3D Printing Terminology: Basic Terms and Their Meanings

📏 3D Printing Terminology: Basic Terms and Their Meanings

“Some terms you’ll encounter when stepping into the world of 3D printing can be confusing at first. In this article, we explain important terms for 3D printers.”

When you first start using 3D printers, some terms might seem new to you. In this article, we explain the most commonly used terms related to 3D printers and their meanings. This will help you better understand the terms you encounter while printing and utilize the full potential of your printer.

🔧 3D Printing Terminology

• Filament: A type of material used for printing in 3D printers. Types include PLA, ABS, and PETG.
• FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): This is the most commonly used 3D printing technology. Filament is heated and ejected from the print head, allowing for layer-by-layer printing.
• Slicing: This is the process of dividing a 3D model into layers to be printed on a printer. The software calculates each layer and sends it to the printer.
• Nozzle: The small tip on the printer's print head where the filament is melted and the print is made.
• Extruder: The component that heats the filament and feeds it into the printer's nozzle.
• Layer Height: This is the thickness of each printing layer. Lower layer height means more detailed printing.
• Bed: This is the surface on which the print is made. Heated beds are commonly used.
• Support: Support structures prevent models with complex geometries from tipping over during printing.
• Calibration: These are the adjustment procedures performed to ensure the printer functions correctly.

📊 Types of 3D Printer Filaments

💡 What to Consider When Choosing Filament Types?

When choosing filament type, it's important to consider your printer's specifications and the requirements of the print job you want to do. PLA is generally the easiest filament to use, but ABS or PETG may be preferred for projects requiring greater durability and higher temperature resistance.

🛠 Other Technologies That Can Be Used in 3D Printing

• SLA (Stereolithography): Resin material is cured layer by layer using laser light, offering very high resolution.
• SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Powdered material is melted with a laser, resulting in more durable products.

🛒 Recommended Filaments

• For PLA: Porima PLA Filament
• For PETG: Porima PETG Filament
• For TPU: Porima TPU Flex 95A

📦 Browse Collections

• PLA Filament Collection
• Engineering Filaments
• Flexible Filament Collection

💬 The floor is yours!

Which type of filament do you prefer? You can share it with us in the comments section below 👇

✨ Sharing the maker spirit is wonderful!