the process of creating a design in 3D space, typically by using a CAD program.

A broad term that refers to any machine that recreates a physical 3D model from a digital file. 3D printers are based on the concept of additive manufacturing and create the physical object layer by layer through various means.

The process of constructing digital 3D models by translating a real-world physical object into points or triangles and processing that data into a 3D digital file.

A fundamental rule in designing overhanging features, the 45-degree rule states that an overhang must be oriented at a maximum of 45 degrees from the vertical axis. Beyond this angle, the feature will have to be reinforced with a chamfer or a support structure.

Acronym for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. A type of thermoplastic commonly used for filament based 3D printers such as FFF or FDM. It is well-known as a thermally stable, chemical resistant, and strong engineering plastic. ABS is also more infamously known for generating toxic fumes during printer as well as a propensity for warping.

Also called ABS glue. A solution of ABS plastic dissolved in acetone. It makes a very sticky substance that can be used as a surface treatment on the print bed to improve adhesion.

A common household and industrial solvent. Acetone breaks down styrene, which allows it to dissolve ABS. It can be used for smoothing ABS prints and for making ABS juice.

One of the most widely used finishing methods for FFF/FDM printed parts made with ABS. This involves subjecting a finished ABS print to acetone vapors in an enclosed container to selectively dissolve imperfections in its surface. This method is preferred as it can result in a perfectly smooth finish with minimal work involved.

A type of thermoplastic commonly used as 3D printer filament in FFF/FDM printers.

the process used by all 3D printers, in which a part is created by slowly adding layer after layer of material.

The opposite of crystalline. An amorphous solid has particles that are not arranged in any organized lattice pattern. Amorphous solids are more "free-flowing". Most plastics used in 3D printing are amorphous.

The opposite of isotropic. An anisotropic material is one that exhibits properties that vary in magnitude when measured along different directions. In the case of 3D printing, objects printed using FDM technology are typically anisotropic when it comes to overall strength because of the innate weakness of the layer-to-layer interface.

An open-source platform for developing and prototyping electronics. Arduino models are generally small circuit boards without inputs and outputs for controlling various electronics.

The firmware interface used on most computers. It's the first thing to load as soon as your computer starts up and controls how the operating system is booted.

The act of calibrating the level of the print bed to ensure proper printer performance and consistent quality. Some printers have automatic bad leveling features while others require the user to do it manually.

Belts translate the rotation of stepper motors to the movement of specific 3D printer components, such as the printhead of a FDM printer. Belts have to kept taut for proper operations.

Binder Jetting involves depositing a binding agent onto a powder bed, layer-by-layer, to form a part. These layers are formed, one after another, until the full part is created. A printhead passes over the powder surface, depositing binder droplets (that are around 50 microns in diameter) which bind the powder particles together to form each layer of the eventual 3D model. Once a layer is finished, the powder bed is lowered a layer, and a new layer of powder is spread over the previously printed layer for the print-head to pass over. Once printed, the part is left to cure and gain strength. After this, the part is removed from the powder bed. Any powder that hasn’t been bound is removed via compressed air.

Also knows as Pyrex™. A type of glass that is formulated to reduce thermal expansion. Since it is less prone to thermal expansion than normal glass, it's at a much lower risk for thermal shock. Thermal shock can crack traditional glass if it's quickly heated and cooled unevenly.

a general category of cold end extruder where the filament is fed from a stationary location through a feed tube and into the hot end. The extruder assembly is lcoated away from the hot end and is usually attached to the frame of the printer. This makes the print head much lighter, allowing it to move faster and with fewer errors.

The process of creating "bridges" in a 3D printing project. An FDM printer achieves this by stretching the filament across two points of contact. Bridges are typically limited to a length of 5 mm before they need to be reinforced by a support structure underneath.

A brim is a feature that extends the base layer of a model outwards. By increasing the contact area between the build platform and the print, a brim promotes enhanced bed adhesion. A brim is a slightly more conservative alternative to a raft.

The property of a material that makes it break or fall apart instead of deforming. Brittle materials are typically rigid and inflexible.

Every 3D printer has a build envelope. The build envelope is the maximum volume the printer can print and determines how large of an object the printer can build.

The part of the 3D printer where the actual project is built on. It is also called the print bed or a build platform.

The part of the 3D printer where the actual project is built on. It is also called the print bed or a build plate.

The total time it takes for a 3D printer to finish a single project. Mose slicer software will provide an estimated build time once the parameters have been set.

The maximum volume of a project that can be made in a specific 3D printer. The build volume of a 3D printer model is one of its most critical specs.

A brand of specialty 3D printing surfaces designed for FDM printers. BuildTak™ improves adhesion for just about any filament type and can be used with heated print beds. It can be reused for up to 250 hours of total printing time.

Computer-Aided Design is a general term that refers to the method, technology, and software used to create 2D and 3D design utilizing a computer program. The models are generated in a digital format making them easier to share, edit, and reproduce.

Computer-Aided Manufacturing refers to the technology that translates a 3D model created by CAD to a set of commands for automated manufacturing. CAM is used in 3D printing as well as in numerous other manufacturing methods that use CNC.

a common measurement tool used in a wide range of field and industries. They come in either digital or analog and are used to measure lengths, distances, and depths. Calipers are capable of very high precision.

An adjective used to describe things related to René Descartes, who was a French mathematician and philosopher.
In the context of 3D printing, it is a coordinate system based on the x, y, and z axes. Positioning and movement in the Cartesian coordinate system are typically represented as unit distance numbers measured from an established reference point. Most 3D printers used the Cartesian coordinate system.

A simple beveled edge that connects two surfaces. If the surfaces meet at 90 degrees, a standard chamfer will cut across at 45 degrees for symmetry. However, a chamfer does not have to be symmetrical and can cut across at other angles as well.
A design strategy used in 3D printing which creates overhanging features that go beyond the 45-degree rule. A chamfer is basically a series of segments that are progressively angled towards the horizontal, with each segment providing support for the next one.

Computer Numeric Control is a computer-aided design (CAD) protocol that converts spatial designs into a series of numbers. It is the technology that allows for the automation of industrial manufacturing equipment such as mills, lathers, and drills.

The part of a 3D FDM printer that feeds the filament into the extruder. It typically consists of a hobbed gear driven by a motor that grabs onto the filament to convey it forward towards the extruder assembly. The term 'cold end' contrasts this part of the 3D printer to the 'hot end' where the filament is melted by a heating element.

A type of FDM 3D printing filament that combines two vastly different materials, typically for aesthetic purposes. Common composite filaments have a matrix made with PLA in which solid particles of wood, metals, carbon fiber, or ceramics are embedded. Composite filaments are valued for their superior visual appeal but are a little more brittle and can be abrasive on the standard brass nozzles.

A general term that refers to the method, technology, and software used to create 2D and 3D design utilizing a computer program. The models are generated in a digital format making them easier to share, edit, and reproduce.

Technology that translates a 3D model created by CAD to a set of commands for automated manufacturing. It also refers to the software used by the computers for controlling the machinery.

Computer Numeric Control is a computer-aided design (CAD) protocol that converts spatial designs into a series of numbers. It is the technology that allows for the automation of industrial manufacturing equipment such as mills, lathers, and drills.

The brain of the 3D printer. The control board is responsible for handling and processing all of the inputs and outputs on the printer.

A mechanical fastener used to connect the lead screws on the drive system to the shaft of the stepper motor.

A popular brand of 3D printer slicing software developed and maintained by Ultimaker.

A necessary post-processing step in the 3D printing process for processes that rely on UV light. Curing is done by placing the finished print in an oven with UV light to further strengthen the parts. Curing can also be done under direct sunlight, although this is a much slower option.

A trade name for a type of low-friction plastic. Commonly known as acetal.

A substance that readily absorbs moisture and promotes dryness in its environment. Silica gel is the most commonly used desiccant, but activated charcoal, zeolites, and calcium chloride are also quite popular. In 3D printing, the desiccant is used to keep filaments dry during storage and transportation.

Is an additive process. DLP 3D printing uses a projector, rather than a UV laser as used in SLA. The projector flashes light onto the entire layer of resin at once utilizing minuscule mirrors. Projecting cross sections of the part layer by layer until the part is complete. This makes DLP faster, although SLA prints have fewer printing artifacts.

An FDM 3D printer configuation where the cold end and the hot end are integrated into the print head. This simple construction makes troubleshooting easier and makes deformation of the filament less probable. However it also makes the print head quite heavy and prevents it from moving around quickly. Due to the relatively low torque, direct drive cold ends are generally only suitable for 1.75mm filament.

(Also known as cladding or 3D laser cladding) a metal wire material or powder – the feedstock – is deposited from the printer’s nozzle and melted by the laser, electron beam or other heat source as it is directed onto the build platform. Robotic arms are used to deposit and melt the metal, and the process is commonly used to repair metal parts that have been damaged, as well as to build large metal structures.

A category of cold end where the drive system is located directly above the hot end, so filament is fed directly from the cold end into the hot end.

use heated chambers that heat the printer’s build area until the stored metal powder is just below its melting point. Once this temperature has been achieved, the printer’s powerful laser traces the part, sintering and solidifying the metal together. Once one layer has finished, a new metal powder layer is spread over the build chamber be the roller, and the process repeats until the part has finished.

Is an additive process. DLP 3D printing uses a projector, rather than a UV laser as used in SLA. The projector flashes light onto the entire layer of resin at once utilizing minuscule mirrors. Projecting cross sections of the part layer by layer until the part is complete. This makes DLP faster, although SLA prints have fewer printing artifacts.

The process of creating technical drawings of parts and assemblies.

An FDM 3D printer feature that allows for 3D prints made with two different filaments. This is handy for projects that need to combine different colors or different materials, as well as for printing support structures with special desolvable filaments.

Is an additive process. Creates fully dense metal parts from a powder bed of metal powder melted by a powerful electron beam.

A common error in FDM 3D printing characterized by a flared base layer. This is a distortion typically caused by a print bed that is set too hot. This makes the base layer too soft to support the weight of the rest of the print.

A case that surrounds the 3D printer to keep hot air in and cold drafts out. Enclosures can significantly reduce warping and cracking on FFF parts.

Switches found on the endpoint of each axis of movement of a FDM 3D printer. When the end stops are tripped, it means that the print head has moved to the maximum position for that particular axis. End stops are also useful for the print head to find it home or beginning position at the start of a new project.

The extruder is the entire assembly of components in an FDM printer that controls the feed of the filament and moved it forward toward the hot end. A 3D printer extruder can have different configurations (see Bowden Extrude and Direct Drive Extrude) but typically have three basic components: the stepper motor, the drive gear, and the idler.

The motor that rotates the drive gear of the extruder to move or retract the filament. The extruder motor is typically a stepper type (see stepper motor) which allows for more precise granular control of rotation.

The process used by FDM 3D printers to melt plastic and deposit it by squeezing the molten plastic through a nozzle.

Is an additive process (also known as fused filament fabrication). It is a three-dimensional printing process which utilizes a continuous filament of thermoplastic which is melted and deposited on a build platform layer by layer (bottom-up) until the part is completed.

An alternative term for an FDM 3D printer's feeding mechanism for the spool (see cold end).

The form of raw material used by FFF/FDM 3D printers, which comes in the form of a long strand of plastic and is generally wound on a spool. The conventional filament is typically made of a thermoplastic that can be melted down to a semi-fluid state and solidified again upon cooling. Delivery of material via filament provides a form that is consistent, inexpensive, and easy to handle.

Fill density applies to the FFF/FDM printing process. The density of the infill structure that will be printed inside a semi-hollow outer shell. Adjusting fill density is a way to conserve filament use and reduce build time while providing mechanical support to the finished 3D print.

The program that runs on the control board for controlling the 3D printer.

Is an additive process (also known as fused filament fabrication). It is a three-dimensional printing process which utilizes a continuous filament of thermoplastic which is melted and deposited on a build platform layer by layer (bottom-up) until the part is completed.

Is an additive process (also known as fused deposition modeling). It is a three-dimensional printing process which utilizes a continuous filament of thermoplastic which is melted and deposited on a build platform layer by layer (bottom-up) until the part is completed.

A programming language for machines that use CNC, including 3D printers and other computer-controlled machine tools. The G-code is what is used to give most 3D printers the commands they follow to produce parts.
A G-code is basically an algorithm that lists out commands for the machine to follow. It is a language with no variables or logic functions.

The temperature at which a rigid solid material starts to become soft and semi-rigid. Note that the glass transition temperature is not equivalent to melt temperature in most cases, at least in the context of 3D printing.

A specially formulated material used for sand casting. Sand casting is used to produce metal parts by pouring molten metal into a mold made of sand.

Refers to the tendency for voltage in a circuit to change when exposed to magnetism. It can be harnessed to create proximity sensors and is sometimes used for end stops and probes.

A phenomenon that happens in FFF/FDM printers where heat from the hot end conducts backward, thus expanding the extent of the melt area. When left unchecked, this could result in extrusion problems.

In FFF/FDM printers, it is a part of the hot end that prevents heat creep. A heat sink is a piece of conductive material located just before the heating element which draws heat away from the filament. A heat sink fan helps to disperse away this excess heat.

A type of 3D printing build platform that is electrically heated in order to aid adhesion and reduce warping in FFF machines.

Similar to an enclosure, except it is actively heated. Heated build chambers can often eliminate warping and cracking entirely in the FFF process.

A simple electrical resistance-based heating device usually used to heat up the hot end.

A type of plastic that can be used as support material for 3D printing. It dissolves in limonene, so it can be removed chemically to avoid damage to the printed part.

Acronym for high-impact polystyrene. A type of plastic that can be used as support material for FFF/FDM 3D printing. Since it dissolves in limonene, it can be removed chemically to avoid damage to the printed part. Due to its printing temperature, HIPS works best with ABS.

The software that runs on your ocmputer and connects your computer to the 3D printer. It can be used to manually control the printer, as well as to send files to be printed.

In FFF/FDM printers, it's the part of the extruder assembly that heats and melts the filament that is fed by the extruder assembly. As filament is pushed into the hot end, a heating element heats the hot end. The temperature is enough to almost instantly melt the plastic into a very viscous fluid, which is then squeezed out of the nozzle and deposited on the print bed. It generally consists of the nozzle, a heating block, a thermistor, and a heat sink

The property of readily absorbing moisture. FFFF/FDM printing filaments are notoriously hygroscopic and must be stored in airtight containers with desiccant.

The longest side of a right-angled triangle. It is always the side whose endpoint doesn't tough the right angle.

In FFF/FDM printers, it is a component of the extruder assembly that sits opposite the extruder drive gear. The idler provides a surface against which the filament will be held, allowing the drive gear to "grab" the filament. Idlers are typically made of PTFE to reduce friction.

In FFF/FDM printing: The material inside the outer shell of a 3D print. Infill density and pattern can be customized to strike balance between the mechanical strength of a 3D print, how much filament the project consumes, and its total build time. A completely solid 3D print has 100% infill.

Describes a property of a material that is equal when measured across different directions in each axis. The opposite of anisotropic.

LOM involves sheets of either paper or plastic being placed across the build platform before being coated with an adhesive. Then, a heated roller passes over the paper or plastic sheet, melting the adhesive to the platform. A blade or laser then cuts the unwanted areas away, leaving the solid part. The process is repeated with additional sheets placed on the existing model, bonded with the melted adhesive, creating 3D parts made from paper or plastic sheets.

The main building element of additive manufacturing. Each layer of a 3D printed object corresponds to a single slice of the reference 3D model. Each layer is completed before the nozzle or the print bed moves to prepare for the building of the next layer.

Thickness of each individual layer. The height is inversely proportional to both quality and print time, so the thinner each layer is, the longer it will take to print and the better the quality will be.

A device that connects to the control board and let you control the 3D printer without having a computer attached.

Is an additive process. LCD 3D printing involves flashing entire layers at once to cure resin housed in the resin tank, but LCD printers don’t use mirrors. Instead, powerful LCD panels shine light via LEDs at the model, which the LCD panel blocks off in the areas that are not to be solidified. The LCD screen only lets the light pass through areas that are to be cured into the finished part, simplifying the process and removing the need for any mirrors or galvanometers.

A precision-machined component for translating rotary motion into linear motion.

Acronym for laminated object manufacturing. LOM involves sheets of either paper or plastic being placed across the build platform before being coated with an adhesive. Then, a heated roller passes over the paper or plastic sheet, melting the adhesive to the platform. A blade or laser then cuts the unwanted areas away, leaving the solid part. The process is repeated with additional sheets placed on the existing model, bonded with the melted adhesive, creating 3D parts made from paper or plastic sheets.

A 3d printing process that uses multiple nozzles to spray binder onto a bed of powder to bind it, layer by layer.

The small opening at the end of the hot end that determines how thick the extruded filament will be.

a type of plastic that is noteworthy for its very low coefficient of friction. It can be found in filament form for 3D printing.

A philosophy and usage rights system that allows information to be shared freely.

A 3D modeling system used by CAD software that defines the model by a services of parameters which can be modified.

Acronym for polyethylene terephthalate. A type of plastic that can be used as a 3D printing surface in film form or as a 3D printing material in filament.

A type of liquid resin that solidifies into plastic when exposed to light (usually ultraviolet spectrum) Manufacturers can produce the resin in may varieties, with different mechanical and chemical properties.

The distance from one thread to the next. This is what determines how far the screw and nut will move (relative to each other) with one full rotation.

A very strong plastic that can be 3D printed. This is the type of plastics that bulletproof windows are made from.

A type of plastic that can be used as a 3D printing surface in film form or as a 3D printing material in filament form.

A film that can be used as a 3D printing surface to improve adhesion. It can also be used as a tape in very high-temperature applications, such as on the hot end. Often referred to by its trade name Kapton.

jet layers of curable liquid photo-polymers onto a build tray to be cured by a UV light. This process then repeats layer-by-layer to create accurate 3D models.

Any type of 3D printing process that applies a liquid binder to powder.

The part of the 3D printer where the actual project is build on. Usually used in powder technologies.

A small fan that cools the extruded plastic after it has been deposited.

A term that is often used synonymously with 3D printing

This can refer to the RepRap project, which develops open-source 3D printers, as well as the 3D printers themselves.

The process of determining the function and/or design of a man-made object or system. This can be anything from reverse engineering software to complicated mechanical systems.

The size of a part in relation to its physical real-world counterpart. It is often used to represent something large (like a building) at a manageable size.

Is an additive process. It uses a high-powered laser that heats up and fuses plastic powders to create a solid and precise part. Once each layer has been traced by the laser, the re-coating blade deposits another layer of powder on to the build area, and the process is repeated until the part is completed.

In the context of Arduinos, a circuit board designed to be attached to the Arduino board. Shields are generally used to expand the capabilities of Arduinos by adding either more connections or sensors. They are usually designed for a specific application (like GPS tracking or to interface with another device), although plenty of general-use shields exist.

The 3D printing software that takes a 3D model and converts it into a series of instructions for the 3D printer.

A cylindrical metal rod used in 3D printers for linear motion.

Describes the mathematical relationship between area and volume. Its relevance to 3D printing is the way that volume (and therefore print time) increase exponentially with size. For example, a cube 10mm to a side has a volume of 1,000mm. Doubling the dimensions of the cube to 20mm to a side results in a volume of 8,000mm. Because the larger cube is 8 times the volume, it will take 8 times longer to print than the smaller cube.

A type of electric motor commonly used for 3D printers because it rotation can be very precisely controlled.

Is an additive process. It is a three-dimensional printing process that makes a solid object from a computer model by using a computer-controlled laser to draw the cross section of the object layer by layer (bottom-up) onto the surface of liquid photo-polymer resin. The very first 3D printing process.

A file format used to store 3D models. STL (Stereolithography) is the standard file format used for all 3D printers, as well as CAM software.

The quality (generally smoothness) of the surface of a printed part.

An electronic component that changes resistance based on heat. It's usually used to monitor the temperature of the hot end and heated bed.

A type of temperature measuring device used in a wide range of industries. It's inexpensive and doesn't require a power source, which makes it ideal for some applications. However, thermocouples aren't very accurate, which generally makes them unsuitable for use in 3D printer hot ends.

A type of fastener that is basically a long bolt without a head at the end. A threaded rod is often used in place of lead screws on some 3D printers.

The unit of measurement used in 3D modeling and printing. This specifies what is used for the coordinates - for instance, millimeters or inches.

FDM printers: distance between the tip of the nozzle and the print bed. This is adjustable and is important for adhesion.