Additive Manufacturing (AM)

The process of creating an object by adding material layer by layer, typically based on digital 3D models.

Binder Jetting

A 3D printing process where a binding agent is selectively deposited onto a powder bed, bonding the powder particles together to form a solid part.

Build

The production of one or parts in one batch throught AM.

Build Orientation

The direction in which the object is oriented on the build platform. The orientation can affect the strength, surface finish, and the amount of support material needed.

Build Plate or Build Platform

This is the surface on which the 3D object is printed, also known as the print bed.

Build Time

The total time required to complete the printing process of a 3D object.

Build Volume

The maximum dimensions of the build platform and the range of motion of the printer’s print head.

Calibration

The process of adjusting the 3D printer to ensure accuracy and quality, including bed leveling, extruder calibration, and temperature settings.

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

A 3D printing technology that uses a digital light projector to cure liquid photopolymer resin in layers, building the object layer by layer.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Similar to SLM, a 3D printing technology that uses a laser to sinter metal powders, but typically operates at lower temperatures without fully melting the powders.

DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing)

The process of designing products or components specifically with the capabilities and constraints of additive manufacturing (AM) in mind.

Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

A 3D printing technology that uses an electron beam to melt and fuse metallic powders layer by layer in a high vacuum environment.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

A 3D printing technology that extrudes melted thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle to build objects layer by layer.

G-code

The language used to instruct a 3D printer, detailing the movements of the print head, the extrusion of material, and other parameters.

Infill

The internal structure of a 3D printed object, which can vary in density and pattern to balance strength, weight, and material usage.

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)

A 3D printing technology that layers sheets of material, bonding them together and cutting them to shape with a laser or blade.

Layer

In 3D printing, a “layer” refers to a single horizontal cross-section of a 3D object that is printed sequentially one on top of another to build the final three-dimensional shape.

Layer height

This is the thickness of each individual layer that is deposited by  a 3D printer. It is a crucial parameter that affects the resolution and surface finish of the printed object. Typical layer heights range from around 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, depending on the printer and material being used.

Mesh

A digital representation of a 3D object made up of vertices, edges, and faces that define its shape.

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

A 3D printing technology that uses a fine powder bed and a fusing agent jetted onto the powder to selectively bond particles together, followed by a heat source to fuse the layers.

Nesting

The process of arranging multiple parts or objects within the build volume of a 3D printer in an optimized manner. This optimization can be aimed at maximizing the use of space, reducing print time, and minimizing material waste.

Overhang

A feature of a 3D printed object where part of the structure extends outward, unsupported by material below, often requiring support structures.

Photopolymer Resin

A liquid material used in SLA and DLP 3D printing that hardens when exposed to UV light.

PolyJet

A 3D printing technology that jets layers of liquid photopolymer onto a build tray and cures them with UV light, allowing for high resolution and multi-material/color prints.

Post-processing

The steps taken after 3D printing to finish the part, including support removal, sanding, painting, or additional curing.

Powder Bed Fusion

A category of 3D printing technologies, including SLS and SLM, where a powder bed is fused layer by layer using a heat source.

Proto-typing

Prototyping refers to the process of creating an initial, experimental version of a product or part to evaluate its design, functionality, and feasibility before full-scale production. Prototyping plays a crucial role in product development across various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, software development, and consumer products.

Rapid proto-typing

Rapid prototyping (RP) refers to a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model or prototype of a physical part or assembly using 3D computer-aided design (CAD) data. The key characteristics of rapid prototyping include speed, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to create complex shapes and geometries that may be challenging or impossible with traditional manufacturing methods.

Resolution

The level of detail that a 3D printer can achieve, typically measured in microns for layer height and XY accuracy.

Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

A 3D printing technology that uses a high-power laser to fully melt and fuse metallic powders to form solid 3D parts.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

A 3D printing technology that uses a laser to sinter powdered material, typically nylon or polyamide, fusing the particles together to form a solid structure.

Slicing Software

Software used to convert 3D models into layers (slices) and generate the instructions (G-code) for the 3D printer.

Stereolithography (SLA)

A 3D printing technology that uses a UV laser to cure liquid photopolymer resin into hardened plastic, layer by layer.

Support Structures

Temporary structures built during the 3D printing process to support overhanging or complex features, typically removed after printing.

STL

A file format widely used in 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) software to represent 3D models as a series of connected triangles.

Thermoplastic Filament

The material used in FDM 3D printing, typically available as spools of plastic like PLA, ABS, and PETG.

Warping

A common issue in 3D printing where parts of the print lift or curl due to uneven cooling or material contraction.

XYZ

The coordinates in 3D printing define the spatial position of the print head or build platform within the printer’s workspace.

X-axis: This is the horizontal axis that runs left to right across the 3D printer’s build platform. Movements along the X-axis control the side-to-side motion of the print head or build plate.

Y-axis: This is the horizontal axis that runs front to back across the 3D printer’s build platform. Movements along the Y-axis control the forward and backward motion of the print head or build plate.

Z-axis: This is the vertical axis that runs up and down, perpendicular to the build platform. Movements along the Z-axis control the vertical movement of the print head or build platform, determining the layer height or thickness of each printed layer.