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

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [50]

H Haptic 3D Printing for Tactile Models Haptic 3D printing refers to the creation of tactile models for visually impaired users or interactive learning tools. These prints often feature raised textures, braille, or varying surface finishes to convey information through touch. Museums, educational institutions, and accessibility-focused designs benefit from haptic models, allowing users to experience objects non-visually.
Hardened Print Surface A hardened print surface refers to wear-resistant build plates made from textured PEI, borosilicate glass, or ceramic coatings. These surfaces resist scratches, chemical damage, and repeated print cycles better than standard materials. They also improve adhesion and durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Spring steel PEI beds are among the most popular choices due to their flexibility and adhesion properties.
Hardened Steel Gears in Extruders Hardened steel gears in extruders improve the durability and grip of the feeder mechanism, particularly when printing abrasive filaments like carbon fiber-infused materials. Unlike brass or aluminum gears, hardened steel gears resist wear and maintain precise filament control over long-term use. However, they require proper lubrication to avoid increased friction and noise. Many high-end extruders, like the Bondtech dual-drive system, incorporate hardened steel gears for superior filament handling.
Hardened Steel Nozzle A hardened steel nozzle is a high-durability nozzle designed to withstand abrasive filaments, such as carbon fiber, glass-filled nylon, and metal-infused materials. Unlike standard brass nozzles, which wear out quickly with these filaments, hardened steel nozzles maintain their shape for extended periods. However, they have lower thermal conductivity, requiring slightly higher printing temperatures. They are essential for industrial and high-strength 3D printing applications where material abrasion is a concern.
Hardware Upgrades for 3D Printers Upgrading hardware components like extruders, nozzles, or build plates can enhance a printer’s capabilities. For instance, switching to a direct-drive extruder improves flexible filament printing, while an all-metal hot end expands material compatibility. Auto-bed leveling, silent stepper drivers, and reinforced frames also improve print consistency and ease of use.
Heat Creep Heat creep is an issue in 3D printing where excessive heat travels up the filament path, softening the material before it reaches the hot end. This problem is particularly common in PTFE-lined hot ends and can cause clogs, uneven extrusion, or print failures. Proper cooling and using an all-metal hot end help mitigate heat creep, allowing for better performance with high-temperature materials.
Heat Retention in Print Chambers Heat retention in print chambers is crucial for materials like ABS, ASA, or nylon, which require stable high temperatures to prevent warping and delamination. Enclosed printers or actively heated chambers help maintain consistent ambient temperatures, reducing stress between layers. Advanced printers use temperature-controlled enclosures to optimize mechanical strength and interlayer adhesion. For DIY setups, insulating materials like foam, acrylic panels, or heaters can improve heat retention.
Heat Sink A heat sink is a cooling component attached to the cold end of a hot end assembly, preventing excessive heat from traveling upward and causing filament jams. Heat sinks are typically made from aluminum or copper, featuring thin fins to dissipate heat efficiently. In high-performance printers, active cooling via fans enhances heat dissipation, ensuring smooth filament flow and consistent extrusion.
Heat Treatment for 3D Prints Heat treatment, or annealing, strengthens 3D-printed parts by exposing them to controlled heat for a set period. This process realigns molecular structures, improving thermal resistance, strength, and durability. PLA, PETG, and ABS benefit from annealing, with methods such as oven baking or heated oil baths. However, overheating can cause warping or distortion if not carefully monitored.
Heat-Activated Adhesives for Prints Heat-activated adhesives are used to bond multiple 3D-printed parts together, improving structural integrity and allowing for larger models to be assembled post-printing. Some adhesives require heat guns or ovens to activate bonding, while others work at moderate temperatures. Polyurethane-based adhesives, epoxy, or heat-activated filament welding are commonly used for permanent bonding.
Heat-Induced Warping Heat-induced warping happens when prints cool unevenly, causing material shrinkage and distortion. This issue is common with materials like ABS, ASA, and nylon. Preventing warping involves using a heated bed, enclosures, brim/raft settings, and optimized cooling settings. Warping can be especially problematic in large prints, requiring temperature-controlled chambers for high-accuracy results.
Heat-Resistant Filaments Some filaments are designed for extreme temperatures, such as PEEK, Ultem, and polycarbonate (PC). These materials require specialized heated chambers and hot ends exceeding 300°C to print successfully. Their high heat resistance makes them ideal for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
Heat-Resistant Nozzles Some materials, such as PEEK, Ultem, and polycarbonate, require printing temperatures above 300°C. Standard brass nozzles degrade under such conditions, so heat-resistant nozzles made from hardened steel, tungsten, or ruby tips are necessary. These nozzles withstand extreme temperatures and abrasive filaments, extending the lifespan of the hot end.
Heat-Treated Nozzles for Longevity Some high-end hardened steel nozzles undergo additional heat treatment to increase wear resistance. This process enhances hardness, longevity, and thermal efficiency, making them ideal for abrasive filaments like carbon-fiber-infused composites, glow-in-the-dark materials, and glass-filled nylon. Heat-treated nozzles maintain extrusion consistency longer than untreated steel counterparts.
Heatbed Adhesion Heatbed adhesion is the ability of a print to stick securely to the heated bed during printing. Poor adhesion can lead to warping, layer shifts, or complete print failure. Factors influencing adhesion include bed temperature, surface texture, and material type. Common adhesion solutions include PEI sheets, glass beds, painter’s tape, and adhesives like glue sticks or hairspray. Proper bed leveling and cleaning the surface improve adhesion.
Heatbed Insulation Heatbed insulation improves thermal efficiency by reducing heat loss and stabilizing bed temperatures. Many users add cork sheets, silicone mats, or specialized heat-resistant materials underneath the heated bed to retain warmth. Insulated beds heat up faster, consume less power, and maintain more stable temperatures, particularly beneficial for printing high-temperature materials like ABS and nylon.
Heatbed Warping and Solutions Warped print beds cause inconsistent first layers and poor adhesion. Warping can result from temperature fluctuations, improper mounting, or material fatigue. Solutions include installing a thicker aluminum bed, using auto-bed leveling, or replacing old heating elements.
Heated Bed A heated bed is a feature in many 3D printers that helps improve first-layer adhesion and minimize warping, especially when printing materials like ABS, PETG, or nylon. By maintaining an elevated temperature on the print surface, the bed reduces rapid cooling, which can cause prints to lift at the edges. Common heated bed temperatures range from 50°C for PLA to 110°C for ABS. Heated beds can be made from aluminum, glass, or flexible PEI sheets, each offering different adhesion properties. Ensuring proper bed leveling and surface maintenance is key to achieving a smooth and successful print.
Heatproof 3D Prints Heatproof prints require high-temperature-resistant materials like PEEK, PEI (Ultem), and polycarbonate (PC). These materials maintain structural integrity under extreme heat, making them suitable for automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. High-temperature filaments need all-metal hot ends, enclosed chambers, and advanced slicer settings to achieve successful prints.
Helical Motion Systems Helical motion systems replace standard lead screws or belts with helical actuators, offering smooth movement, reduced backlash, and increased precision. These systems are self-locking, preventing Z-wobble and improving print consistency. Found in high-end industrial 3D printers, helical motion enhances repeatability and fine detail accuracy.
Helical Threaded Inserts for 3D Prints Helical threaded inserts are metal components embedded into 3D-printed parts to reinforce screw threads, making them more durable for mechanical applications. Instead of relying on printed plastic threads, which wear out over time, heat-set brass inserts or screw-in inserts provide stronger connections. They are often used in functional prototypes, robotics, and enclosures where repeated assembly/disassembly is necessary.
High Flow Hot End A high-flow hot end is designed to extrude filament at a much higher rate than standard hot ends, making it ideal for high-speed 3D printing or large nozzle diameters. These hot ends typically have larger melt zones, allowing filament to reach its melting point more efficiently. Materials like volcano-style hot ends from E3D are popular for high-flow applications. The benefit of using a high-flow hot end is that it reduces printing time while still maintaining good layer adhesion. However, it requires optimized cooling, extruder power, and retraction settings to avoid stringing or blobs. This upgrade is widely used in industrial and large-format printing.
High-Efficiency Extruder Heaters Upgraded extruder heaters allow printers to reach and maintain higher temperatures with greater efficiency. Silicone cartridge heaters, high-wattage ceramic heaters, and PID-tuned temperature control systems ensure consistent extrusion temperatures. These heaters improve print reliability, reduce temperature fluctuations, and support high-temperature filaments like PEEK and PEI.
High-Impact Filaments High-impact filaments are engineered for toughness, shock absorption, and durability. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), ASA, and impact-modified PETG are common choices for functional parts and rugged applications. These filaments resist cracking, breaking, or deformation under mechanical stress, making them ideal for engineering, automotive, and structural applications.
High-Precision Lead Screws Lead screws are essential components of the Z-axis movement in many 3D printers, ensuring smooth and accurate height adjustments. High-precision lead screws reduce backlash, improve layer consistency, and enhance overall print quality. While many budget printers use standard lead screws, upgrading to anti-backlash or trapezoidal lead screws significantly improves motion accuracy.
High-Precision Linear Rails Linear rails improve motion accuracy and stability in 3D printers, replacing standard rod-and-bearing systems. Found in high-end machines like Voron and Prusa XL, these rails reduce wobbling, increase speed, and enhance overall print quality. Upgrading to CNC-machined linear rails is a popular modification for printers needing tight tolerances and smooth motion.
High-Resolution Printing High-resolution printing refers to using smaller layer heights and fine nozzle diameters (e.g., 0.2mm or less) to achieve detailed, smooth prints. SLA and DLP printers inherently offer higher resolutions than FDM, producing near-injection-molded finishes. However, printing at high resolutions increases print time and requires fine-tuned settings to prevent artifacts.
High-Speed 3D Printing High-speed 3D printing refers to printing at significantly faster speeds than conventional settings, often exceeding 150mm/s. It requires well-calibrated motion systems, optimized cooling, and high-flow extruders to maintain print quality. Innovations like Klipper firmware, CoreXY kinematics, and high-flow hot ends have enabled much faster printing while minimizing quality loss. However, increased speeds can lead to artifacts like ghosting if the printer’s frame and belts aren’t stable.
High-Speed Cooling Fans Cooling fans play a vital role in FDM 3D printing, especially when printing with PLA or small intricate parts. High-speed cooling fans improve layer solidification, reducing sagging, stringing, and warping. However, excessive cooling negatively affects materials like ABS, which needs gradual cooling to prevent cracking. Many users upgrade to dual-fan or high-CFM (cubic feet per minute) fans for better airflow.
High-Temperature Printing Enclosures For materials like PEEK or PEI, print enclosures must maintain elevated temperatures above 80°C. These enclosures use active heating elements and thermal insulation to ensure consistent interlayer bonding and mechanical integrity. Industrial 3D printers feature chamber heating systems to print high-performance polymers.
High-Torque Stepper Motors Stepper motors control the precise movement of a 3D printer's axes. High-torque stepper motors improve motion stability, especially for large-format printers or high-speed setups. They provide stronger holding power, reducing layer misalignment and skipped steps. However, they consume more power and may require better cooling or silent stepper drivers to reduce noise.
Hinged 3D Prints Hinged 3D prints incorporate built-in mechanical joints that allow for movement without assembly. Designs use living hinges (flexible sections) or pin-based hinges to create functional doors, enclosures, or articulated models. Materials like TPU and PETG work well for flexible hinge applications.
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) HIPS is a lightweight and impact-resistant filament often used as a support material in dual-extrusion 3D printing. It is particularly useful when paired with ABS, as it can be dissolved in limonene, making support removal effortless. HIPS is also sometimes used as a primary filament due to its strength, but it has similar warping tendencies to ABS, requiring a heated bed and an enclosed chamber for optimal results.
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) HIPS is a lightweight and impact-resistant filament often used as a support material in dual-extrusion 3D printing. It is particularly useful when paired with ABS, as it can be dissolved in limonene, making support removal effortless. HIPS is also sometimes used as a primary filament due to its strength, but it has similar warping tendencies to ABS, requiring a heated bed and an enclosed chamber for optimal results.
Hollow Printing Hollow printing refers to producing 3D models with little to no infill, reducing material usage and print time. This technique is useful for decorative objects, lightweight prototypes, and resin-based prints. In SLA or DLP printing, hollowing a model helps prevent excessive resin curing and reduces the risk of cracking. However, drainage holes must be included to remove uncured resin from the interior.
Hollow-Core Structures in 3D Printing Hollow-core structures refer to lightweight internal designs that use minimal material while maintaining strength. Instead of printing solid parts, engineers design internal lattices, honeycomb patterns, or gyroid infills to achieve strong yet lightweight prints. Hollow-core printing is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and prosthetics applications where reducing weight without compromising strength is critical.
Homogeneous Layer Cooling Consistent cooling across all print layers helps prevent warping, cracking, or poor layer adhesion. Slicers allow users to fine-tune cooling settings for optimal results, especially when printing overhangs.
Honeycomb Infill Honeycomb infill is a structurally efficient pattern used in slicing software to provide strength while minimizing material use. Inspired by natural honeycomb structures, it distributes stress evenly, making it ideal for functional parts, lightweight prototypes, and aerospace components. Compared to grid or rectilinear infill, honeycomb structures enhance impact resistance while maintaining flexibility.
Hot End The hot end is one of the most critical components of an FDM 3D printer. It is the part responsible for heating and melting the filament before extrusion through the nozzle. A standard hot end consists of a heater block, thermistor, heat break, and nozzle. The heater block raises the temperature to the required melting point, while the heat break prevents excess heat from traveling upward. Hot ends come in different designs, including all-metal and PTFE-lined, each suitable for different filament types. Choosing the right hot end ensures compatibility with high-temperature materials and reduces clogs, improving print reliability and quality.
Hot End Clogs and How to Fix Them A hot end clog occurs when filament gets stuck inside the nozzle, preventing smooth extrusion. Clogs can happen due to incorrect temperature settings, debris buildup, or printing with moisture-laden filament. To fix a clog, users can try a cold pull (a.k.a. "atomic pull"), manually push filament through, or use a needle to clear the nozzle. Regular maintenance and ensuring proper extrusion temperatures help prevent frequent clogging issues.
Humidity-Controlled Filament Storage Humidity is a major enemy of hygroscopic filaments like Nylon, PETG, and PVA. Humidity-controlled filament storage solutions, such as sealed dry boxes, silica gel packs, or filament dryers, help preserve material quality. Excess moisture in filament leads to stringing, bubbling, and weak prints. High-end filament storage solutions include heated drying systems that actively remove moisture before printing.
Hybrid 3D Printing Hybrid 3D printing combines additive and subtractive manufacturing processes to create parts with high precision. This method involves printing an object using FDM, SLA, or another additive technique, then refining it with CNC milling, laser cutting, or another subtractive process. Hybrid printing is commonly used in industries requiring fine tolerances and smooth finishes, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical fields. The combination of these methods maximizes efficiency by reducing waste while maintaining structural integrity.
Hybrid Flexible-Rigid Prints Hybrid flexible-rigid prints combine hard and soft materials within a single print. This is achieved using dual-extruder systems, material blending, or post-print assembly. Applications include shock-absorbing mounts, grips, and medical prosthetics. TPU (flexible) paired with PLA, ABS, or PETG (rigid) creates prints with unique mechanical properties, offering both flexibility and structural support.
Hybrid Metal-Polymer Printing Hybrid metal-polymer printing involves combining plastic and metal materials in a single print. Some methods include embedding metal inserts in plastic parts or using sinterable metal filaments (like BASF Ultrafuse 316L). This approach enhances mechanical strength, conductivity, and heat resistance, making it useful for functional prototypes, electronic enclosures, and industrial applications.
Hybrid Resin and FDM Printing Combining resin (SLA/DLP) and FDM prints results in strong, highly detailed models. For example, a mechanical part may have an FDM-printed frame with detailed SLA components. Hybrid resin-FDM workflows optimize both cost and aesthetics.
Hybrid Resin Printing Hybrid resin printing combines SLA, DLP, or LCD printing with traditional FDM methods to create multi-material or multi-process parts. For example, a strong FDM base may be combined with high-detail SLA components. This technique leverages the strengths of both processes, producing durable yet intricate objects.
Hybrid Support Structures Hybrid support structures combine breakaway and dissolvable supports to simplify post-processing. For example, a print may have standard supports on accessible areas and water-soluble PVA supports in hard-to-reach areas. This method optimizes support removal while ensuring fine details remain intact.
Hydrophobic 3D Printing Filaments Hydrophobic filaments are materials that repel water, making them ideal for outdoor applications, marine environments, and waterproof enclosures. Some examples include polypropylene (PP), certain PETG blends, and treated nylons. These materials prevent moisture absorption, maintaining mechanical integrity even in humid or wet conditions. Hydrophobic coatings can also be applied post-print to enhance water resistance.
Hydroprinting with 3D Prints Hydroprinting, also known as water transfer printing, is a post-processing technique where a printed object is coated with a patterned film that adheres to its surface when submerged in water. This process enhances the aesthetics of 3D prints, allowing for realistic textures like carbon fiber, wood grain, or camouflage. ABS and PLA prints are ideal for hydroprinting, but surface preparation, such as sanding and priming, is crucial to achieving a smooth application. The combination of hydroprinting and 3D printing is widely used in custom automotive parts, decorative objects, and prop-making.
Hygroscopic Filaments Hygroscopic filaments absorb moisture from the air, affecting print quality and mechanical properties. Nylon, PETG, and PVA are highly hygroscopic, requiring airtight storage with desiccants. Moist filament can cause bubbling, under-extrusion, and weak layer adhesion. Drying affected filament in an oven or filament dryer restores its printability.