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

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [48]

R Radiation Curing Radiation curing is a post-processing method that uses UV, electron beam, or infrared radiation to harden photopolymer resins or coatings. It enhances mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and surface durability. Radiation curing ensures full polymerization, preventing deformation, brittleness, or tacky surfaces. Different resins require specific wavelengths and exposure times. Proper curing enhances strength, stability, and biocompatibility for dental, medical, and industrial applications. Radiation curing is essential for high-resolution SLA, DLP, and multi-material prints.
Radiation Hardening Radiation hardening involves designing and manufacturing 3D printed parts resistant to ionizing radiation, ensuring durability and functionality in extreme environments. It is essential for aerospace, nuclear, and medical applications. Radiation-hardened materials include metal alloys, ceramic composites, and specialized polymers with high-density fillers. Proper design, material selection, and testing ensure shielding effectiveness, mechanical integrity, and long-term stability. Radiation hardening expands possibilities for space exploration, nuclear safety, and radiation-sensitive electronics.
Radiation Shielding Filament Radiation shielding filament is a specialized composite material infused with metal particles or heavy elements like tungsten or barium. It protects against ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays) for medical devices, aerospace components, and nuclear applications. Radiation shielding filaments provide high density, impact resistance, and chemical stability. They require high-temperature nozzles and wear-resistant components due to abrasiveness. Proper print settings and design optimization ensure consistent shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties. It expands safety-critical applications in healthcare and industry.
Radio Frequency (RF) Shielding RF shielding in 3D printing involves using conductive materials to block electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency signals. It is crucial for electronic enclosures, aerospace components, and medical devices. RF shielding filaments are infused with metal powders, graphene, or carbon nanotubes for high conductivity. Proper print settings ensure consistent layer bonding, conductivity, and shielding effectiveness. RF shielding expands possibilities for functional electronics, communication devices, and safety-critical applications.
Raft A raft is a horizontal layer of extruded material printed underneath a 3D model to improve bed adhesion and prevent warping. It serves as a foundation for the first few layers, enhancing stability and preventing lifting. Rafts are particularly useful for ABS, Nylon, and flexible filaments prone to warping. They are easily removable after printing, leaving a clean base. Advanced slicing software customizes raft settings, including layer thickness, air gap, and pattern density. Proper raft configuration ensures reliable first layers, dimensional accuracy, and high-quality prints.
Raft Air Gap Raft air gap is the vertical distance between the raft and the model's first layer, ensuring easy separation and clean surfaces. Proper air gap settings prevent the model from fusing with the raft while maintaining sufficient adhesion during printing. Advanced slicing software customizes air gap, layer height, and pattern density for optimal results. Incorrect air gap settings cause poor adhesion, warping, or surface defects. Proper raft air gap enhances dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and ease of removal.
Raft Separation Distance Raft separation distance is the air gap between the raft and the first layer of the printed model. It ensures easy removal without damaging the model or leaving residue. Proper separation distance enhances surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Advanced slicing software allows customization of separation distance, layer thickness, and pattern density. Incorrect settings cause poor adhesion, warping, or layer misalignment. Proper raft separation ensures clean base surfaces, reliable first layers, and high-quality prints.
Rapid Manufacturing Rapid manufacturing uses 3D printing for direct production of end-use parts, bypassing traditional tooling and assembly processes. It enables on-demand, customized, and low-volume production with reduced lead times and costs. Rapid manufacturing is ideal for complex geometries, lightweight designs, and functional components. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer products. Advanced systems support multi-material, multi-color, and embedded electronics. Proper design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) ensures efficiency, scalability, and high-performance parts.
Rapid Prototyping Rapid prototyping is the fast and cost-effective creation of physical models or functional parts using 3D printing. It accelerates the design process by allowing quick iterations and testing of form, fit, and function. Rapid prototyping enables designers to validate concepts, identify flaws, and optimize geometry before mass production. It reduces development cycles, material waste, and production costs. Rapid prototyping is widely used in product design, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics industries. It supports innovation and agile development.
Rapid Tooling Rapid tooling involves using 3D printing to create molds, jigs, fixtures, or tooling inserts for traditional manufacturing methods like injection molding or casting. It accelerates production cycles, reduces costs, and enables custom or low-volume manufacturing. Common materials include resin, metal, or high-temperature thermoplastics. Rapid tooling enhances dimensional accuracy, durability, and repeatability. It is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and consumer product development for prototyping, bridge production, and custom tools.
Rasterization Rasterization is the process of converting vector-based 3D models into pixel or voxel grids for slicing and toolpath generation. It translates complex geometries into printable layers and paths. Rasterization is commonly used in DLP and voxel-based 3D printing for high-resolution details and intricate patterns. Advanced slicing software optimizes rasterization for smooth curves, sharp edges, and dimensional accuracy. Proper rasterization ensures accurate layer bonding, consistent extrusion, and high-quality finishes, especially for organic shapes and detailed textures.
Real-Time Error Correction Real-time error correction uses sensors, cameras, and machine learning algorithms to detect and correct print defects during the printing process. It monitors layer alignment, extrusion flow, and thermal stability, adjusting parameters dynamically for consistent quality. Advanced systems pause, resume, or modify toolpaths to correct issues like layer shifts, under-extrusion, or warping. Proper integration enhances reliability, productivity, and defect reduction, reducing material waste and print failures. Real-time error correction is essential for high-precision, multi-material, and automated manufacturing.
Recoat Blade A recoat blade is used in powder bed fusion printers (SLS, SLM, EBM) to spread a thin layer of powder material evenly across the build platform. It ensures consistent layer thickness, density, and surface finish. Recoat blades are made from durable materials like stainless steel or silicone to withstand high temperatures and abrasive powders. Proper blade alignment and speed ensure smooth powder deposition, preventing layer shifting or contamination. Recoat blades enhance print consistency, accuracy, and mechanical properties.
Recoat Roller A recoat roller is used in powder bed fusion printers (SLS, SLM, EBM) to spread a uniform layer of powder material over the build platform. It ensures consistent layer thickness, density, and surface finish. Recoat rollers are made from durable materials like silicone or polyurethane to withstand high temperatures and abrasive powders. Proper roller speed, pressure, and alignment prevent powder contamination, layer shifting, and defects. Advanced printers use adaptive recoating systems for optimized powder distribution, ensuring high precision, accuracy, and repeatability.
Recycling Filament Recycling filament involves reprocessing waste prints, failed parts, or leftover spools into reusable filament. It reduces material costs, environmental impact, and plastic waste. Recycled filament is produced using filament extruders or recycling machines that grind, melt, and extrude new spools. Proper sorting, cleaning, and drying ensure consistent quality and extrusion performance. Advanced systems mix virgin and recycled materials for enhanced properties. Recycling filament supports sustainable 3D printing practices and circular economy models.
Reinforced Filament Reinforced filament is a composite material infused with fibers like carbon, glass, or Kevlar, enhancing strength, stiffness, and durability. It provides high strength-to-weight ratios, impact resistance, and thermal stability. Reinforced filaments are ideal for functional parts, structural components, and load-bearing applications. They require wear-resistant nozzles (hardened steel or ruby) due to abrasiveness. Proper print settings, including temperature, speed, and retraction, ensure optimal layer adhesion and mechanical properties. Reinforced filaments are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and engineering applications.
Reinforced Polymer Matrix A reinforced polymer matrix is a composite material consisting of a polymer base reinforced with fibers, particles, or nanoparticles for enhanced mechanical properties. It provides high strength-to-weight ratios, impact resistance, and thermal stability. Common reinforcements include carbon fiber, glass fiber, and ceramic particles. Reinforced polymer matrices are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications for lightweight, durable, and high-performance parts. Proper processing techniques ensure consistent dispersion, adhesion, and structural integrity, maximizing mechanical performance and functionality.
Reinforced Resin Reinforced resin is a photopolymer material containing fillers like glass, ceramic, or carbon fibers to enhance strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. It provides high strength-to-weight ratios, dimensional stability, and thermal resistance. Reinforced resins are ideal for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and load-bearing components. They require post-curing under UV light for maximum strength and durability. Proper print settings, including exposure time and layer thickness, ensure optimal layer bonding and mechanical properties. Reinforced resins expand possibilities for high-performance applications.
Reinforced Thermoplastic Reinforced thermoplastics are polymers infused with fibers, fillers, or nanoparticles, enhancing mechanical properties, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. Common reinforcements include carbon fiber, fiberglass, and ceramic particles. They provide high strength-to-weight ratios, impact resistance, and thermal stability. Reinforced thermoplastics are ideal for functional parts, automotive components, and aerospace applications. Proper print settings, including temperature, speed, and retraction, ensure optimal layer adhesion and mechanical properties. Reinforced thermoplastics enable lightweight, durable, and high-performance parts.
Reinforcement Learning in 3D Printing Reinforcement learning is an advanced AI technique that optimizes print parameters by learning from real-time feedback and historical data. It enhances print quality, speed, and material efficiency. Reinforcement learning algorithms adjust temperature, speed, and flow rates dynamically for optimal performance. It detects anomalies, predicts failures, and suggests corrective actions. Proper integration enhances consistency, productivity, and defect reduction. Reinforcement learning is widely used in automated manufacturing, multi-material printing, and performance-critical applications.
Reinforcement Strategy Reinforcement strategy in 3D printing involves optimizing infill patterns, layer orientations, and composite fiber placement to enhance mechanical properties. It improves strength, impact resistance, and weight distribution. Advanced slicing software generates customized reinforcement strategies for critical stress points, load-bearing areas, and dynamic components. Continuous fiber reinforcement, like carbon or Kevlar, provides high strength-to-weight ratios and stiffness. Proper reinforcement enhances structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, and fatigue resistance, expanding applications in aerospace, automotive, and engineering.
Remote Monitoring Remote monitoring allows users to oversee and control 3D printers from a distance using cameras, sensors, and cloud-based platforms. It provides real-time status updates, print progress, and error notifications. Advanced systems enable remote start, pause, or stop functions. Remote monitoring enhances productivity, reduces downtime, and ensures print consistency. It is particularly useful for long prints, multi-user environments, and production facilities. Proper integration with IoT devices ensures secure communication, data logging, and efficient workflow management.
Remote Printing Remote printing allows users to initiate, control, and monitor 3D print jobs over the internet using cloud-based platforms or mobile apps. It enhances productivity, convenience, and workflow management, especially in educational institutions, design studios, and manufacturing facilities. Advanced systems support file uploads, print queue management, real-time monitoring, and error notifications. Proper security measures, including authentication and encryption, ensure data integrity and privacy. Remote printing enables flexible production schedules and collaboration across multiple locations.
Removable Build Plate A removable build plate allows easy detachment of printed parts without damaging the model or print bed. It enhances productivity, convenience, and safety. Flexible build plates enable gentle bending for print release, while magnetic or clip-on systems provide secure and repeatable positioning. Advanced plates feature textured surfaces for improved adhesion or dual-sided functionality for different materials. Proper alignment and calibration ensure consistent layer bonding, dimensional accuracy, and high-quality finishes. Removable build plates reduce downtime and simplify post-processing.
Removable Support Removable supports are temporary structures that provide stability for overhangs, bridges, and complex geometries during 3D printing. They are designed for easy detachment without damaging the model. Removable supports can be breakaway or soluble, depending on the material and print settings. Dual-extrusion printers use soluble supports, like PVA or HIPS, that dissolve in water or solvents. Proper support configuration ensures clean surfaces, sharp details, and dimensional accuracy. Advanced slicers customize support density, pattern, and contact points for efficient removal.
Repeatability Repeatability is the ability of a 3D printer to produce identical parts with consistent dimensions and quality over multiple prints. It depends on motion system precision, extrusion consistency, and thermal stability. High repeatability is crucial for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and production runs. Advanced printers use closed-loop control, optical encoders, and rigid frames to enhance repeatability. Proper calibration, maintenance, and optimized print settings ensure consistent layer alignment, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. Repeatability enhances productivity, quality assurance, and scalability.
Repetier Firmware Repetier Firmware is an open-source firmware for FDM 3D printers, offering customizable features, stability, and multi-extruder support. It is compatible with various 3D printer architectures and hardware configurations. Repetier Firmware enables advanced motion control, temperature management, and networking capabilities. It supports remote monitoring, G-code customization, and detailed configuration options. Proper calibration and fine-tuning enhance print quality, speed, and reliability. Repetier Firmware is popular among enthusiasts, educators, and professionals for its flexibility and community support.
Residual Stress Residual stress is the internal stress remaining in a 3D printed part after cooling, affecting dimensional accuracy, strength, and stability. It is caused by uneven thermal contraction, layer bonding, or phase changes. Residual stress leads to warping, cracking, or delamination. It is prevalent in metal and high-temperature polymer printing. Techniques like stress relief annealing, optimized print orientation, and gradual cooling minimize residual stress. Proper stress management enhances mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and reliability, ensuring high-performance parts.
Resin Agitator A resin agitator is a device that stirs photopolymer resin during SLA or DLP 3D printing to maintain uniform viscosity and pigment distribution. It prevents sedimentation, bubbles, and curing inconsistencies, ensuring consistent layer bonding and high-resolution prints. Advanced printers use magnetic stirrers or ultrasonic agitators for continuous mixing. Proper agitation enhances flow, curing accuracy, and surface finish, especially for pigmented, metallic, or ceramic resins. Resin agitators improve print consistency, reliability, and material efficiency.
Resin Curing Resin curing is the process of solidifying photopolymer resin using UV light, layer by layer, in SLA and DLP 3D printing. Proper curing ensures strength, stability, and chemical resistance. Post-curing under UV light further hardens the resin, enhancing mechanical properties and preventing deformation. Different resins require specific wavelengths and exposure times. Improper curing leads to tacky surfaces, brittleness, or dimensional inaccuracies. Proper resin curing ensures high resolution, smooth surfaces, and consistent quality for functional prototypes, dental models, and artistic prints.
Resin Degassing Resin degassing removes trapped air bubbles from photopolymer resin, ensuring consistent curing and high-resolution prints. Bubbles cause layer delamination, voids, and surface defects. Degassing is achieved using a vacuum chamber or ultrasonic agitator. Proper mixing, temperature control, and pouring techniques minimize bubble formation. Advanced resin formulations include anti-foaming agents for smooth flow and bubble-free prints. Proper resin degassing enhances layer bonding, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish, ensuring reliable SLA and DLP 3D printing.
Resin Filtration Resin filtration removes debris, cured particles, or contaminants from photopolymer resin, maintaining print quality and preventing clogs. It involves pouring resin through a fine mesh filter before reuse. Regular filtration extends resin lifespan, reduces print defects, and enhances layer adhesion. Advanced printers feature integrated resin filtration systems for automated maintenance. Proper filtration ensures consistent viscosity, curing accuracy, and high-resolution prints. It is essential for SLA and DLP 3D printing with high-detail models and functional parts.
Resin Printer Vat Replacement Vat replacement involves swapping out the resin vat in SLA or DLP 3D printers for maintenance, material changes, or damaged films. Proper handling prevents contamination, curing defects, and print failures. Advanced printers feature quick-release mechanisms and self-leveling vats for easy replacement. Regular vat replacement ensures consistent curing, dimensional accuracy, and high-resolution prints. Proper storage and cleaning extend the vat's lifespan, maintaining print quality and preventing resin contamination.
Resin Tank A resin tank is the container that holds liquid photopolymer resin in SLA and DLP 3D printers. It has a transparent base made of FEP or PDMS film to allow UV light penetration for curing. The resin tank’s flexibility and chemical resistance prevent sticking and peeling failures. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and film replacement, ensures consistent curing and high-resolution prints. Advanced printers feature self-leveling and heated resin tanks for optimal viscosity and print quality. Proper resin handling and storage prevent contamination, bubbles, and curing defects.
Resin Vat A resin vat is the container that holds photopolymer resin in SLA and DLP 3D printers. It features a transparent bottom for UV light penetration, curing resin layer by layer. Resin vats are made from durable materials like acrylic or FEP film for chemical resistance and flexibility. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and film replacement, prevents contamination and print defects. Advanced printers use tilting or sliding resin vats to reduce suction forces and improve layer separation. Proper resin vat handling ensures consistent layer bonding and high-resolution prints.
Resin Warping Resin warping is the deformation of photopolymer prints due to uneven curing, thermal contraction, or internal stresses. It affects dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and structural integrity. Proper support placement, exposure settings, and post-curing techniques minimize warping. Advanced resins with low shrinkage and high dimensional stability reduce warping risks. Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and UV exposure also influence warping. Proper handling, storage, and curing practices ensure reliable prints with accurate dimensions and smooth surfaces.
Resolution Resolution in 3D printing refers to the level of detail and accuracy achievable in a print, measured in layer height (Z-axis) and horizontal accuracy (XY-axis). Lower layer heights provide finer details and smoother surfaces, while higher layers reduce print time. SLA and DLP printers offer higher resolution than FDM due to their light-based curing process. XY resolution depends on nozzle diameter and motion precision. Proper resolution settings balance quality and speed, ensuring accurate dimensions, intricate details, and professional finishes.
Resolution Calibration Resolution calibration adjusts print settings to achieve precise dimensions, sharp details, and smooth surfaces. It involves fine-tuning layer height, extrusion width, and stepper motor accuracy. Calibration tools like calibration cubes, overhang tests, and benchmark models verify resolution. Proper resolution calibration reduces artifacts, layer lines, and dimensional inaccuracies. It enhances print quality, aesthetics, and mechanical properties. Resolution calibration is essential for high-detail models, functional prototypes, and multi-part assemblies requiring precise fit.
Resolution Tolerance Resolution tolerance is the allowable variation in dimensions or details from the original 3D model, affecting fit, function, and aesthetics. It is influenced by layer height, nozzle diameter, and motion accuracy. Lower tolerance ensures precise dimensions and tight fitting, while higher tolerance is suitable for decorative or non-functional parts. Advanced slicing software provides tolerance settings for critical dimensions or complex geometries. Proper resolution tolerance ensures dimensional accuracy, mechanical functionality, and high-quality finishes, especially for interlocking parts and assemblies.
Retraction Retraction is the process of pulling back filament into the extruder during non-print moves to prevent oozing and stringing. It enhances surface finish, sharp details, and clean transitions between parts. Retraction settings include distance, speed, and retraction lift (Z-hop). Direct drive extruders require shorter retraction distances, while Bowden setups need longer retraction due to filament slack. Improper retraction causes under-extrusion, nozzle clogging, or blobs. Proper retraction calibration minimizes stringing, ensuring smooth surfaces and accurate dimensions.
Retraction Calibration Retraction calibration adjusts retraction distance, speed, and acceleration to minimize oozing, stringing, and blobs during non-print moves. Proper retraction settings enhance surface finish, sharp details, and clean transitions between parts. Calibration tools like retraction towers or stringing tests help optimize settings for each filament type and printer setup. Direct drive extruders require shorter retraction distances, while Bowden setups need longer retraction due to filament slack. Proper retraction calibration ensures smooth surfaces, accurate dimensions, and high-quality prints.
Reverse Engineering Reverse engineering involves digitally capturing the geometry of an existing object using 3D scanning or CT imaging, then creating a CAD model for replication or modification. It is widely used for product development, part replacement, and customization. Advanced tools like laser scanners and photogrammetry provide high-precision models with complex surfaces and intricate details. Proper reverse engineering ensures dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and compatibility with manufacturing processes. It accelerates prototyping, restoration, and innovation.
Reverse Engineering Software Reverse engineering software converts 3D scan data into editable CAD models for replication, modification, or analysis. It processes point clouds or mesh data to create accurate geometries, surfaces, and features. Advanced tools include automatic mesh repair, feature recognition, and parametric modeling. Reverse engineering software is essential for product development, part replacement, and competitive analysis. Proper alignment, resolution, and processing settings ensure dimensional accuracy and compatibility with CAD and CAM systems. It accelerates prototyping, restoration, and innovation.
Rheology Rheology is the study of the flow and deformation of materials, crucial in 3D printing for understanding filament extrusion, resin viscosity, and powder spreading. It affects layer bonding, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. Rheological properties like viscosity, shear rate, and elasticity influence print speed, resolution, and mechanical strength. Advanced rheometers measure material behavior under different temperatures and shear conditions. Proper rheology analysis ensures consistent extrusion, optimal layer adhesion, and high-quality prints. It is essential for developing new materials, composites, and multi-material compatibility.
Rigid Resin Rigid resin is a photopolymer material used in SLA and DLP 3D printing, known for its high stiffness, dimensional stability, and impact resistance. It is ideal for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and precision models requiring rigidity and accuracy. Rigid resins often contain glass or ceramic fillers for enhanced mechanical properties. Proper post-curing ensures maximum strength and durability. Rigid resins are widely used in engineering, dental, and aerospace applications, offering smooth surfaces and high resolution.
Rigid-Flexible Assembly Rigid-flexible assembly combines rigid and flexible materials in a single 3D printed part, providing integrated functionality and complex movements. It is ideal for hinges, wearable devices, and electronic enclosures. Multi-material printers use independent extruders or dual nozzles for precise material transitions. Proper bonding and layer adhesion ensure durability and flexibility. Advanced slicing software synchronizes tool changes, purge routines, and support configurations. Rigid-flexible assembly enhances design possibilities, reducing assembly requirements and enhancing usability.
Rotary Axis Printing Rotary axis printing involves a rotating build platform or print head, enabling 4-axis or 5-axis 3D printing. It allows non-planar layer deposition, improving overhangs, surface finish, and mechanical properties. Rotary axis systems eliminate the need for support structures, reducing material waste and post-processing. They enable continuous printing on curved surfaces, cylindrical objects, and organic shapes. Advanced slicing software generates multi-axis toolpaths for accurate and efficient printing. Proper configuration enhances flexibility, precision, and design possibilities.
Rotational Axis A rotational axis is an additional degree of freedom in 4-axis or 5-axis 3D printers, allowing rotation of the print bed or nozzle. It enables non-planar printing, complex geometries, and overhang-free designs. Rotational axes improve surface finish, mechanical strength, and print efficiency by eliminating support structures. Advanced printers synchronize rotational movements with linear axes for accurate multi-angle printing. Proper configuration enhances flexibility, precision, and design possibilities, expanding applications in aerospace, automotive, and artistic sculptures.