Glossary
3D printing technical terms explained simply.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
A 3D printing technique that melts a plastic filament and deposits it layer by layer to create a solid object. It's the most common technology for consumer 3D printing.
STEP
A CAD (computer-aided design) file format that preserves precise dimensions and curves of 3D models. More detailed than STL, it's the preferred format for parametric design and engineering.
STL
Standard 3D file format for 3D printing. It describes the surface of an object using triangles. Commonly used for sending models to 3D printers.
Infill
The density of material inside a 3D printed part. 20% infill creates a lightweight honeycomb structure, while 100% makes it solid. Higher infill means stronger but heavier and more expensive parts.
Layer Height
The thickness of each layer of plastic deposited by the printer. Thinner layers (0.1mm) give a smoother surface and more detail, but printing takes longer and costs more. Thicker layers (0.3mm) are faster and more economical.
PLA
Biodegradable plastic derived from corn starch. Easy to print, ideal for decorative objects, prototypes, and indoor parts. Available in a wide variety of colors.
PETG
A strong, durable plastic similar to the one used in water bottles. Excellent for functional parts subject to mechanical stress or daily use.
TPU
A flexible, elastic plastic similar to rubber. Used for gaskets, protective cases, soles, and any part requiring flexibility.
ASA
A UV and weather-resistant plastic. Ideal for outdoor parts. More resistant than PLA to environmental conditions.
Parametric Design
A 3D design method where a model's dimensions and shape are controlled by adjustable parameters (length, width, angle, etc.). This allows quickly adapting a design to your exact needs without redrawing everything.
G-code
The instruction language that a 3D printer understands. A slicer software converts your 3D model into G-code, which tells the printer exactly where to deposit plastic.
Slicer
Software that converts a 3D model into printing instructions (G-code). It "slices" your object into horizontal layers and calculates the path the nozzle must follow.
3MF
A modern 3D file format that can contain geometry, colors, materials, and other metadata in a single file. Richer than STL.
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