3D Printing

Common terminology used in additive manufacturing.

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• Bed Adhesion

Methods used to keep a print attached to the build plate during printing.

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• Brim

Extra printed material around the base of a model that improves adhesion.

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• Build Plate

The printing surface where models are created.

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• CAD

Computer-Aided Design software used to create digital models.

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• Extruder

The mechanism that feeds filament into the printer.

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• FDM Printing

A 3D printing process that builds objects layer by layer using melted filament.

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• Filament

Plastic supplied to FDM printers in long coils.

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• G-Code

The machine instructions generated by slicing software.

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• Infill

The internal structure that provides strength while reducing material usage.

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• Layer Height

The thickness of each printed layer.

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• Layer Lines

Visible horizontal lines left by the printing process.

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• Nozzle

The heated tip through which molten filament is extruded.

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• Raft

A disposable printed base that improves bed adhesion.

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• Retraction

The process of pulling filament back slightly to reduce stringing.

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• SLA Printing

A printing process that uses UV light to cure liquid resin.

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• Slicer

Software that converts a 3D model into printer instructions.

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• STL File

The standard file format used for 3D printing.

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• Supports

Temporary structures printed to support overhanging sections.

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