3D Printing 3.7 (copy)

3D Printing

A manufacturing process where material is deposited layer by layer to create a physical object based on a CAD file.

Additive Manufacturing

Another term for 3D printing; builds objects by adding material instead of removing it.

CAD File

A computer-aided design file used by 3D printers to guide the printing process with high precision.

3D Bioprinting

Uses 3D printing technology to create biological structures like skin, capillaries, and organs using bioinks.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

A 3D printing method using melted filament extruded through a nozzle layer by layer.

FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)

Another name for FDM; uses a filament heated and extruded to build an object.

Filament

Thermoplastic thread used in FDM/FFF printing, commonly ABS or PLA, supplied in spools.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

A strong, durable plastic used in 3D printing; non-toxic and high melting point.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

A biodegradable, plant-based filament; low melting point, low odor, common in desktop printers.

SLA (Stereolithography)

A 3D printing process using UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer in a vat.

Photopolymer

A UV-sensitive resin material used in SLA printing that solidifies when exposed to UV light.

Print Bed

The surface on which a 3D object is printed; must be level and clean for good adhesion.

Heated Print Bed

Helps improve adhesion and reduce warping by controlling the cooling of printed layers.

Scaffolding

Support structure printed alongside a complex object to hold it in place during printing.

Bioinks

Materials composed of living cells and compatible substances used for printing tissues/organs.

PEEK Thermoplastic

A heat-resistant polymer used to print organ scaffolds in medical applications.

Extruder Assembly

A component with a stepper motor and nozzle that feeds and melts filament during printing.

Stepper Motor

Moves filament through the extruder or controls motion along the X, Y, Z axes.

Nozzle Hot End

The heated tip of the extruder that melts and deposits filament in precise layers.

Resin Printing (SLA)

A method using UV light to cure liquid resin into solid layers to build an object.

Standard Resin

A type of photopolymer resin that is smooth and clear but can become brittle over time.

Platform Elevator

In SLA, it lowers the object into the resin vat layer by layer during the print.

Blade Recoater

In SLA, spreads fresh resin over the object after each layer is cured.

Print Adhesion

The ability of the first layer to stick to the print bed, critical for print success.

Glass Print Bed

Flat surface good for print removal and adhesion; commonly used for consistency.

Calibration

The process of adjusting printer components to ensure accurate, repeatable prints.

Build Platform

The base structure that supports the print bed and ensures level, stable printing.

XYZ Axes

Three-dimensional directions controlled by stepper motors for precise movement.

Filament Guide Tube

Used in some printers to route filament from the spool to the hot end nozzle.

Direct Drive Extruder

Feeds filament directly into the hot end from the motor assembly.

Tube Extrusion System

Uses a guide tube to move filament from motor to nozzle.

Clean Bed Rule

Always keep the print bed clean to ensure proper print adhesion and prevent defects.

FDM vs. SLA

FDM uses melted filament; SLA uses UV light to cure resin.

Material Wastage

FDM/3D printing produces minimal waste compared to subtractive methods like cutting.