering materials based on a digital model. This technology is widely used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, consumer goods, and more. Understanding the common terminology in the 3D printing world is essential for engineers, designers, and manufacturers who wish to leverage this technology to its full potential.

In this article, we will explore the most commonly used terms and concepts related to 3D printing to help engineers and designers better navigate the language of this fast-evolving industry.

Common 3D Printing Terminology

1.Additive Manufacturing (AM)
Additive manufacturing refers to the process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer. This term is often used interchangeably with 3D printing and is the foundation of all 3D printing technologies.

2.Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM is one of the most widely used 3D printing technologies. It involves melting and extruding thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle to build up layers, creating a solid object.

3.Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA is a 3D printing technique that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure liquid resin into solid layers. SLA offers high precision and is used for creating highly detailed models and prototypes.

4.Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS is a 3D printing process that uses a laser to sinter (or fuse) powdered material, usually nylon or metal, into a solid structure. It's commonly used for creating functional parts and prototypes.

5.Material Extrusion
Material extrusion is a 3D printing process in which material is extruded through a heated nozzle to build up the desired shape layer by layer.

6.Laser Sintering
Laser sintering involves using a laser to melt powdered materials to form solid objects. The process is similar to SLS but typically involves a wider range of materials, including metals.

7.Digital Light Processing (DLP)
DLP is a 3D printing technology similar to SLA but uses a digital light projector to cure the resin rather than UV light. It is known for its speed and precision.

8.Inkjet Printing
Inkjet printing in 3D printing refers to the process of spraying liquid material layer by layer onto a build platform, which then hardens under UV light. It is often used for full-color models.

9.Support Structures
Support structures are temporary scaffolds that are printed alongside a 3D object to provide stability during the printing process. These structures are removed after the print is completed.

10.Layer Height
Layer height refers to the thickness of each individual layer that is printed in a 3D printing process. A smaller layer height results in smoother surfaces and higher resolution prints.

11.Build Plate
The build plate is the surface on which a 3D print is created. It may be heated to prevent warping and ensure better adhesion of the first layer.

12.Filament
Filament is the material used in 3D printing. Common types of filament include PLA, ABS, PETG, and Nylon, each with specific properties that make them suitable for different applications.

13.3D Printer Resolution
Printer resolution refers to the precision of a 3D printer, typically measured in microns. The higher the resolution, the finer the details a printer can achieve.

14.Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping is the process of quickly creating a physical model or prototype of a product using 3D printing technologies. It is used to test designs before mass production.

15.Post-Processing
Post-processing refers to the steps taken after a 3D print is completed, including cleaning, curing, and finishing the object to improve its quality and appearance.

16.Curing
Curing is the process of hardening the material (especially in SLA and DLP printing) after printing by exposing it to UV light or heat.

17.Resin
Resin is a photosensitive liquid material used in SLA and DLP 3D printing. Once cured, it hardens to create precise models.

18.Mesh
A 3D model mesh is a collection of vertices, edges, and faces that define the shape of a 3D object. The mesh is used in 3D printing to create a solid model.

19.CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
CAD is software used to design 3D models. These models are then converted into files that 3D printers can use to print the object.

20.STL File
An STL file is a standard file format used in 3D printing. It contains the geometry of a 3D object, broken down into triangular facets, which 3D printers interpret to create a physical model.

21.G-code
G-code is the language used to control CNC machines, including 3D printers. It provides instructions on how the printer should move and deposit material during the printing process.

22.Overhang
An overhang refers to a part of the 3D object that extends outward without support from below. Overhangs often require support structures to be printed correctly.

23.Warping
Warping occurs when the edges of a printed object curl up due to uneven cooling or poor adhesion to the build plate. It is a common issue with thermoplastic materials like ABS.

24.Resolution
Resolution in 3D printing refers to the level of detail that the printer can produce, often measured in microns for both layer height and print precision.

25.Extruder
The extruder is the part of the 3D printer that feeds filament into the heated nozzle. It controls the flow of material during printing.

26.Stereolithography (STL) File
The STL (Stereolithography) file is one of the most common file formats used in 3D printing. It represents the surface geometry of a 3D object and is used to transfer 3D data between CAD software and 3D printers. STL files break the surface of the 3D object into small triangular facets.

27.Voxel
A voxel is the 3D equivalent of a pixel (a 2D element) in digital imaging. It represents a value on a regular grid in three-dimensional space and is crucial for 3D printing technologies that deal with volumetric data, such as in voxel-based printing or 3D scanning.

28.Extrusion Rate
Extrusion rate refers to the speed at which material is fed into the 3D printer’s nozzle. This setting influences the flow and quality of material deposition. An improper extrusion rate can cause under-extrusion or over-extrusion, affecting print quality.

29.Shrinkage
Shrinkage in 3D printing is the reduction in the size of an object as it cools and solidifies. Different materials have varying shrinkage rates, and understanding this factor is crucial for ensuring that a printed object fits within design specifications.

30.Print Speed
Print speed refers to the rate at which a 3D printer operates, usually measured in millimeters per second (mm/s). Print speed can significantly impact the quality of the final object; printing too quickly can cause poor layer adhesion, while slower speeds can improve the print quality.

31.Raft
A raft is a thin, disposable base layer used in 3D printing to help the object adhere to the build plate. Rafts are particularly useful for materials that have poor adhesion properties or when printing on a surface that is difficult for the material to bond with.

32.Bridging
Bridging is the process of printing over a gap or space without support material beneath it. 3D printers can print bridges by using the material that spans the gap, and successful bridging requires good cooling and material properties to prevent sagging.

33.Overhang Angle
The overhang angle refers to the angle between a part of the print and the build plate. Overhangs beyond a certain angle (typically 45 degrees) will require additional support material to prevent them from collapsing during the printing process.

34.Warping Compensation
Warping compensation refers to adjustments made during the printing process to counteract warping, which is the deformation of a print as it cools. This can be achieved by using a heated build platform, adjusting print settings, or using specific materials designed to reduce warping.

35.Multi-material Printing
Multi-material printing is the ability of a 3D printer to print with more than one type of material during the same print job. This process is commonly used to print objects that require different material properties (e.g., rigid for the structure and flexible for specific components).

36.Print Layer
A print layer refers to a single horizontal slice of material that is printed during the 3D printing process. The printer builds up these layers one on top of the other to create the final object.

37.FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
FDM is a 3D printing technology that extrudes melted thermoplastic material layer by layer to create solid objects. It is one of the most popular 3D printing methods used in both prototyping and small-scale production.

38.SLA (Stereolithography Apparatus)
SLA is a type of 3D printing that uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers. It is renowned for its high precision and is often used for producing highly detailed models and prototypes.

39.Material Jetting
Material jetting is a 3D printing process where droplets of material are jetted onto a build platform, layer by layer. This method is known for its ability to print in full color and fine details.

40.Binder Jetting
Binder jetting is a 3D printing technique that involves depositing a binder material onto layers of powdered material, typically metal or sand, to fuse them into solid parts.

41.Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)
LPBF is a 3D printing technique that uses a high-powered laser to fuse metal powder together, layer by layer, to create complex metal parts with high precision.

42.Direct Energy Deposition (DED)
DED is a 3D printing process that uses a focused energy source (laser, electron beam, or plasma arc) to melt material as it is deposited. It is commonly used for repairing or adding material to metal parts.

43.Subtractive Manufacturing
Subtractive manufacturing refers to processes such as CNC machining, where material is removed from a larger block to create the final product. It is the opposite of additive manufacturing (3D printing), which builds up material layer by layer.

44.Part Orientation
Part orientation refers to the positioning of the 3D model on the build platform during the printing process. The orientation of a part affects its print quality, strength, and the amount of support material required.

45.Thermoplastic
Thermoplastics are a type of plastic that can be heated and molded repeatedly without losing their properties. Materials like PLA, ABS, and PETG are common thermoplastics used in 3D printing.

46.Metal 3D Printing
Metal 3D printing is a process that involves using metal powders or wires to create metal parts through additive manufacturing. It is used for high-performance and industrial applications such as aerospace and medical devices.

47.Tensile Strength
Tensile strength refers to the amount of force a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before it breaks. This property is important in 3D printing when creating parts that need to endure mechanical stress.

48.Post-Processing Techniques
Post-processing refers to the steps taken after a 3D print is completed to improve its surface quality or durability. These techniques include sanding, painting, and heat treatment to achieve the desired finish.

49.Support Removal
Support removal refers to the process of removing temporary support structures that were used during 3D printing to hold overhanging parts or intricate geometries. The method of removal depends on the material and the complexity of the support structure.

50.Mesh Repair
Mesh repair involves fixing issues with a 3D model's mesh, such as holes, non-manifold edges, or flipped normals, that can prevent successful 3D printing. Software tools are available to automatically or manually repair these issues.

How 3D Printing Terminology Impacts Design and Manufacturing

Understanding the terminology is vital for successful integration of 3D printing into design and manufacturing processes. From selecting the right materials to optimizing prints for strength, flexibility, or precision, knowledge of terms like "layer height," "post-processing," and "mesh" can significantly impact both the quality and efficiency of production.

For engineers and designers looking to create functional prototypes, it's essential to know the characteristics of different 3D printing technologies, such as FDM, SLA, or SLS, and select the right method for the job.

Conclusion

As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, so too does the language surrounding it. A solid understanding of key 3D printing terms is essential for engineers, designers, and manufacturers who want to make the most of this transformative technology. We hope this glossary helps demystify the world of 3D printing and enables you to navigate the complexities of the industry with confidence.

If you’re ready to explore 3D printing services for your next project, contact us for expert advice and top-quality manufacturing services.