3D Printing Term Glossary

3D Model: The digital design of an object that will be printed. This is the file that gives the printer the shape of the final item.

3D Printing: A process that creates a physical object from a digital file by building it layer by layer.

Bed Adhesion: How well the first layer sticks to the build plate. Good bed adhesion is important because poor adhesion can cause the print to fail.

Brim: A thin outline printed around the bottom of the object to improve bed adhesion. A brim is easier to remove than a raft.

Build Plate: The flat surface where the print is made. The first layer of the print sticks to this surface while the object is being printed.

CAD: Computer-aided design is software used to create or edit 3D models. CAD is often used when a design needs to be customized or made from scratch.

Clogged Nozzle: When the filament gets stuck inside the nozzle and does not come out correctly. This can cause missing layers, weak prints, or failed prints.

Extruder: The part of the printer that pushes filament toward the nozzle.

FDM Printing: A common type of 3D printing that uses heated plastic filament. The printer melts the filament and lays it down layer by layer to create the object.

Filament: The plastic material used by many FDM 3D printers. It usually comes on a spool and is fed into the printer as it prints.

First Layer: The first layer of material is placed on the build plate. This is one of the most important parts of the print because it creates the base for everything above it.

G-code: The instruction file that tells the printer exactly how to move, heat, and print the object.

Hot End: The heated part of the printer that melts the filament before it comes out of the nozzle.

Infill: The internal structure inside a print. A higher infill percentage makes the print more solid, while a lower infill percentage uses less material, prints faster, and is usually weaker.

Layer Height: The thickness of each printed layer. Smaller layer heights can create smoother prints, but they usually take longer. Larger layer heights usually print faster, but the layer lines may be more visible.

Layer Shift: When the printer’s layers move out of alignment. This can make the print look shifted or offset.

Nozzle: The small metal tip where melted filament comes out of the printer.

Open-Source: A design or file that is shared for others to use, modify, or build from. Some open-source files may still have specific usage rules, so it is important to check the license.

Overhang: A part of a model that extends outward without much support underneath it. Larger overhangs may need supports to print successfully.

Post-processing: Any work done after the print is finished. This may include removing supports, sanding rough areas, assembling parts, or checking the fit.

Print Bed: Another term for the build plate. This is the flat surface where the object is printed

Print Orientation: The way a model is positioned on the build plate. Orientation can affect print strength, print time, surface quality, and whether supports are needed.

Print Time: The estimated or actual amount of time it takes to complete a print.

Printer Calibration: Adjustments made to help the printer produce accurate and consistent prints. Calibration can affect print quality, size, and reliability.

Prototype: An early version of a design used for testing. A prototype can help identify what needs to be changed before making the final version.

Raft: A removable base printed underneath the object to help it stick to the build plate. Rafts are sometimes used when extra adhesion is needed.

Shells or Walls: The outer layers of a print. More walls can make a print stronger without making the entire inside solid.

Slicer: Software that prepares a 3D model for printing. The slicer turns the model into instructions that the printer can follow.

Skirt: A line printed around the object before the actual print begins. This helps get the filament flowing consistently before the printer starts the model.

STL File: A common file type used for 3D models. STL files describe the shape of an object, but they do not include printer settings.

Stringing: Thin strands of plastic that appear between parts of a print. This happens when filament leaks from the nozzle while it moves.

Supports: Extra temporary structures that help hold up parts of a print that would otherwise be printing in mid-air. Supports are removed after the print is finished.

Tolerance: The amount of space or clearance between parts. Good tolerance helps pieces fit together properly after printing.

Top and Bottom Layers: The solid layers printed at the top and bottom of an object.

Warping: When the edges or corners of a print lift off the build plate. This can happen when the material cools unevenly.