3D printer
Additive fabrication device
A 3D printer is a machine that builds solid objects by depositing material layer by layer, following digital designs.
Unlike traditional manufacturing that cuts away from larger pieces, 3D printing adds material—typically plastic, resin, or metal—to create shapes from the bottom up.
The technology ranges from hobbyist desktop models to industrial machines producing aerospace components: I printed a replacement part on my 3D printer.
Machine forcing material through openings
- nozzleFlow-directing pipe fitting
- heated bedElectrically warmed sleeping surface
- stepper motorDivides rotation into steps
- frameSupporting outer structure
gantry · cooling fan · feeder · belt · enclosure · LCD screen · power supply · z-axis
Cutting into portions
- layeringForming successive strata
- extrusionPushing through a die
- curingRestoring health or preserving
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
G-code · infill · supports · rafts · brim · adhesion · warping · stringing
Anti-lock braking system
- filamentVery thin thread
- resinViscous plant secretion
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- carbon fiberReinforced polymer composite
thermoplastic · photopolymer · dissolvable · composite · biodegradable · powder
Technical drawing technology
- STLMissouri metropolis abbreviation
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- meshInterlocking open weave
- renderingInterpretive depiction or performance
topology · geometry · dimensions · scaling · hollowing · wall thickness · manifold · parametric
Digital light processing
- stereolithographyUV resin 3D printing
- bioprintingDepositing living cells mechanically
Quick fabrication of preliminary models
- iterationRepeated procedural pass
- mockupPreliminary design representation
- proof-of-conceptFeasibility demonstration
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
sample · fit check · small batch · one-off · alpha version · beta testing · feasibility · demonstration
Fabricated body part replacements
- architectural modelsMiniature building representations
- figurinesSmall ornamental sculptures
- jewelryOrnamental personal accessories
- toolingIndustrial machinery preparation
jigs · fixtures · miniatures · medical implants · automotive parts · fashion accessories
extruder
Machine forcing material through openings
- nozzleFlow-directing pipe fitting
- heated bedElectrically warmed sleeping surface
- stepper motorDivides rotation into steps
frame · gantry · cooling fan · feeder · belt · enclosure · LCD screen · power supply · z-axis · x-axis
slicing
Cutting into portions
calibration · G-code · infill · supports · rafts · brim · adhesion · warping · stringing · retraction
ABS
Anti-lock braking system
carbon fiber · thermoplastic · photopolymer · dissolvable · composite · biodegradable · powder
CAD
Technical drawing technology
- STLMissouri metropolis abbreviation
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- meshInterlocking open weave
rendering · topology · geometry · dimensions · scaling · hollowing · wall thickness · manifold · parametric · sculpting
DLP
Digital light processing
- stereolithographyUV resin 3D printing
- bioprintingDepositing living cells mechanically
rapid prototyping
Quick fabrication of preliminary models
- iterationRepeated procedural pass
- mockupPreliminary design representation
- proof-of-conceptFeasibility demonstration
validation · sample · fit check · small batch · one-off · alpha version · beta testing · feasibility · demonstration
prosthetics
Fabricated body part replacements
- architectural modelsMiniature building representations
- figurinesSmall ornamental sculptures
- jewelryOrnamental personal accessories
tooling · jigs · fixtures · miniatures · medical implants · automotive parts · fashion accessories
- shop equipmenttable saw, band saw, drill press, lathe, jointer
- maker hardwareArduino, Raspberry Pi, microcontroller, microcontrollers, breadboard
- modern technologysmartphone, smartphones, internet, computers, Wi-Fi
- machineryengine, machinery, industrial machinery, motors, engines
- gadgetssmartphone, gadget, gizmos, widget, tablet
- inventionssteam engine, lightbulb, light bulb, microscope, antibiotics
3D printerCNC machine
Programmed automated fabrication tool
lathe · milling machine · laser cutter · plasma cutter · drill press
3D printerhand tools
Unpowered grip-operated devices
chisel · handcraft · traditional craftsmanship · artisan workshop · potter's wheel
print, printer, printing, printed, imprint, reprint, printers, reprinting, reprinted