Glossary

Additive Manufacturing

Process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer, based on a digital 3D model.

3D Printing

Refers to additive manufacturing applied to producing physical three-dimensional objects, usually by depositing or solidifying material layer by layer.

FDM / FFF

Abbreviations for:

• FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Industrial process of extruding melted filament layer by layer (registered term).

• FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication): Generic term for the same process without brand constraints.

Build Volume

Maximum space available inside a 3D printer in which a part can be manufactured.

Extruder

Component of a 3D printer that heats and pushes the filament toward the nozzle for deposition.

Filament

Thermoplastic material (often 1.75 mm) used as raw material in FFF/FDM 3D printers.

Nozzle

Part of the print head through which melted filament is extruded onto the build platform.

Heated Bed

Surface on which the part is built, which can be heated to improve adhesion and reduce warping.

Layer Height

Thickness of each deposited layer. Lower layer heights improve surface quality but increase print time.

Infill

Internal structure of a printed part that provides rigidity while minimizing material usage.

G-Code

Command language generated by slicing software that instructs the printer on movements, speeds, temperatures, and toolpaths.

Slicer / Slicing Software

Software that converts a 3D model (e.g., STL file) into G-Code by virtually “slicing” the part into successive layers.

Support Structures

Temporary structures printed to support overhangs or complex areas, removed after printing.

Extrusion Temperature

Temperature at which the filament is heated before deposition, depending on the material used.

Calibration

Set of adjustments (bed, print heads, X/Y/Z axes) to ensure print accuracy and quality.

Prototyping

Design phase focused on rapidly producing test parts or models for validation before final production.

Functional Part

Printed object with mechanical properties suitable for direct use in production or service.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning and upkeep (bed, extruder, nozzle) to ensure optimal printer performance.

Power Loss Recovery / Print Resumption

Capability of a printer to remember the current print status and resume printing after a power outage. (Term used in eMotion Tech FAQ)

Warping

Printing defect where part edges lift due to thermal stresses. (Common FDM/FFF issue)

Anisotropy

Property where printed parts exhibit different mechanical characteristics depending on layer orientation. (Concept frequently discussed in additive manufacturing)

Thermoplastic

Category of materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.) that melt when heated and solidify when cooled, ideal for FFF/FDM printing.