Dallas Glossary and Reference Guide to 3D Printing Terminology and Concepts

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [32]

P Part Consolidation Part consolidation involves combining multiple components into a single 3D printed part, reducing assembly requirements, weight, and manufacturing complexity. It optimizes structural integrity, cost-efficiency, and performance. 3D printing enables complex geometries and integrated functions, eliminating fasteners, adhesives, or joints. Part consolidation enhances reliability, reduces inventory, and simplifies supply chains. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries for lightweight, durable, and functional parts. Proper design for consolidation ensures manufacturability, strength, and dimensional accuracy.
Pause and Resume Printing Pause and resume functionality allows users to temporarily halt a print job for filament changes, inspections, or adjustments. It enables multi-color printing, mid-print modifications, and maintenance checks without starting over. Advanced 3D printers support automatic pause for filament runout or errors. Slicing software customizes pause points and retraction settings. Proper pause and resume management prevents layer misalignment, nozzle clogging, and print defects. It enhances flexibility and control over the printing process.
Perimeter Wall Perimeter walls are the outermost layers of a 3D printed part that define its shape and provide structural integrity. Also known as shells, they enhance surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and strength. Increasing perimeter wall count improves impact resistance and rigidity, while reducing walls saves material and print time. Advanced slicers allow customization of wall thickness, overlap, and extrusion width. Proper perimeter configuration ensures smooth surfaces, accurate dimensions, and robust mechanical properties. It is crucial for functional parts, enclosures, and aesthetic models.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG is a durable and flexible filament known for its strength, impact resistance, and chemical resistance. It combines the ease of printing of PLA with the toughness of ABS. PETG prints at temperatures of 220-260°C and requires moderate bed heating (70-90°C). It has excellent layer adhesion and minimal warping. PETG is widely used for functional parts, mechanical components, and food-safe containers. It is resistant to moisture and UV exposure, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
PLA (Polylactic Acid) PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. It is the most popular filament for 3D printing due to its ease of use, low warping, and environmental friendliness. PLA prints at low temperatures (180-220°C) and does not require a heated bed. It is suitable for prototypes, decorative items, and educational projects. However, it is brittle and less heat-resistant than ABS or PETG. PLA is available in a wide range of colors and composites, including wood, metal, and glow-in-the-dark variants.
Polyamide (Nylon) Polyamide, commonly known as Nylon, is a durable, flexible, and impact-resistant filament with high tensile strength and chemical resistance. It is ideal for functional parts, mechanical components, and wear-resistant gears. Nylon prints at high temperatures (240-280°C) and requires a heated bed (70-100°C) to prevent warping. It absorbs moisture quickly, affecting print quality and strength, so proper storage is essential. Nylon’s flexibility, toughness, and abrasion resistance make it popular in automotive, aerospace, and engineering applications.
Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate is a high-strength, impact-resistant filament known for its durability and heat resistance. It is ideal for functional parts, mechanical components, and engineering prototypes. Polycarbonate prints at high temperatures (250-300°C) and requires a heated bed (90-120°C) to prevent warping. It offers excellent layer adhesion, dimensional stability, and optical clarity. However, it is prone to moisture absorption and requires proper storage. Polycarbonate is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries for high-performance applications.
PolyJet Printing PolyJet printing is a 3D printing technology that jets photopolymer droplets layer by layer, curing them with UV light. It enables high-resolution prints with smooth surfaces, intricate details, and multi-material capabilities. PolyJet is ideal for prototypes requiring realistic textures, colors, and mechanical properties. It supports a wide range of materials, including rigid, flexible, and transparent resins. PolyJet is commonly used in product design, medical modeling, and custom manufacturing. It provides exceptional accuracy but requires post-processing to remove support structures.
Polymer Blending Polymer blending involves mixing different polymers to create custom filaments with enhanced mechanical, thermal, or aesthetic properties. It improves strength, flexibility, impact resistance, or chemical resistance. Blends like PLA-PHA, ABS-PC, and PETG-Carbon Fiber offer unique properties for specialized applications. Custom blending enables designers to optimize material performance for specific requirements. It is widely used in automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer product manufacturing. Proper blending ratios and extrusion techniques ensure consistent filament quality and printability.
Polymer Filament Polymer filament is the raw material used in FDM 3D printing, made from thermoplastics such as PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, and Polycarbonate. It is extruded into thin strands, typically 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm in diameter. Polymer filaments vary in mechanical properties, temperature resistance, and flexibility. They are available in various colors, finishes, and composites, including carbon fiber, metal, and wood-filled variants. Proper filament storage prevents moisture absorption and degradation. Selecting the right polymer filament ensures optimal print quality and functionality.
Post-Curing Post-curing is the process of exposing SLA or DLP prints to UV light after printing to enhance strength, stability, and chemical resistance. It ensures full polymerization of the resin, preventing deformation and improving mechanical properties. Post-curing requires a UV curing chamber or sunlight exposure for a specific duration. Different resins require varying curing times and intensities. Proper post-curing enhances durability, heat resistance, and biocompatibility for medical and dental applications.
Post-Processing Post-processing refers to the steps taken to improve the appearance and functionality of a 3D-printed object after it has been printed. Common post-processing techniques include sanding to smooth surfaces, painting to add color, and acetone vapor smoothing to create a glossy finish. For resin prints, post-processing may involve washing uncured resin and curing the object under UV light. Post-processing can also include assembling multiple printed parts, adding hardware, or applying coatings for durability. These steps are essential for achieving professional-quality results and enhancing the object’s usability.
Post-Processing Assembly Post-processing assembly involves joining multiple 3D printed parts into a complete model or functional product. It includes mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, snap-fit designs, or interlocking joints. Proper assembly ensures structural integrity, functionality, and alignment. Advanced design techniques like dovetail joints or magnetic connections enhance ease of assembly and disassembly. Assembly is essential for complex models, multi-material designs, and moving parts. Proper design for assembly reduces post-processing time and enhances durability.
Post-Processing Painting Post-processing painting involves applying paint or coatings to 3D printed parts for enhanced aesthetics, color consistency, and surface protection. It includes priming, base coating, detailing, and sealing. Proper surface preparation, including sanding and cleaning, ensures paint adhesion. Different paints (acrylic, spray, or airbrush) provide varied finishes like matte, glossy, or metallic. Clear coatings improve durability, UV resistance, and moisture protection. Painting is widely used for display models, prototypes, and custom products, achieving professional-grade finishes.
Post-Processing Sanding Post-processing sanding smoothens rough surfaces, layer lines, and imperfections on 3D printed parts. It is particularly useful for FDM prints with visible layer lines. Sanding involves using sandpaper of varying grits, starting coarse and progressing to fine. Wet sanding reduces dust and enhances surface finish. Proper sanding techniques preserve dimensional accuracy and maintain sharp details. Combined with priming and painting, sanding achieves a professional-grade finish. It is essential for decorative models, functional prototypes, and end-use products.
Powder Bed Fusion Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) is a 3D printing technology that uses a laser or electron beam to fuse powdered material layer by layer. It is used for metals (Selective Laser Melting, Electron Beam Melting) and plastics (Selective Laser Sintering). PBF produces high-strength, dense parts with complex geometries and fine details. It requires no support structures as the surrounding powder provides support. PBF is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries for functional prototypes, custom implants, and lightweight components.
Power Loss Recovery Power loss recovery is a feature in modern 3D printers that resumes printing from the last known position after a power outage. It prevents print failures, material waste, and downtime. Advanced printers use non-volatile memory to save progress and resume seamlessly. This feature is especially useful for long prints or in areas with unstable power supply. Proper power loss recovery settings ensure layer alignment, consistent extrusion, and structural integrity. It enhances productivity and reduces print interruptions.
Print Accuracy Print accuracy measures how closely a 3D printed part matches its digital model in terms of dimensions, geometry, and surface details. It depends on printer calibration, resolution, motion control, and material properties. High accuracy is crucial for functional prototypes, mechanical assemblies, and end-use products. Advanced printers use closed-loop systems, optical encoders, and high-precision motion systems to achieve superior accuracy. Proper print settings, including layer height, extrusion width, and temperature, enhance dimensional accuracy and consistency.
Print Artifacts Print artifacts are unwanted imperfections or defects on 3D printed parts, such as stringing, blobs, zits, layer shifts, or ringing. They result from incorrect print settings, mechanical issues, or environmental factors. Common causes include improper retraction, over-extrusion, vibrations, or temperature fluctuations. Advanced slicing software provides tools to minimize artifacts through coasting, wipe, or pressure advance settings. Proper printer maintenance, calibration, and optimized settings reduce print artifacts, enhancing surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and overall print quality.
Print Bed Adhesion Print bed adhesion is the ability of the first layer to stick to the print bed, preventing warping, lifting, or failed prints. Techniques to improve adhesion include using adhesives (glue stick, hairspray), heated beds, and specialized surfaces like PEI sheets. Proper bed leveling and nozzle height calibration are crucial for consistent adhesion. Advanced printers use auto bed leveling for accurate first layers. Materials like PLA require minimal adhesion aids, while ABS and Nylon need heated beds and adhesives to prevent warping.
Print Bed Leveling Print bed leveling is the adjustment of the print bed’s position to ensure a uniform gap between the nozzle and bed across the entire surface. Proper leveling improves first layer adhesion, dimensional accuracy, and print reliability. Manual leveling uses screws or knobs, while advanced printers use automatic leveling with sensors or probes. Incorrect bed leveling leads to issues like warping, layer shifting, and nozzle clogging. Regular bed leveling is crucial for consistent and high-quality prints.
Print Orientation Print orientation is the alignment of a 3D model on the build plate, affecting strength, surface finish, and support requirements. Proper orientation minimizes overhangs, optimizes layer adhesion, and enhances mechanical properties. Horizontal orientation provides a smooth surface finish, while vertical alignment improves tensile strength along layer lines. Advanced slicers suggest optimal orientations based on geometry and structural analysis. Correct orientation reduces print time, material usage, and post-processing needs, ensuring reliable and high-quality prints.
Print Quality Print quality refers to the visual appearance, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties of a 3D printed part. It is influenced by print settings, material selection, printer calibration, and environmental conditions. High print quality is characterized by smooth surfaces, consistent layer lines, accurate dimensions, and strong layer adhesion. Advanced slicing software provides fine-tuning options for speed, resolution, and extrusion. Regular maintenance, proper calibration, and optimized settings ensure reliable and high-quality prints suitable for prototypes, functional parts, and end-use products.
Print Queue Management Print queue management organizes and schedules multiple print jobs, optimizing workflow and productivity. It is essential in multi-user environments, educational institutions, and manufacturing facilities. Advanced 3D printers and cloud platforms support remote print management, job prioritization, and real-time monitoring. Efficient queue management reduces downtime, streamlines production, and enhances resource utilization. It allows users to track print status, estimate completion times, and receive notifications. Proper queue management maximizes throughput and minimizes idle time.
Print Resolution Print resolution refers to the level of detail a 3D printer can achieve, measured in layer height and XY accuracy. Lower layer heights (e.g., 0.05 mm) provide finer details and smoother surfaces, while higher layers (e.g., 0.3 mm) reduce print time. XY resolution depends on the nozzle diameter and precision of the motion system. SLA and DLP printers offer higher resolution than FDM printers due to their light-based curing process. Proper resolution settings balance print quality and speed.
Print Speed Print speed is the rate at which the 3D printer moves the nozzle or print head, affecting print time, quality, and strength. Higher speeds reduce print time but can cause layer misalignment, poor adhesion, and surface defects. Lower speeds improve accuracy and surface finish. Proper print speed settings depend on material, layer height, and model complexity. Advanced slicers allow variable print speeds for different layers or features. Balancing speed and quality is essential for efficient and high-quality prints.
Print Time Estimation Print time estimation calculates the duration required to complete a 3D print job. It depends on model complexity, layer height, print speed, infill density, and support structures. Advanced slicing software provides accurate time estimates by simulating toolpaths and motion sequences. Real-time adjustments allow users to optimize print settings for faster production or enhanced quality. Accurate time estimation helps in project planning, resource allocation, and productivity management. It is essential for batch production and deadline-driven projects.
Printer Calibration Printer calibration is the process of fine-tuning a 3D printer to achieve accurate dimensions, consistent extrusion, and optimal layer adhesion. It involves bed leveling, nozzle height adjustment, flow rate calibration, and temperature tuning. Proper calibration reduces print defects like warping, under-extrusion, and layer misalignment. Advanced printers feature auto bed leveling and self-calibration systems. Calibration tools like calibration cubes, flow rate tests, and temperature towers ensure high precision and reliability. Regular calibration enhances print consistency and overall performance.
Prototype Iteration Prototype iteration involves designing, printing, testing, and refining prototypes to achieve the desired functionality and performance. 3D printing accelerates the iteration process with rapid prototyping capabilities. It allows designers to test form, fit, and function before mass production. Multiple iterations help identify design flaws, optimize geometry, and enhance user experience. Prototype iteration is widely used in product development, engineering, and architecture. It reduces development costs and time-to-market, enabling agile design processes.
Prototyping Prototyping is the iterative process of creating functional or visual models to test and validate product designs before mass production. 3D printing accelerates prototyping with rapid production, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. It enables designers to evaluate form, fit, function, and user experience. Prototypes range from low-fidelity mockups to high-fidelity functional models. Industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer products use prototyping for R&D, user testing, and design validation. Rapid prototyping shortens development cycles and reduces production risks.
Purge Block A purge block is a sacrificial structure used in multi-material or color 3D printing to purge the nozzle of residual filament, ensuring clean color transitions. It collects excess material during color changes, preventing contamination and enhancing print quality. Purge blocks are generated by slicing software, customized in size and position. Optimizing purge settings reduces material waste and print time. Advanced printers use wipe towers or purge buckets as alternatives. Proper purge management ensures sharp color separation and consistent extrusion.
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) PVA is a water-soluble support filament used in dual-extrusion 3D printers. It dissolves in water, leaving behind complex models with clean overhangs and intricate details. PVA is commonly paired with PLA or Nylon for multi-material printing. It requires low printing temperatures (190-220°C) and proper storage to prevent moisture absorption. PVA enables the creation of complex geometries, internal cavities, and moving parts without manual support removal. It is ideal for prototypes, architectural models, and engineering designs.