An Exhaustive List of 3D Printing Terms for Beginners and Pros:

This glossary serves as a valuable resource by providing clear definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts. It helps beginners navigate the world of 3D printing, making it easier to set up, operate, and troubleshoot their 3D printers. By demystifying technical jargon and providing accessible explanations, the glossary empowers users to confidently explore and enjoy the benefits of 3D printing without feeling overwhelmed or confused.

3MF: Acronym for "3D Manufacturing Format," it's a file format designed for 3D printing that contains not only the 3D model but also information about print settings and materials.

ABS: A common thermoplastic material used in 3D printing known for its strength and durability. It often requires a heated bed and can produce toxic fumes, necessitating good ventilation.

ASA: A type of 3D printing filament known for its durability and resistance to weather and UV radiation, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

Articulated: 3D printed objects with movable parts or joints. These are often printed in place, allowing for movement right off the print bed.

Bed Level: The process of ensuring the print bed's flatness, which is crucial for ensuring even first layer adhesion and overall print quality. This is done on the print bed using manual knobs or automated sensors.

Bed Leveling: An overarching term that describes the process of getting an even bed, and ensuring the printer extruder distance to the bed is ideal for high quality prints. . Bed tramming ensures the nozzle's initial alignment with the print bed, eliminating tilting or unevenness. The Z Offset, configured in the printer's firmware, maintains the ideal nozzle-to-bed distance during printing, compensating for minor bed surface variations. Together, Bed Tramming and the Z Offset achieve Bed Leveling, guaranteeing precise and consistent layer deposition for high-quality 3D prints.

Bed Temperature: A setting that specifies the heat level of the print bed and affects how well the filament sticks during printing. It's adjustable via the printer’s control screen or slicer software.

Bed Tramming: Applies only to printers with manually adjustable bed knobs. Tramming is the process of aligning the print bed surface to be parallel with the nozzle's movements. The ultimate goal is to eliminate tilting or areas on the bed that may be closer to the nozzle than others.

Bowden Tube | PTFE Tube: A long, flexible tube that guides filament from the extruder to the hotend in certain printer setups. It connects the extruder to the hotend and is visible on the printer’s frame. Find related problems and solutions

Bridging: The process of printing between two points without supports underneath. Successful bridging requires well-tuned printer settings to prevent sagging.

Build Plate | Bed | Print Bed: The flat surface of a 3D printer where the 3D object is printed layer by layer. This is the bottom-most part of the printer, and it's typically heated.

Build Time | Print Time: The duration it takes for a 3D printer to complete a print job. This can be estimated by the slicer software and then tracked in real-time on the printer’s control screen.

CAD: An acronym for Computer-Aided Design. Software used to design 3D models that can be printed. Popular examples include TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, and SolidWorks.

Carbon Fiber: A composite 3D printing filament that combines plastic with carbon fibers, resulting in strong and lightweight printed parts, often used in engineering and aerospace.

Cooling Fan | Extruder Fan: A fan located near the hotend that helps in cooling the printed material as it exits the nozzle. Cooling is crucial for maintaining print quality, especially for overhangs and bridges.

Coldend: The non-heated section of the extruder, which houses the mechanism that feeds filament into the hotend. Located just above or beside the hotend in the printer’s gantry.

Collapsible: 3D prints that can be folded or collapsed for compact storage, usually relying on flexible materials or jointed designs.

Core XY: A specific mechanical design for 3D printers that uses a system of belts and pulleys to move the print head in both the X and Y directions. This design offers faster and more precise movements compared to other setups.

Direct Extrusion: A type of filament feeding system in 3D printers where the extruder is directly above the hotend, allowing for more immediate filament feeding and often better performance with flexible filaments.

DLP: Acronym for "Digital Light Processing," it's a resin-based 3D printing technology that uses a digital light projector to selectively harden liquid resin, layer by layer, to create 3D objects.

Dual Extrusion: A 3D printer setup with two extruders, allowing for the simultaneous use of two different materials or colors in a single print.

Eccentric Nut: An adjustable, oval-shaped nut that helps in fine-tuning the tension and alignment of certain printer components. It's typically found on the wheels or mounts that slide along the printer’s frame. Find related problems and solutions

E Steps: A calibration value in the printer’s firmware that dictates how much the extruder moves filament for accurate deposition. This can be found within the printer's firmware settings or control screen. Find related problems and solutions

Enclosure: A protective cover or chamber around a 3D printer, which helps maintain consistent temperatures and protects prints from drafts or debris. Some printers come with built-in enclosures, while others might have aftermarket options.

Extruder: A component in a 3D printer that pushes filament towards the hotend for melting and deposition. It is typically found on the printer's gantry, either directly above the hotend or at the side.

Elephant's Foot: Elephant's foot is a common issue in 3D printing where the first few layers of a print become slightly flattened and wider than intended. It often occurs due to excessive heat at the print bed or improper initial layer settings, resulting in a distorted base. Find related problems and solutions

FDM: Acronym for "Fused Deposition Modeling," it's a 3D printing method where a thermoplastic filament is melted and extruded layer by layer to create a 3D object. It's one of the most common and accessible 3D printing technologies.

Feeder Spring: A small coiled spring inside the extruder that applies tension to the filament for consistent feeding. It's often located near the feeder gear.

Filament Diameter: A measurement that specifies filament thickness, determining the appropriate filament for a 3D printer and affecting extrusion. It's typically measured using calipers on a filament spool or specified on the spool label.

Filament Dryer Usage: A specialized device for 3D printing that removes moisture from filament spools to ensure optimal printing. It's separate from the printer, often resembling a box or chamber where filament spools are placed.

Firmware: Software embedded within the 3D printer that controls its operations. It can sometimes be updated via the printer’s interface or computer connection.

Heatsink: A metal component with fins that dissipates heat away from the hotend to maintain a temperature gradient. It's attached to the upper part of the hotend, usually with a fan blowing onto it.

Home: A reference position in 3D printing that serves as the default starting point for all print jobs. Typically, it's the front-left or front-right corner of the print bed, or where the printer head moves when the "Home" command is executed.

Hotend: A heated component of a 3D printer that melts the filament to make it extrudable. It is found at the lower part of the extruder assembly, directly above the print bed.

Infill: Infill refers to the internal structure of a 3D print, consisting of a pattern or grid of material that fills the empty space within the object's outer shell. The infill percentage determines the amount of material used for the internal structure, affecting print strength, weight, and material consumption. Find related problems and solutions

Infill Density: A setting defining the interior's solidity of a 3D print, influencing the weight, strength, and print time of an object. This is specified in the slicer software before slicing a model.

Ironing: Ironing in 3D printing is a finishing technique that smooths and flattens the top surfaces of printed objects. It involves reducing the layer height for the top layers and applying controlled, slow extrusion in multiple passes. This process results in a smoother, polished top surface with reduced visible layer lines. However, it may not be suitable for prints with intricate or textured top surfaces.

Limit Switches: Small switches positioned at the end of each axis on a 3D printer that detect when a moving component reaches its maximum or minimum position. They help in homing and preventing the printer from moving beyond its physical limits. Find related problems and solutions

Layer Height: A measurement specifying the thickness of each printed layer, determining the resolution and printing time of an object. It's set in the slicer software before generating Gcode.

Motherboard: The primary circuit board of a 3D printer, which interprets Gcode, controls printer operations, and manages communication between all the printer's components. It's located within the printer's base or enclosure.

Nozzle: The small tip at the end of the hotend. It allows melted filament to be precisely deposited on the print bed and is located at the very bottom of the hotend assembly. Find related problems and solutions

Nylon: A 3D printing filament known for its strength, flexibility, and durability, making it suitable for functional parts and prototypes.

OBJ | .obj: A file format commonly used for 3D models in 3D printing. It represents the surface geometry of 3D objects and can be loaded into slicer software.

OctoPrint: An open-source web interface for 3D printers that allows remote monitoring and control of 3D printing processes.

Orientation: The position and angle at which a 3D model is placed on the print bed in slicer software. Adjusting orientation can affect print success, quality, and time.

Overextrusion: Overextrusion is the opposite of underextrusion, occurring when the printer pushes out too much filament. This can cause issues like excessive material oozing, blobbing, or a lack of print detail. It's typically caused by incorrect extrusion settings or a partially blocked nozzle.

Overhang: Sections of a 3D print that extend beyond the layer below without any direct support. They often require supports or specific print settings to print correctly. Find related problems and solutions

PETG: A durable and flexible thermoplastic material popular in 3D printing. It offers a balance between PLA's ease of use and ABS's strength.

PEI: Acronym for "Polyetherimide," it's a high-performance 3D printing build surface material known for its excellent adhesion properties and durability.

PID Tuning: A calibration process in 3D printing for optimal temperature stability on the hotend and print bed. It involves adjusting the Proportional, Integral, and Derivative values in the printer's firmware. Find related problems and solutions

PLA: A biodegradable thermoplastic material derived from renewable resources like corn starch. It's popular for 3D printing due to its ease of use and environmentally-friendly nature.

PLA+: An enhanced version of PLA filament with improved strength and durability while maintaining PLA's ease of use.

Pre Heat: The action of heating the print bed and/or nozzle to the desired temperature before starting a print. This ensures proper filament adhesion and flow when the print begins.

Print In Place: A 3D printing technique where movable parts or mechanisms are printed without the need for assembly, often requiring well-tuned printer settings.

Print Speed: A setting dictating printer head movement speed, influencing the print time and sometimes quality. This setting is adjustable in the slicer software's settings.

Raft and Brims: Additional structures in 3D printing that enhance bed adhesion and provide a stable base for prints. These options are available in the slicer software's bed adhesion settings.

Resin: A liquid material used in stereolithography (SLA) or Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printers. It hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light, creating solid 3D objects layer by layer.

Retraction: A setting in slicer software that pulls filament back during non-print moves to prevent stringing. This setting is found in the slicer software's advanced settings. Find related problems and solutions

SCAD: Acronym for "OpenSCAD," it's a free, script-based 3D modeling software used for creating parametric 3D models by writing code.

SD Card | TF Card | Micro SD Card : A storage medium used to transfer Gcode files from a computer to a 3D printer. It's typically inserted into a slot on the printer’s control panel or motherboard.

Silk PLA: A type of PLA filament with a shiny and reflective finish, often used for aesthetically pleasing prints.

SLA: Acronym for "Stereolithography," it's a resin-based 3D printing technology that uses a laser or UV light to selectively harden liquid resin, layer by layer, to create 3D objects.

Slicer | Slicing Software: A type of software for 3D printing that converts 3D models into layers and printer instructions. It's typically installed on a computer or sometimes integrated into a printer’s interface.

Slice | G-code | Gcode: The output of a 3D model's slicing process, which translates 3D models into instructions for 3D printers. It's produced by slicer software and saved, usually as ".gcode" files. Find related problems and solutions

Spool Holder: A device or component that holds the filament spool and allows it to unwind smoothly as it is fed into the extruder.

Snap-In Fits: 3D printed components designed to fit together tightly without the need for adhesive, often relying on precision and flexibility to snap into place.

STEP: Acronym for "Standard for the Exchange of Product Data," it's a common file format used for exchanging 3D CAD data between different software applications.

Stepper Motor: A type of electric motor commonly used in 3D printers to precisely control the movement of printer components, such as the print head and build platform.

STL | .stl : A file format commonly used for 3D models in 3D printing. This format represents the surface geometry of 3D objects and can be loaded into slicer software.

Supports: Temporary structures in a 3D print that aid in printing overhanging or complex parts. These are generated by the slicer software when preparing a model with overhangs.

Thermistor: A type of temperature sensor used in 3D printers to monitor and regulate the heat of the hotend and print bed. Typically, it's embedded within the hotend or attached to the bottom of the print bed, sending temperature readings to the printer’s motherboard. Find related problems and solutions

TPU | Flexible Filament: A type of 3D printing material known for its flexibility and rubber-like properties. It's ideal for prints requiring elasticity or shock absorption.

Underextrusion: Underextrusion is a 3D printing issue where the printer doesn't extrude enough filament, leading to gaps or weak layers in the print. It can result from various factors like a clogged nozzle, incorrect temperature settings, or a faulty extruder.

Warp | Warping: A common 3D printing issue where parts of a print's base lift from the bed due to uneven cooling or poor bed adhesion. This results in a warped or deformed shape.

X Axis: Controls the left-to-right movement of the printer head and is found as rails or belts running along the width of the printer. Find related problems and solutions

X Axis Belt: A toothed belt in a 3D printer that drives the X-axis movement, usually found running across the width of the printer, attached to the gantry.

Y Axis: Manages the front-to-back movement of the printer bed or head and is found as rails or belts running along the depth of the printer. Find related problems and solutions

Y Axis Belt: A rubber or plastic belt with teeth that drives the Y-axis movement. It's typically found running along the depth of the printer, usually below the print bed or attached to the gantry.

Z Axis: One of the three movement axes of a 3D printer responsible for the vertical movement of the printer head or bed. This can be identified by looking for vertical rails or lead screws on the printer. Find related problems and solutions

Z Banding | Banding: Z banding is a printing defect characterized by visible, regular vertical lines or patterns on the printed object's surface. It's often caused by issues with the Z-axis movement, including bent or misaligned lead screws, loose belts, or insufficient lubrication. Find related problems and solutions

Z Hop | Lift Z Z Hop is a 3D printing feature that lifts the nozzle during non-print moves to prevent collisions with printed layers, improving print quality and preventing damage. This setting can be turned on or off and adjusted for the hop height in your Slicing Software.

Z Seam | Seam: The Z seam, also known as the seam or scar, is the point where each new layer begins in a 3D print. It can be a visible imperfection on the print's surface, and its location can impact the object's appearance and strength. Optimizing the Z seam's placement is important for achieving high-quality prints. Find related problems and solutions

Z Offset: a calibration parameter that sets a consistent distance between the nozzle and the center of the print bed during the printing process. Adjusting the Z Offset does not equate to leveling the bed, as bed tramming is necessary to ensure that all bed corners are parallel to the extruder. Typically, Z Offset is updated directly through the printer's control interface and should be recalibrated whenever there are changes in bed thickness or nozzle height. Find related problems and solutions

Tag - Slicing