Glossary
If you are new to 3D printing, these few terms may help.
- 3D modeling: The practice of creating an object on CAD software that represents a 3-dimensional object made with 3D printing. Generally, the model is sent to the 3D printer as an STL file.
- 3D printing: A method of digital fabrication that allows for complex geometries to be made from a computer file. Materials are deposited layer by layer onto the print bed, until the desired structure is complete.
- Additive Manufacturing: Frequently synonymous with 3D printing; the process of joining materials to make 3D objects and the opposite to subtractive manufacturing technologies, which removes material to form an object.
- Build Plate or Print Bed: The surface where the printer deposits the printed material.
- CAD (Computer Aided Design): The process of designing an object using computer software. In 3D printing, a CAD model is converted to a series of data points then turned into a program that operates the 3D printer.
- Extruder: Part of the 3D printer that feeds the printing material (filament) through a nozzle and onto the printing surface. Some extruders melt the material to be used for printing.
- Filament: Material (plastic, metal, wood, concrete, etc.) extruded from the printer and used to create the 3D printed object.
- Layer Height: The thickness or distance between the layers of printed material. The lower the layer height the smoother the printed item appears.
- STL file: 3D modeling file format commonly used for 3D printing.