Useful Vocabulary: Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies, design, and operations.

Additive manufacturing

Process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding layer upon layer of material.

Polyjet technology

A 3D printing process that jets photopolymer droplets and cures them with UV light.

Rotating print platform

A circular build platform that spins to ensure even material deposition.

Multimaterial printing

The ability to print with multiple types of materials simultaneously in a single job.

Mechanical design

The process of designing mechanical systems, components, or structures.

Digital design

The creation of digital representations of objects or products for manufacturing.

Photopolymers

Light-sensitive polymers used in 3D printing that harden when exposed to light.

Material configurations

Various combinations of materials used to achieve specific properties in 3D printing.

High-fidelity prototypes

Highly detailed and accurate models used to test and validate designs.

Surface finish

The texture and smoothness of a printed part's exterior surfaces.

Detailed geometries

Intricate shapes and structures that require precise manufacturing techniques.

Workflow management

The organization and coordination of tasks from design to final product.

High-resolution Deposition

The precise placement of material layers to achieve fine details in printed parts.

Feature details

Small and intricate elements of a 3D printed object.

Microns

A unit of length equal to one-millionth of a meter, used to measure small dimensions.

Maintenance-free operation

A system that requires little to no regular maintenance to function correctly.

Downtime

Periods when a machine or system is not operational.

Calibration-free operation

A system that does not need regular adjustments to maintain accuracy.

Turnaround time

The time taken to complete a process or cycle from start to finish.

Operational efficiency

The ability to achieve high performance with minimal wasted effort or expense.