3D Printer Terminology Guide: From Beginners to Advanced Users
3D printers are one of the most exciting advancements in technology. However, to use these devices effectively, you need to be familiar with some basic and technical terms. In this guide, we explain the terms you’re likely to encounter in the world of 3D printing, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced users!
1. What is a 3D Printer?
3D printers are devices that produce physical objects from digital designs. They create objects by adding material layer by layer.
Applications:
- Industry: Rapid prototyping and custom part manufacturing, especially in automotive, aerospace, and electronics. For example, widely used in producing automotive parts and complex machinery components.
- Healthcare: Orthopedic devices, dental models, and biomaterials. Advanced uses include personalized prosthetics, surgical guides, and even artificial organ production.
- Hobby: Decorative items, toys, and functional parts. Makers often use 3D printers for personal projects, such as mini-figures, model vehicles, or customized household items.
2. What is Filament?
Filament is the basic printing material used in 3D printers. It resembles a plastic thread but comes with diverse properties.
Popular Types of Filaments:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): Eco-friendly, operates at low temperatures, and is easy to shape but not very durable.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Offers high durability and flexibility, suitable for professional projects.
- PETG: Durable, flexible, and resistant to chemicals, making it ideal for outdoor projects.
- TPU: Flexible filament often used for phone cases or shoe soles.
Note: Always consider your printer’s specifications and your project’s requirements when selecting a filament.
3. Printing Bed
The printing bed is the surface where objects are placed during 3D printing and plays a critical role in achieving excellent results.
Why is it Important?
The printing bed ensures the first layers of filament stick properly. This is especially crucial for complex and large projects. If the first layer doesn’t adhere correctly, the object may shift during printing, leading to failure.
Advantages of a Heated Printing Bed:
- Prevents Warping: Materials like ABS and PETG can shrink and warp as they cool. A heated bed helps counteract this issue.
- Improved Adhesion: Heat enhances filament adhesion, ensuring stable and smooth printing.
Tips to Enhance Adhesion:
- Use glue sticks or hairspray on the printing bed.
- Apply tape or specialized printing surfaces to optimize adhesion.
- Regularly clean the surface to prevent dust or residue buildup.
Types of Printing Beds:
- Glass Beds: Provide a smooth and aesthetic bottom layer but may require additional adhesive materials.
- PEI Beds: Feature a self-adhesive surface compatible with most filaments.
- Magnetic Beds: Allow for easy removal of prints and are popular among hobbyists.
4. Nozzle
The nozzle is the component through which melted filament flows and is deposited on the print surface. Typically made of brass, steel, or coated materials, nozzles come in different sizes.
Types and Materials:
- Brass: The most common type, ideal for standard filaments like PLA and ABS.
- Steel: Suitable for abrasive materials like carbon fiber or wood-filled filaments.
- Ruby Nozzle: Provides long-lasting performance even with highly abrasive filaments.
Nozzle Sizes and Applications:
- 0.2 mm Nozzles: For high-detail, precise projects, but with longer print times.
- 0.4 mm Nozzles: The most common size, offering a balance between detail and print speed.
- 0.8 mm and Larger: For faster prints and models requiring thickness and durability.
Nozzle Maintenance: Regular cleaning prevents clogs and ensures consistent performance.
5. Layers
Layers are the building blocks of 3D prints. The printer constructs objects by adding thin layers on top of one another.
Impact of Layer Thickness:
- Thinner Layers: Provide detailed and smooth surfaces but take longer to print.
- Thicker Layers: Allow for faster prints but with less detail.
Tip: Adjust the layer thickness based on your project’s precision requirements.
6. STL File
STL is the standard file format for 3D models used in printers. It defines the object’s outer surfaces using triangles.
Alternative Formats:
- OBJ: Includes color and texture information.
- 3MF: A more modern format with additional details.
7. Slicer
A slicer is software that prepares 3D models for printing. It converts digital models into thin layers and generates G-code, which serves as instructions for the printer.
Key Functions of a Slicer:
- Dividing the model into layers.
- Setting print parameters like layer thickness, speed, and infill percentage.
- Generating G-code to guide the printer’s movements and heat settings.
Popular Slicer Software:
- Ultimaker Cura: Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options.
- PrusaSlicer: Reliable and versatile.
- Simplify3D: Designed for advanced users with professional needs.
- Orca Slicer: Offers detailed customization and is compatible with Co Print systems, making it a key option for Co Print users.
8. Multi-Color with a Single Extruder
This method enables multi-color printing using a single print head and nozzle. It’s a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for extra extruders or nozzles.
How It Works:
- The printer feeds different filaments sequentially during the print.
- A purge tower is used to clean out remnants of the previous filament before switching colors.
Key Solutions:
- Co Print Multi-Color Upgrade Kits: Allow printing with 4 or more colors using a single extruder.
- Palette 3: Combines multiple filaments into one for seamless multi-color printing.
Advantages:
- No need for extra hardware.
- Cost-effective compared to dual extruder systems.
Disadvantages:
- Longer print times due to filament changes.
- Limited to a set number of colors.
9. Multi-Color Upgrade Kits
These kits allow your printer to work with multiple filaments simultaneously, enabling vibrant, detailed, and professional prints.
Popular Options:
- KCM Set: Designed for Klipper-based printers, enabling 4-color printing with high compatibility and ease of use.
- ChromaSet: Compatible with Marlin-based printers and offers similar multi-color capabilities.
- ECM Module: Expands the color capacity of both KCM and ChromaSet by adding 4 extra colors per module.
Benefits:
- Unlimited design possibilities with multiple colors and materials.
- Compatibility with Klipper and Marlin-based printers.
10. Purge Tower
A purge tower is a support structure used in multi-color or multi-material prints. It ensures clean color or material transitions by purging leftover filament.
This detailed guide will help you navigate the world of 3D printing more effectively. Now, you can get more out of your printer and take on more complex projects!
