D Printing Technologies
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in 3D Printing for Art and Design course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
3D Printing #
A type of additive manufacturing technology that creates three-dimensional objects by building thin layers of material on top of each other.
Additive Manufacturing #
A process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing where material is removed to create the object.
Binder Jetting #
A 3D printing technology that uses a liquid bonding agent to join together powder particles, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Digital Model #
A three-dimensional representation of an object that is created using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This model serves as the basis for 3D printing.
Direct Energy Deposition (DED) #
A 3D printing technology that uses a focused energy source to melt and deposit material, layer by layer, onto a substrate to create a 3D object.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) #
A 3D printing technology that uses a heated nozzle to melt and extrude thermoplastic material, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Material Extrusion #
A 3D printing technology that uses a heated nozzle to extrude and deposit material, layer by layer, to create a 3D object. FDM is a type of material extrusion.
Material Jetting #
A 3D printing technology that uses a print head to jet droplets of build material, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) #
A 3D printing technology that uses a high-powered laser or electron beam to fuse together powder particles, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) #
A 3D printing technology that uses a high-powered laser to sinter powder particles, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) #
A 3D printing technology that uses a high-powered laser to melt and fuse metal powder particles, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Stereolithography (SLA) #
A 3D printing technology that uses a UV laser to cure and solidify liquid resin, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Vat Photopolymerization #
A 3D printing technology that uses a light source to cure and solidify liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer, to create a 3D object. SLA is a type of vat photopolymerization.
3D Scanning #
A technology used to capture the three-dimensional shape and appearance of an object, which can then be used to create a 3D model for 3D printing.
Computer #
Aided Design (CAD): Software used to create and modify 3D models for 3D printing.
Digital Sculpting #
A 3D modeling technique that uses digital tools to sculpt and shape virtual clay, similar to traditional sculpting.
Layer Height #
The thickness of each layer in a 3D printed object, typically measured in millimeters.
Support Structures #
Structures that are 3D printed along with the main object to provide support during the printing process, typically removed after printing.
Upscaling #
Increasing the size of a 3D model for printing.
Downscaling #
Decreasing the size of a 3D model for printing.
Mesh #
A collection of vertices, edges, and faces that define the shape of a 3D model.
Non #
Planar Layering: A 3D printing technique that uses curved or angled layers instead of flat layers to create a 3D object.
Overhang #
A part of a 3D model that extends beyond the previous layer, requiring support structures during printing.
Resolution #
The level of detail in a 3D printed object, typically measured in microns or millimeters.
Slice #
To divide a 3D model into individual layers for 3D printing.
Slicer Software #
Software used to slice a 3D model and generate the instructions for the 3D printer.
Topology Optimization #
A design technique that uses algorithms to optimize the shape and structure of a 3D model for strength and weight.
Bridging #
A 3D printing technique that prints across gaps or voids without support structures.
Density #
The amount of material used in a 3D printed object, typically measured as a percentage of solid material.
Infill #
The internal structure of a 3D printed object, typically consisting of a grid or honeycomb pattern.
Part Orientation #
The position of a 3D model during printing, which can affect the strength and quality of the final object.
Porosity #
The presence of voids or gaps in a 3D printed object, which can affect its strength and durability.
Post #
Processing: The steps taken after 3D printing to finish and prepare the object for use, such as cleaning, sanding, and painting.
Quality Assurance #
The process of ensuring that a 3D printed object meets the desired specifications and standards.
Simulation Software #
Software used to simulate and analyze the 3D printing process, including the behavior of the material and the performance of the printer.
Strength #
The ability of a 3D printed object to withstand forces and stresses without breaking or deforming.
Surface Finish #
The smoothness and appearance of the surface of a 3D printed object.
Temperature Control #
The ability to control and regulate the temperature of the 3D printer and the build material during the printing process.
Warping #
The distortion or bending of a 3D printed object due to uneven cooling or shrinkage.
Workflow #
The series of steps and processes involved in creating a 3D printed object, from design to post-processing.
3D Printing Farm #
A collection of 3D printers used for mass production or prototyping.
3D Printing Service Bureau #
A company that provides 3D printing services to clients, including design, printing, and post-processing.
3D Printing Standard #
A set of guidelines and specifications for 3D printing, including file formats, materials, and processes.
Additive Manufacturing File (AMF) #
A file format used for 3D printing that can store complex geometries and color information.
Computer #
Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Software used to convert 3D models into instructions for 3D printing or other manufacturing processes.
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) #
A US law that criminalizes the production and distribution of technology, devices, or services intended to circumvent copyright protections.
Intellectual Property (IP) #
Creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, images, and designs, that are protected by law.
Open Source Hardware #
Hardware that is designed and distributed with the intention of allowing anyone to modify, distribute, and build upon the design.
Patent #
A legal right granted to an inventor that exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a certain period of time.
Rapid Prototyping #
The use of 3D printing and other technologies to quickly create and test physical prototypes of products.
Standard Tessellation Language (STL) #
A file format used for 3D printing that describes the surface geometry of a 3D model.
Three #
Dimensional Printing: A process of creating three-dimensional objects by building thin layers of material on top of each other, also known as 3D printing.
Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) #
A synonym for additive manufacturing, also known