3D Printing Glossary

A modern 3D file format with color, material, and metadata support, superior to STL.

A strong, heat-resistant thermoplastic known for durability but requiring an enclosure.

How quickly the print head speeds up and slows down during movements.

A UV-resistant alternative to ABS, ideal for outdoor applications.

How well the first layer of a print sticks to the build plate.

The process of ensuring the build plate is parallel to the print head's movement.

The temperature of the heated build plate for better adhesion.

Small raised bumps on print surfaces from excess material at start/stop points.

The solid horizontal layers that form the bottom surface of a print.

A tube that guides filament from a remote extruder to the hotend.

Printing horizontal spans between two points with no support underneath.

A single-layer border printed around the base of a model to increase bed adhesion.

The flat surface where the 3D print is created, often heated for better adhesion.

When debris or burnt filament blocks the nozzle, preventing proper extrusion.

Stopping extrusion slightly before the end of a line to reduce pressure and oozing.

Technique to clean clogs by pulling filament out at low temperature.

An extruder mounted directly on the print head, providing precise filament control.

The number of stepper motor steps needed to extrude 1mm of filament.

When the first layer of a print bulges outward, making the base wider than designed.

A housing around the printer that maintains stable temperature and reduces drafts.

The mechanism that grips and pushes filament into the hotend.

The most common 3D printing method, where plastic filament is melted and deposited layer by layer.

The plastic material fed into FDM printers, typically a thin strand wound on a spool.

Device that removes moisture from filament to prevent print quality issues.

Software running on the printer's control board that interprets G-code and controls hardware.

The foundation layer of a print, critical for adhesion and overall print success.

A multiplier that adjusts how much filament is extruded, fine-tuning for material variations.

The programming language of instructions that tells the 3D printer how to move and extrude.

When heat travels up the hotend and softens filament too early, causing jams.

The heated assembly that melts filament, consisting of heater block, heat break, and nozzle.

The internal structure printed inside a 3D model for strength and support.

A slicer feature that smooths top surfaces by running the hot nozzle over them.

How well layers bond together, affecting print strength in the vertical direction.

The thickness of each horizontal layer of filament in a 3D print.

When layers are misaligned, creating a staircase effect from skipped motor steps.

The width of each extruded line, typically close to nozzle diameter.

Firmware feature that compensates for pressure buildup in the nozzle for cleaner prints.

Printing with multiple filaments in a single print for colors or material combinations.

The small metal tip through which molten filament exits to create the print.

The diameter of the nozzle opening, determining line width and detail level.

An extremely strong and durable engineering filament with excellent wear resistance.

A 3D model format that supports colors and textures, often used with MTL files.

When too much filament is extruded, causing blobs, rough surfaces, and dimensional issues.

A portion of a print that extends outward without direct support from the layer below.

Using fans to cool printed material quickly for better quality and overhangs.

Popular build surface material with excellent adhesion when hot and easy release when cool.

A durable, food-safe filament combining ease of PLA with strength approaching ABS.

The most popular 3D printing filament, made from renewable resources like corn starch.

How fast the print head moves while extruding material, measured in mm/s.

The temperature of the hotend/nozzle where filament is melted.

A thick base layer printed under the model to help with adhesion and leveling issues.

Pulling filament back into the nozzle to prevent oozing during travel moves.

Wavy patterns on print surfaces caused by vibrations from rapid direction changes.

The visible line where each layer starts and ends, creating a vertical mark.

The outer vertical surfaces of a print that form the visible exterior.

Outline printed around the model before starting to prime the nozzle and check leveling.

Software that converts 3D models into G-code instructions the printer can understand.

Precise motors that move in exact increments, used for all axes and extrusion.

The most common 3D model file format for 3D printing, containing surface geometry.

Thin threads of filament left between parts of a print during travel moves.

Temporary structures printed to hold up overhangs and bridges that would otherwise fail.

A temperature sensor that measures hotend and bed temperatures.

The solid horizontal layers that form the top surface of a print.

A flexible, rubber-like filament used for parts that need to bend or absorb impact.

Movement of the print head without extruding, when moving between print areas.

Branch-like support structures that use less material and are easier to remove.

When not enough filament is extruded, causing gaps and weak prints.

Printing mode that creates a single continuous spiral with no seam or infill.

When print corners lift from the bed due to material shrinkage as it cools.

Fine adjustment of the nozzle height relative to the bed for perfect first layers.

Lifting the nozzle slightly during travel moves to avoid hitting the print.