USA Glossary and Reference Guide to 3D Printing Terminology and Concepts

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [44]

D Dampening Pads Dampening pads are accessories used to reduce vibrations and noise generated by 3D printers during operation. These pads are typically made from rubber or silicone and are placed beneath the printer’s feet or components. By absorbing vibrations, dampening pads improve print quality by minimizing artifacts like ghosting or layer misalignment caused by machine movement. They also reduce the noise level of the printer, making it more suitable for home or office environments. Dampening pads are an inexpensive and effective upgrade for any printer setup, particularly for large or fast-moving machines.
Dead Zone Compensation Dead zone compensation addresses areas on a 3D printer's build plate that may not heat evenly or receive consistent extrusion. These zones, often near the edges of the bed, can lead to adhesion issues or warping. Compensation techniques include adjusting print placement, increasing bed temperature, or using adhesive aids like glue sticks or tape. Advanced slicers may allow users to designate dead zones and adjust settings automatically for improved results. Identifying and compensating for dead zones ensures reliable prints and full utilization of the printer's build area.
Dead Zone Compensation Dead zone compensation addresses areas on a 3D printer's build plate that may not heat evenly or receive consistent extrusion. These zones, often near the edges of the bed, can lead to adhesion issues or warping. Compensation techniques include adjusting print placement, increasing bed temperature, or using adhesive aids like glue sticks or tape. Advanced slicers may allow users to designate dead zones and adjust settings automatically for improved results. Identifying and compensating for dead zones ensures reliable prints and full utilization of the printer's build area.
Deadband Tuning Deadband tuning is a calibration process in 3D printers where small adjustments are made to reduce the “dead zone” in motor movements, ensuring more precise positioning. Deadband refers to the small area of movement where the motor doesn’t respond due to slack in belts, gears, or other mechanical components. Proper tuning eliminates these inefficiencies, resulting in smoother motion and higher accuracy. This is particularly useful for intricate models or high-speed printing, where small errors can accumulate and affect print quality.
Debinding Debinding is a post-processing step in metal or ceramic 3D printing that involves removing the binder material from a printed part. In processes like Binder Jetting or Metal Fused Filament Fabrication (MFFF), the binder holds the powdered material together during printing. Once the part is complete, debinding removes the binder through thermal, chemical, or solvent-based methods, leaving behind a porous "green part." This green part is then sintered to achieve its final density and mechanical properties. Proper debinding is essential to prevent defects like cracking or deformation during the sintering stage. It is a critical step in producing high-performance parts for industrial applications.
Deceleration Control Deceleration control refers to how a 3D printer slows down its movements during changes in direction or speed. Proper deceleration is critical to minimize vibrations, overshooting, and artifacts like ringing or ghosting on printed parts. Slicer software typically allows users to adjust acceleration and deceleration settings for smoother transitions, particularly on sharp corners or detailed areas. Optimized deceleration improves both the dimensional accuracy and surface finish of a print. Printers with advanced motion systems, like CoreXY or belt-driven setups, often achieve better deceleration control, making them ideal for high-speed or complex printing.
DED (Directed Energy Deposition) Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is an advanced 3D printing process commonly used for repairing, adding material to, or creating metal parts. It works by melting material (usually metal powder or wire) as it is deposited through a nozzle, using a focused energy source such as a laser, electron beam, or plasma arc. DED is known for its precision and ability to build parts with complex geometries directly onto existing components, making it ideal for industrial applications like aerospace and automotive. This process operates within a controlled environment to prevent oxidation and ensure material quality. DED stands out for its capability to handle large-scale and high-strength materials, though it often requires post-processing for finishing.
Deformation Compensation Deformation compensation is the process of adjusting a 3D model’s design to counteract warping, shrinkage, or other distortions that occur during printing. This is particularly important when working with materials like ABS, which can shrink unevenly during cooling. By pre-deforming the digital model in the opposite direction of expected distortions, users can ensure the final print matches the intended design. Advanced simulation software can predict deformation and provide automated compensation adjustments, streamlining the process for complex or critical components. This technique is widely used in industrial applications where dimensional accuracy is paramount.
Delamination Delamination refers to the separation or splitting of layers in a 3D-printed object, a defect that compromises the part's structural integrity and strength. This issue typically occurs when interlayer adhesion is weak, often due to insufficient nozzle temperature, incorrect layer height, or improper cooling settings. Delamination is especially common in high-temperature materials like ABS, which shrink during cooling, causing layers to pull apart. To prevent delamination, users can increase the nozzle temperature, use a heated bed or enclosed printer, and optimize slicer settings for slower cooling. Proper calibration and material storage also help minimize this problem. Delamination must be addressed when printing functional parts to ensure they perform as intended under load.
Density Gradient Infill Density gradient infill is a specialized infill strategy where the density of the infill varies across the model, typically becoming denser near critical load areas or surfaces that require more strength. This technique helps optimize material usage and print time while maintaining structural integrity where it matters most. For example, the center of a model might have a low-density honeycomb pattern, while areas near mounting points or edges might use a higher-density structure. Advanced slicers allow users to customize these gradients based on the intended use of the part. Density gradient infill is especially useful in engineering applications where weight reduction and durability are critical.
Deposition Rate Deposition rate refers to the amount of material extruded by a 3D printer per unit of time. It is a critical factor in determining print speed and part strength. A higher deposition rate allows for faster printing but may reduce surface quality and precision, while a lower rate produces finer details at the cost of increased print time. Deposition rate is influenced by factors such as nozzle diameter, filament type, and extrusion temperature. Balancing deposition rate with other parameters ensures optimal performance, especially for large or detailed models.
Depowdering Depowdering is the process of removing excess powder material from parts printed using powder-based 3D printing technologies like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) or Binder Jetting. After printing, the parts are surrounded by loose, unfused powder, which must be carefully extracted to reveal the final object. This step is typically performed using brushes, compressed air, or specialized depowdering stations equipped with vacuum systems. Proper depowdering ensures that fine details are preserved while minimizing material waste, as the recovered powder can often be reused in future prints. It is an essential post-processing step for achieving clean, functional parts, especially in industries like aerospace and healthcare, where precision is critical.
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) refers to a specialized approach to designing objects optimized for 3D printing. Unlike traditional manufacturing, where designs must accommodate subtractive processes like milling or drilling, DfAM leverages the freedom of additive manufacturing to create complex geometries, lightweight structures, and intricate internal features. Techniques like topology optimization, lattice design, and generative design are commonly used in DfAM to reduce material usage while maintaining strength. This methodology also considers factors like print orientation, support structures, and overhang angles to ensure parts are printable and cost-effective. DfAM is revolutionizing industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive by enabling innovative designs that were previously impossible to manufacture.
Design Validation Design validation in 3D printing refers to the process of testing and evaluating a printed prototype against its intended functionality, appearance, or fit. This step ensures that the design meets performance requirements and is ready for production. Validation often involves stress testing, dimensional accuracy checks, and aesthetic evaluation. 3D printing accelerates this process by allowing rapid iteration and adjustments based on feedback. Design validation is widely used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods, where precision and functionality are critical. It ensures that the final product will perform as intended before committing to mass production.
Dimensional Accuracy Dimensional accuracy in 3D printing refers to how closely a printed object’s dimensions match the original CAD design. It is a critical metric for applications where precision is essential, such as engineering parts, prototypes, or assemblies. Dimensional inaccuracies can arise from factors like material shrinkage, over-extrusion, poor calibration, or environmental conditions. To achieve better accuracy, users can adjust slicer settings (e.g., flow rate, nozzle temperature), calibrate the printer’s axes, and compensate for material-specific behaviors. High-end printers often include features like closed-loop systems or advanced sensors to enhance accuracy. Regularly testing with calibration models ensures consistent results, especially when working on tight-tolerance projects.
Dimensional Compensation Dimensional compensation refers to adjusting slicer settings or design parameters to account for deviations caused by material shrinkage, over-extrusion, or thermal expansion during 3D printing. For example, users might slightly oversize or undersize a model to ensure that the final print matches the desired dimensions. This is particularly important for engineering parts that need to fit together precisely. Many slicers include compensation settings, such as tolerance adjustments or scale factors, to help users fine-tune prints. Dimensional compensation is critical for achieving accuracy in applications requiring tight tolerances, such as mechanical assemblies or prototypes.
Direct Drive Extruder A direct drive extruder is a filament-feeding system where the extruder motor is mounted directly on the print head, providing better control over filament flow. This setup is especially effective for flexible filaments like TPU or TPE, as the shorter filament path reduces the risk of tangling or under-extrusion. Direct drive systems are generally more precise than Bowden setups but add weight to the print head, which can limit print speed or introduce vibrations on fast-moving printers. They are favored by users who prioritize versatility and high-quality prints over speed.
Direct Extrusion Direct extrusion is a filament-feeding mechanism where the extruder motor is mounted directly on the print head, pushing the filament directly into the hot end. This design offers better control over extrusion and retraction, making it ideal for printing flexible or soft filaments like TPU or TPE. Compared to Bowden extrusion systems, direct extrusion systems are more precise and less prone to filament skipping. However, the added weight of the extruder on the print head may limit print speed and introduce slight vibrations on fast-moving axes. Direct extrusion is widely favored by hobbyists and professionals who prioritize versatility and print quality over speed.
Direct-To-Part Manufacturing Direct-to-part manufacturing refers to using 3D printing to produce final, end-use components without the need for intermediate steps like mold-making or machining. This approach leverages the flexibility of additive manufacturing to create complex, custom, or low-volume parts quickly and cost-effectively. Direct-to-part manufacturing is particularly valuable in industries like aerospace, where custom parts with intricate geometries are often required. The ability to print parts directly from CAD files reduces lead times, minimizes waste, and allows for rapid iteration. However, achieving consistent quality often requires post-processing steps such as surface finishing or heat treatment.
Displacement Compensation Displacement compensation is the process of adjusting a 3D printer’s movements to account for inaccuracies caused by mechanical issues like backlash or thermal expansion. These adjustments ensure that the printed object matches the intended dimensions and geometry. For instance, compensating for backlash in the X or Y axis prevents slight offsets that can distort details or dimensions. Modern slicer software and printer firmware often include displacement compensation features, allowing users to fine-tune their printer’s performance. This is especially important in engineering or prototyping applications where precision is essential.
Displacement Mapping Displacement mapping is a 3D design technique used to add fine details to a model’s surface by modifying its geometry based on a texture or height map. Unlike bump mapping, which only simulates detail visually, displacement mapping physically alters the model’s mesh, making it suitable for 3D printing. This method is ideal for creating intricate patterns, such as embossed text, raised logos, or textured surfaces, without manually modeling each feature. Displacement mapping is commonly used in artistic, architectural, and decorative applications, where detailed aesthetics are important. It is supported by many advanced CAD and 3D modeling tools.
Dissolvable Supports Dissolvable supports are a type of support structure printed with water-soluble or chemical-soluble filaments, such as PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) or HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene). These supports are used in dual-extrusion 3D printers, where one nozzle prints the model and the other prints the support material. After printing, the supports can be dissolved in water or a specific solvent, leaving the model with clean surfaces and intricate details intact. Dissolvable supports are particularly beneficial for printing complex geometries, internal cavities, or overhangs that would be difficult to remove manually. While they increase material costs, their convenience and precision make them popular for professional and engineering applications.
Distributed Manufacturing Distributed manufacturing is a production model where parts or products are 3D-printed at multiple decentralized locations rather than a single centralized facility. This approach leverages the flexibility of additive manufacturing to reduce transportation costs, shorten lead times, and enable on-demand production. Distributed manufacturing is particularly useful in scenarios like remote supply chains, emergency medical supplies, or custom parts for consumers. Cloud-based platforms often facilitate this model by sharing designs and coordinating production across a network of 3D printers.
DLP (Digital Light Processing) DLP, or Digital Light Processing, is a resin-based 3D printing technology that uses a digital light projector to cure photopolymer resin layer by layer. The projector emits an entire layer of light at once, solidifying the resin in the desired pattern, making DLP faster than SLA (Stereolithography) for many prints. DLP printers are renowned for their ability to produce highly detailed prints with smooth surfaces, making them ideal for jewelry, dental applications, and miniatures. The resolution of a DLP printer depends on its projector’s pixel size, with finer pixels delivering more precise details. Post-processing, such as washing and curing, is essential to enhance the final print’s durability and appearance. Although more expensive than FDM printers, DLP is highly valued for its precision and quality.
DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is a metal 3D printing technology that uses a high-powered laser to fuse powdered metal layer by layer. DMLS creates dense, strong, and highly precise parts directly from a digital model, making it ideal for industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive. Unlike traditional casting or machining, DMLS can produce complex geometries, such as lattice structures and internal channels, without the need for tooling. Post-processing steps, such as heat treatment, machining, or polishing, may be required to refine the final part's properties and surface finish. DMLS is particularly useful for producing functional prototypes and end-use parts in high-performance applications.
Dovetail Joint A dovetail joint is a type of interlocking feature often incorporated into 3D-printed designs to securely join two parts without adhesives or fasteners. These joints are characterized by their trapezoidal shape, which resists pulling forces and provides a strong, durable connection. Dovetail joints are frequently used in furniture, mechanical assemblies, and modular designs where strength and ease of assembly are essential. By leveraging the precision of 3D printing, designers can create intricate dovetail joints that fit perfectly, reducing the need for post-processing or manual adjustments.
Draft Angle A draft angle is a slight taper or incline added to vertical walls in 3D-printed models to improve their manufacturability and ease of post-processing. Draft angles are particularly important for parts designed for molding or casting, as they allow the model to be easily removed from a mold without damaging the surfaces. In 3D printing, draft angles help reduce the need for supports, improve overhang quality, and minimize layer separation. Typical draft angles range from 2 to 5 degrees, depending on the material and the complexity of the geometry. Incorporating draft angles during the design phase enhances printability and reduces the time required for post-processing.
Draft Gradient A draft gradient is a design feature that gradually adjusts the draft angle of a model’s walls to improve printability and strength. It’s particularly useful for large or tall parts prone to warping or stress during printing. By creating a gradual slope in overhangs or vertical walls, the draft gradient reduces the need for support structures and improves layer adhesion. This technique is often applied in industrial design and prototyping, where large models need to be both functional and visually appealing. Many CAD tools include draft gradient functions to simplify this aspect of model optimization.
Draft Mode Draft mode is a 3D printing setting that prioritizes speed over detail, typically by increasing layer height and print speed while reducing infill density. This mode is ideal for quickly prototyping designs, where functionality or fit is more important than surface quality or fine details. Draft mode significantly reduces print time and material usage, making it a cost-effective option for testing concepts or iterating on designs. However, the resulting prints may have visible layer lines, reduced strength, and less dimensional accuracy. Draft mode is especially useful for engineers, designers, or hobbyists who need rapid feedback on a design before committing to a final, high-quality print.
Draft Shield A draft shield is a protective barrier printed around a model to shield it from environmental factors, such as drafts or sudden temperature changes, which can lead to warping or layer delamination. The shield typically surrounds the entire model but does not touch it, serving as a buffer to stabilize the surrounding temperature and airflow during the print process. Draft shields are especially useful for materials like ABS or nylon, which are sensitive to cooling inconsistencies. Many slicers include settings to enable draft shields, allowing users to customize their size and thickness. This feature is particularly beneficial for tall or intricate models that need additional thermal stability to ensure layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy.
Draft Shield Printing Draft shield printing involves creating a protective wall or enclosure around the printed model to shield it from airflow, drafts, or rapid temperature fluctuations. This method is particularly useful for materials prone to warping, such as ABS or nylon, as it helps maintain consistent heat throughout the print. Draft shields are generated by slicer software and are printed as an additional feature separate from the main model. After printing, the shield can be easily removed. Draft shield printing improves dimensional accuracy, reduces print failures, and is often used for tall or delicate models where temperature stability is critical.
Draft Smoothing Draft smoothing is a technique used in 3D printing to refine the appearance of draft-mode prints, where the primary goal is speed rather than surface quality. By applying post-processing methods like sanding, chemical smoothing, or applying a surface coating, users can enhance the aesthetic appeal of rough prints. Some advanced slicers include features to partially smooth transitions between layers or reduce visible layer lines in draft-mode settings. While it’s not a replacement for high-detail printing, draft smoothing is a cost-effective way to improve prototypes or functional parts quickly.
Drag Chain A drag chain is a cable management system commonly used in 3D printers to organize and protect wires and tubing that move with the printer's axes. The chain prevents tangling, abrasion, and strain on cables, ensuring smooth and consistent printer operation. Drag chains are particularly important for large or fast-moving printers where cables are subjected to frequent motion. They are typically made of flexible plastic links that can bend and follow the printer's movements. Proper cable management using a drag chain not only improves the printer's reliability but also makes maintenance easier by reducing the risk of cable damage or disconnections.
Drag Knife Cutting Drag knife cutting is a process used in hybrid 3D printers or CNC machines that involves cutting thin materials like vinyl, cardboard, or foam using a small, pivoting blade. This technique is often integrated with additive manufacturing to create multi-functional machines capable of both 3D printing and precision cutting. Drag knife cutting is popular in industries like packaging, signage, and crafting, where intricate shapes or patterns are required. While the blade only cuts in 2D, it allows for high precision and clean edges. Combining drag knife cutting with 3D printing expands the range of creative and functional possibilities, offering a versatile solution for makers and manufacturers alike.
Drop-In Upgrades Drop-in upgrades are modular components or accessories designed to enhance the functionality of a 3D printer without requiring significant modifications. Examples include upgraded hot ends, hardened nozzles, or better cooling systems. These upgrades are often plug-and-play, meaning they can be installed quickly and easily by users without advanced technical skills. Drop-in upgrades are a cost-effective way to improve print quality, expand material compatibility, or extend the lifespan of a 3D printer. They are especially popular among hobbyists and professionals who want to customize their machines to meet specific needs.
Dry Box A dry box is a sealed storage container designed to protect 3D printer filament from absorbing moisture, which can lead to print defects like bubbling, stringing, or poor layer adhesion. Many filaments, such as nylon, PETG, and TPU, are hygroscopic, meaning they readily absorb water from the air. Dry boxes often include desiccant packets or built-in dehumidifiers to maintain a low-humidity environment. Advanced dry boxes may also feature temperature controls to preheat filament, ensuring consistent extrusion. Proper filament storage in a dry box not only improves print quality but also extends the shelf life of the material, making it an essential accessory for frequent 3D printing users.
Dry Filament Dry filament refers to filament that has been properly stored and maintained to prevent moisture absorption, which can degrade print quality. Many filaments, especially hygroscopic materials like nylon, PETG, and PVA, absorb water from the air, leading to issues like bubbling, stringing, and inconsistent extrusion. Drying filament can be done using filament dryers, ovens, or sealed containers with desiccants. Dry filament ensures consistent flow during printing, better layer adhesion, and improved surface finish. Using dry filament is essential for achieving high-quality results, especially for professional and industrial applications where precision is required.
Dry Powder Bed Fusion Dry powder bed fusion is a 3D printing process that fuses layers of powdered material, such as metal or plastic, using a heat source like a laser or electron beam. Unlike wet methods, this process does not rely on binders or solvents, ensuring a high level of purity in the printed parts. The process is highly efficient, with unused powder acting as a support structure and being recyclable for future prints. Dry powder bed fusion is commonly used in aerospace, medical, and automotive industries for producing high-strength, lightweight, and complex components. Post-processing steps, such as sintering or polishing, further enhance the final product’s properties.
Drying Oven A drying oven is a specialized device used to remove moisture from hygroscopic filaments, such as nylon, PETG, or TPU, before printing. Moisture in filament can cause defects like bubbling, stringing, or poor adhesion. Drying ovens operate at controlled temperatures to safely dehydrate filament without degrading its quality. Advanced models may include humidity sensors and programmable settings for different materials. Many users repurpose food dehydrators or create DIY drying setups as cost-effective alternatives. Properly dried filament ensures consistent extrusion, better layer bonding, and improved overall print quality.
Dual Extrusion Dual extrusion is a 3D printing capability that uses two separate extruders or nozzles, enabling the printer to work with two different filaments simultaneously. This feature allows for multi-color printing or the use of dual-material combinations, such as a rigid filament for the model and a soluble filament for supports. Dual extrusion significantly expands design possibilities, especially for creating complex geometries, intricate patterns, or parts with mechanical functions. However, dual extrusion printers require additional calibration to align the two nozzles precisely, and print settings like temperature, retraction, and flow rate must be optimized for each filament type. Despite its complexities, dual extrusion is popular among professional users seeking greater versatility and creative freedom.
Dual-Color Printing Dual-color printing is a 3D printing technique that allows users to print objects with two distinct colors in a single session. This is typically achieved with a dual-extrusion printer or by using specialized filaments, such as multi-color or gradient spools. Dual-color printing adds aesthetic appeal and functionality to printed objects, making it popular for signage, logos, or decorative items. Advanced slicer settings allow users to designate specific parts of the model for each color, ensuring seamless transitions and crisp details. Proper calibration of the dual extruders is essential for avoiding misalignment or color bleeding.
Ducted Cooling Ducted cooling refers to the use of specialized airflow ducts to direct cooling precisely onto a printed model. This setup improves the cooling efficiency of the filament, particularly for overhangs, bridges, and fine details. By focusing airflow on specific areas, ducted cooling prevents warping, stringing, or smudging while maintaining overall print strength. Custom-designed duct attachments are often 3D-printed to optimize cooling for a specific printer model. Ducted cooling is especially beneficial for materials like PLA that require rapid cooling to achieve high detail and sharp edges.
Dynamic Layer Height Dynamic layer height is an advanced slicing technique where the printer adjusts the layer height dynamically during a print to balance quality and speed. Thinner layers are used for areas with fine details or curved surfaces, while thicker layers are applied to flat or less intricate regions. This method reduces print time without compromising the appearance or structural integrity of the model. Dynamic layer height is particularly useful for complex models with varying levels of detail, such as sculptures or organic shapes. Many slicer software programs, like Cura or PrusaSlicer, include tools for enabling and customizing dynamic layer height, providing users with more control over print quality.
Dynamic Nozzle Control Dynamic nozzle control refers to the ability of advanced 3D printers to adjust the nozzle’s position, flow rate, or diameter in real time during printing. This technology allows for varying line widths or material flow within a single print, enabling greater detail, smoother transitions, or stronger structures where needed. For instance, the nozzle might extrude thinner lines for fine details and thicker lines for infill or load-bearing areas. Dynamic nozzle control enhances the versatility and efficiency of 3D printing, particularly in complex or multi-functional parts.