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

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [47]

T Tapered Nozzle A tapered nozzle has a gradually narrowing tip, providing precise extrusion, fine details, and smooth surfaces. It reduces backpressure, improving flow consistency and layer bonding. Tapered nozzles enhance print resolution, especially for small features, sharp corners, and organic shapes. They are ideal for high-detail models, jewelry, and artistic sculptures. Proper nozzle temperature, print speed, and retraction settings ensure accurate extrusion and minimal artifacts. Tapered nozzles expand design possibilities and surface quality, enabling intricate patterns and complex textures.
Tapered Support Tapered supports are optimized support structures that gradually decrease in thickness towards the contact point, minimizing surface defects and easing removal. They reduce material usage, print time, and post-processing. Tapered supports enhance overhang quality, bridging, and dimensional accuracy. Advanced slicing software customizes taper angles, density, and contact width. Proper configuration ensures clean surfaces, sharp edges, and reliable adhesion. Tapered supports improve print quality and efficiency, particularly for complex geometries and delicate details.
Temperature Tower A temperature tower is a calibration model printed at incremental temperature settings to determine the optimal extrusion temperature for a specific filament. It evaluates layer adhesion, stringing, overhangs, and surface finish at each temperature level. Proper analysis helps identify the ideal balance between flow, bonding, and detail resolution. Temperature towers enhance print quality, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties. They are essential for new filaments, multi-material prints, and achieving consistent results across different 3D printers.
Temperature-Controlled Chamber A temperature-controlled chamber maintains a stable environment during 3D printing, enhancing layer adhesion, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties. It prevents warping, cracking, and layer separation by regulating ambient temperature and airflow. Temperature-controlled chambers are essential for high-temperature materials like ABS, Nylon, Polycarbonate, and PEEK. Advanced printers feature heated, insulated, or actively cooled chambers for consistent thermal management. Proper temperature settings ensure uniform cooling, structural integrity, and reliable prints, particularly for large or complex geometries.
Tensile Elongation Tensile elongation measures the ductility and flexibility of a 3D printed material by calculating its elongation before breaking under tension. It evaluates deformation behavior, impact resistance, and toughness. High tensile elongation indicates flexibility and energy absorption, ideal for flexible filaments like TPU or TPE. Proper testing procedures, including standardized specimens and controlled loading rates, ensure accurate data and repeatability. Tensile elongation supports material selection, design validation, and functional performance for wearable devices, mechanical components, and safety-critical applications.
Tensile Modulus Tensile modulus, also known as Young's modulus, measures a material's stiffness and resistance to deformation under tensile load. It is crucial for evaluating structural rigidity, flexibility, and load-bearing capacity. Tensile modulus is calculated from the slope of the stress-strain curve obtained through tensile testing. It influences part design, infill patterns, and layer orientations. Proper material selection and print settings ensure desired mechanical properties. Tensile modulus is essential for functional prototypes, mechanical components, and engineering applications requiring precise deformation control.
Tensile Strength Tensile strength is the maximum stress a 3D printed material can withstand before breaking under tension. It measures load-bearing capacity, rigidity, and elongation behavior. Tensile strength is influenced by material properties, layer bonding, and print orientation. Proper tensile testing procedures, including standardized specimens and loading rates, ensure accurate data and repeatability. Advanced composite filaments, like carbon fiber or glass fiber-reinforced polymers, provide high tensile strength. It is essential for functional prototypes, structural components, and safety-critical applications requiring precise mechanical performance.
Tensile Test Specimen A tensile test specimen is a standardized sample used in tensile testing to evaluate the mechanical properties of a 3D printed material, including tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus. Specimen dimensions, shape, and preparation follow industry standards like ASTM D638 or ISO 527 for accurate and repeatable results. Proper printing orientation, layer height, and infill patterns influence tensile properties. Advanced testing equipment measures stress-strain behavior, providing valuable data for material selection, design optimization, and quality assurance. Tensile test specimens validate performance and safety for functional parts and load-bearing applications.
Tensile Testing Tensile testing measures a 3D printed material's strength, elasticity, and deformation under tension. It evaluates mechanical properties like tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus. Tensile testing is essential for validating material performance, design optimization, and quality assurance. It uses standardized test specimens (e.g., ASTM D638) and universal testing machines. Proper testing procedures ensure accurate data, repeatability, and compliance with industry standards. Tensile testing supports material selection, structural analysis, and safety-critical applications in engineering, aerospace, and medical devices.
Tension Relief Mechanism A tension relief mechanism prevents filament tangling, breakage, or under-extrusion by maintaining consistent tension and smooth feeding. It includes spool holders with ball bearings, tension arms, or filament guides to reduce friction and resistance. Proper tension management enhances extrusion flow, layer adhesion, and dimensional accuracy. It is especially useful for flexible, brittle, or composite filaments prone to feeding issues. Advanced printers use tension sensors and feedback systems for automated tension control. Tension relief mechanisms improve reliability, consistency, and print quality.
Textured Build Plate A textured build plate enhances print bed adhesion by providing a rough, textured surface for better first layer bonding. It reduces warping, lifting, and layer separation. Textured plates are compatible with various materials, including PLA, PETG, ABS, and flexible filaments. They provide a consistent surface finish with a textured bottom layer. Advanced materials like PEI, glass, or powder-coated sheets offer durability, heat resistance, and chemical compatibility. Proper leveling and calibration ensure reliable adhesion, dimensional accuracy, and high-quality prints.
Textured Surface Printing Textured surface printing creates tactile patterns, reliefs, or custom textures on 3D printed parts, enhancing aesthetics, grip, or functional properties. It is achieved through advanced slicing software, custom bump maps, or specialized nozzles. Textured surfaces reduce layer visibility, improve light diffusion, and enhance wear resistance. Proper layer height, extrusion width, and flow rate settings ensure accurate reproduction of fine details. Textured surface printing is popular in product design, consumer goods, and architectural models, enabling unique visual and tactile experiences.
Thermal Annealing Thermal annealing is a post-processing technique that heats a 3D printed part to relieve internal stresses, enhance mechanical properties, and improve dimensional stability. It optimizes crystallinity, impact resistance, and thermal resistance. Annealing is commonly used for high-performance polymers like Nylon, PETG, and Polycarbonate. Proper temperature control, heating rate, and cooling cycle prevent warping, shrinkage, or deformation. Thermal annealing enhances durability, strength, and performance, expanding applications in aerospace, automotive, and engineering.
Thermal Barrier A thermal barrier is an insulating component between the hotend and the cold end of the extruder, preventing heat creep and maintaining filament rigidity. It ensures consistent extrusion, dimensional accuracy, and layer bonding. Thermal barriers are made of heat-resistant materials like PTFE, titanium, or ceramic for effective thermal isolation. Proper installation and cooling prevent clogging, under-extrusion, or stringing. Advanced hotends use all-metal thermal barriers for high-temperature filaments like Nylon, Polycarbonate, and PEEK. Thermal barriers enhance extrusion stability, reliability, and print quality.
Thermal Conductivity Thermal conductivity is a material's ability to transfer heat, influencing cooling rates, warping, and layer adhesion in 3D printing. High thermal conductivity improves heat dissipation and dimensional stability, while low conductivity provides insulation. It affects print speed, surface finish, and mechanical properties. Advanced materials like metal composites, graphene, or carbon fiber offer tailored thermal conductivity for functional components. Proper thermal management enhances layer bonding, structural integrity, and print quality, especially in high-temperature and metal additive manufacturing.
Thermal Expansion Coefficient The thermal expansion coefficient measures how much a material expands or contracts with temperature changes. It affects dimensional accuracy, layer adhesion, and warping in 3D printing. Materials with high thermal expansion coefficients, like ABS or Nylon, are prone to warping and cracking, requiring heated beds and enclosures. Proper compensation, including print orientation, infill patterns, and temperature control, minimizes thermal expansion effects. It is essential for functional prototypes, interlocking parts, and precision assemblies. Understanding thermal expansion enhances design validation, material selection, and print reliability.
Thermal Expansion Compensation Thermal expansion compensation adjusts dimensions in 3D models to account for material expansion or contraction during heating and cooling. It ensures dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances, especially for high-temperature filaments like ABS, Nylon, and Polycarbonate. Advanced slicing software calculates compensation factors based on material properties, part geometry, and print settings. Proper thermal expansion management prevents warping, cracking, and layer separation. It is essential for functional prototypes, interlocking parts, and high-precision assemblies.
Thermal Fatigue Thermal fatigue is the progressive degradation of a 3D printed part due to repeated thermal cycling, leading to cracking, warping, or delamination. It is caused by thermal expansion and contraction, residual stresses, and material fatigue. High-temperature polymers, metals, and composite filaments are prone to thermal fatigue under extreme or fluctuating temperatures. Proper design, print orientation, and reinforcement strategies enhance thermal resistance. Advanced testing equipment evaluates thermal fatigue behavior for performance-critical applications. Managing thermal fatigue ensures durability, reliability, and safety for functional parts in aerospace, automotive, and industrial environments.
Thermal Gradient A thermal gradient is the temperature difference between different regions of a 3D printed part during cooling. It influences thermal contraction, residual stresses, and warping. High thermal gradients cause uneven shrinkage, cracking, or layer separation, especially in metal and high-temperature polymer printing. Proper thermal management, including controlled cooling rates, heated chambers, and optimized print orientation, minimizes thermal gradients. Advanced simulation tools predict thermal behavior for accurate design validation. Managing thermal gradients enhances dimensional stability, structural integrity, and print reliability.
Thermal Insulation Filament Thermal insulation filament is a specialized material designed to reduce heat transfer, providing thermal resistance and energy efficiency. It is ideal for enclosures, heat shields, and insulating components in electronics or automotive applications. Common materials include foamed polymers, ceramic-filled composites, and aerogel-infused filaments. Proper print settings, including low print speed and high infill density, enhance insulation performance. Thermal insulation filaments expand functional applications in energy conservation, thermal management, and safety-critical devices.
Thermal Runaway Protection Thermal runaway protection is a safety feature in 3D printers that monitors temperature sensors to prevent uncontrolled heating of the hotend or heated bed. It shuts down the printer if abnormal temperature fluctuations are detected, reducing fire hazards and equipment damage. Advanced firmware, like Marlin and Klipper, includes thermal runaway protection settings. Proper calibration and sensor placement ensure accurate monitoring and rapid response. It is crucial for safe operation, especially in high-temperature printing and long-duration jobs.
Thermal Stress Analysis Thermal stress analysis evaluates the internal stresses caused by temperature gradients during 3D printing, affecting warping, cracking, and dimensional accuracy. It uses finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate thermal expansion, contraction, and residual stresses. Proper analysis optimizes print orientation, support placement, and cooling strategies. It is essential for metal 3D printing, high-temperature polymers, and functional prototypes. Advanced simulation tools predict thermal deformation, ensuring structural integrity, mechanical performance, and dimensional stability. Thermal stress analysis supports design validation and manufacturing reliability.
Thermocouple A thermocouple is a temperature sensor used in 3D printers to accurately measure hotend and heated bed temperatures. It provides rapid response, wide temperature range, and high precision. Thermocouples are essential for high-temperature materials like PEEK, PEI, and metal filaments. They are more reliable and accurate than thermistors at extreme temperatures. Proper installation and calibration ensure consistent extrusion, layer bonding, and dimensional accuracy. Thermocouples enhance thermal stability, safety, and print quality, supporting advanced materials and industrial applications.
Thermoplastic Composite Filament Thermoplastic composite filament is a 3D printing material infused with reinforcing fibers, such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar, enhancing mechanical properties, thermal resistance, and dimensional stability. It provides high strength-to-weight ratios, impact resistance, and stiffness. Composite filaments are ideal for functional prototypes, structural components, and load-bearing parts. They require wear-resistant nozzles (hardened steel or ruby) and optimized print settings for consistent extrusion and layer adhesion. Thermoplastic composite filaments expand applications in aerospace, automotive, and engineering for lightweight, durable, and high-performance products.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) TPE is a flexible, rubber-like 3D printing filament known for its high elasticity, impact resistance, and chemical resistance. It provides soft-touch surfaces, shock absorption, and bendable components. TPE is ideal for wearable devices, grips, gaskets, and functional prototypes requiring flexibility. It prints at moderate temperatures (210-250°C) and requires slow speeds and direct drive extruders for consistent extrusion. Proper bed adhesion and cooling settings prevent warping and deformation. TPE expands applications in consumer products, medical devices, and automotive parts.
Thermoplastic Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries for functional parts, structural components, and biocompatible implants. PEEK prints at high temperatures (360-400°C) and requires a heated chamber (120-160°C) for optimal layer bonding and dimensional accuracy. Proper print settings, including low print speed and high infill density, ensure structural integrity and mechanical performance. PEEK expands possibilities for high-stress, high-temperature, and safety-critical applications.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) TPU is a durable, flexible filament with excellent impact resistance, elasticity, and chemical resistance. It provides high abrasion resistance, making it ideal for functional parts, phone cases, and wearable devices. TPU prints at temperatures of 220-250°C with a heated bed (40-60°C) to enhance adhesion. It requires slow print speeds, low retraction, and direct drive extruders for consistent extrusion. Proper settings ensure smooth surfaces, dimensional accuracy, and strong layer bonding. TPU expands possibilities for flexible, durable, and high-performance products.
Thin Film Printing Thin film printing involves depositing ultra-thin layers of material for applications requiring precision, transparency, or electrical conductivity. It is widely used in printed electronics, flexible circuits, and optical devices. Techniques include inkjet printing, aerosol jetting, and spray deposition. Thin film printing enables integrated electronics, sensors, and photovoltaic cells with high resolution and complex patterns. Proper substrate preparation, material formulation, and curing methods ensure adhesion, conductivity, and performance. It revolutionizes electronics, wearable devices, and energy applications.
Thin Layer Adhesion Thin layer adhesion ensures strong bonding between ultra-thin layers, enhancing surface smoothness, mechanical strength, and dimensional accuracy. It is crucial for high-resolution prints requiring fine details and complex geometries. Thin layers are prone to under-extrusion, warping, or layer separation. Proper layer height, flow rate, and temperature settings optimize adhesion. Advanced materials with enhanced interlayer bonding, like reinforced composites or high-viscosity resins, improve thin layer adhesion. It expands possibilities for intricate designs, functional parts, and aesthetic models.
Thin Wall Printing Thin wall printing involves creating parts with very narrow walls, ideal for lightweight structures, enclosures, or decorative items. It requires precise extrusion, layer bonding, and cooling control to maintain strength and dimensional accuracy. Thin walls are prone to warping, layer separation, or under-extrusion. Advanced slicing software provides settings for wall thickness, perimeter overlap, and flow rate. Proper calibration and optimized print settings ensure smooth surfaces, sharp details, and structural integrity. Thin wall printing enhances efficiency, material usage, and design flexibility.
Thin-Walled Structures Thin-walled structures are lightweight components with narrow walls, ideal for enclosures, shells, and aerodynamic designs. They reduce material usage, weight, and print time while maintaining strength and rigidity. Thin walls require precise extrusion control, optimized layer bonding, and cooling management to prevent warping, layer separation, or under-extrusion. Advanced slicing software customizes wall thickness, perimeter overlap, and flow rate for accurate dimensions and surface finish. Thin-walled structures expand design possibilities for consumer products, automotive components, and aerospace applications requiring lightweight, high-performance parts.
Three-Point Bending Test A three-point bending test evaluates the flexural strength, stiffness, and toughness of a 3D printed part by applying a load at the center while supported at both ends. It measures flexural modulus, flexural strength, and deformation behavior. Proper testing procedures, including specimen dimensions and loading rate, ensure accurate data and repeatability. It is essential for structural analysis, material selection, and quality assurance. Three-point bending tests are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications requiring precise mechanical performance.
Time-Lapse Printing Time-lapse printing captures sequential images of a 3D print in progress, creating a compressed video showing the model's formation. It is popular for showcasing complex builds, educational demonstrations, and promotional content. Advanced cameras or integrated modules synchronize image capture with layer changes for smooth transitions. Proper lighting, camera angle, and frame rate settings enhance video quality and continuity. Time-lapse printing showcases the creative process, design complexity, and functional assembly, engaging audiences and promoting 3D printing applications.
Tolerances in 3D Printing Tolerances refer to the allowable dimensional variations in 3D printed parts to ensure proper fit, function, and assembly. Tight tolerances are crucial for mechanical components, interlocking parts, and functional prototypes. They depend on print resolution, material properties, and printer accuracy. Advanced slicing software provides tolerance settings for specific features like holes, threads, or mating surfaces. Proper tolerance management ensures dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and functionality. It is essential for high-precision applications, including engineering, automotive, and medical devices.
Tool Change Sequence Tool change sequence is the order and method by which a multi-extruder or multi-tool 3D printer switches between nozzles or tools during a print job. It ensures seamless transitions between different materials, colors, or functions without contamination or layer misalignment. Advanced printers use independent tool heads, nozzle parking, or purge blocks to optimize the sequence. Proper tool change configuration minimizes oozing, color bleeding, and mechanical interference. It enhances print quality, productivity, and multi-material versatility, supporting complex designs and functional assemblies.
Tool Offset Calibration Tool offset calibration is the alignment adjustment of multiple nozzles or tools in multi-extruder 3D printers to ensure accurate color registration, precise layer transitions, and clean material boundaries. It involves setting X, Y, and Z offsets to synchronize nozzle movements. Advanced slicing software provides offset adjustment settings for fine-tuning. Incorrect tool offset causes misalignment, color bleeding, or poor layer adhesion. Proper tool offset calibration ensures sharp details, dimensional accuracy, and high-quality multi-material prints.
Toolpath Generation Toolpath generation is the process of converting a 3D model into a series of coordinated movements for the 3D printer's nozzle or laser. It determines the print order, speed, and direction for each layer, influencing surface finish, strength, and print time. Advanced slicing software optimizes toolpaths for efficient material deposition, reduced travel moves, and minimal oozing. Proper toolpath planning enhances layer bonding, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties. It is essential for complex geometries, multi-material prints, and high-speed production.
Topology Optimization Topology optimization is a design technique that optimizes material distribution within a 3D model to maximize strength, stiffness, and functionality while minimizing weight and material usage. It uses advanced algorithms to create efficient load paths and organic geometries. Topology optimization is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering for lightweight, high-performance components. 3D printing enables the production of complex topologies that are impossible with traditional manufacturing. Proper simulation and validation ensure structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, and functionality.
Torsional Strength Torsional strength measures a 3D printed part's resistance to twisting forces, crucial for shafts, connectors, and mechanical assemblies. It evaluates shear stress, deformation, and fracture behavior under torque. Torsional strength is influenced by material properties, layer bonding, and infill patterns. Proper design, print orientation, and reinforcement strategies enhance torsional performance. Advanced testing equipment and simulation tools predict torsional failure and optimize part geometry. Torsional strength is essential for dynamic components, functional prototypes, and load-bearing structures in automotive, aerospace, and robotics.
Touch Probe A touch probe is a precision sensor used in 3D printers for automated bed leveling, part alignment, and dimensional inspection. It detects the exact position of the print bed or model surface, ensuring accurate Z-offset calibration and consistent first layers. Touch probes enhance repeatability, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. They are particularly useful for complex geometries, multi-material prints, and high-precision components. Advanced printers use capacitive, inductive, or mechanical touch probes for versatile material compatibility. Proper calibration ensures reliable measurements and high-quality prints.
Translucent Filament Translucent filament is a semi-transparent 3D printing material that allows light to pass through while maintaining color and shape. It is ideal for artistic projects, light diffusers, lampshades, and visual prototypes. Common translucent materials include PETG, PLA, and resin. Proper print settings, including layer height, extrusion width, and infill pattern, enhance light diffusion and surface finish. Post-processing techniques like sanding or polishing improve optical clarity. Translucent filaments expand creative possibilities and functional applications in lighting and design.
Transparent Filament Transparent filament is a clear, light-transmitting 3D printing material ideal for optical components, lenses, light guides, and artistic models. Common transparent filaments include PETG, PMMA (Acrylic), and Polycarbonate. Proper print settings, including thin layers, low extrusion width, and consistent flow, enhance optical clarity. Post-processing techniques like sanding, polishing, and resin coating improve transparency and surface gloss. UV-resistant transparent filaments prevent yellowing and degradation. Transparent filament expands creative and functional applications in lighting, optics, and product design.
Transparent Resin Transparent resin is a photopolymer material used in SLA and DLP 3D printing for high-clarity, transparent parts. It is ideal for optical components, lenses, light guides, and artistic models. Transparent resins provide smooth surfaces, high resolution, and optical clarity. Proper post-processing, including sanding and polishing, enhances transparency and gloss. UV-resistant transparent resins prevent yellowing and degradation under sunlight. Proper curing, layer thickness, and support configuration ensure dimensional accuracy and optical performance. Transparent resins expand applications in lighting, optics, and product design.
Tribology Tribology is the study of friction, wear, and lubrication between interacting surfaces, crucial for designing moving parts, bearings, and joints in 3D printed assemblies. It influences material selection, surface finish, and mechanical performance. Advanced tribological testing evaluates coefficient of friction, wear resistance, and lubrication behavior. Proper design, infill patterns, and material combinations reduce friction, noise, and abrasion. Tribology enhances durability, functionality, and energy efficiency, supporting automotive, aerospace, and robotics applications with complex kinematics and dynamic interactions.
Two-Color Printing Two-color printing involves using dual extruders or multi-material nozzles to print models with two distinct colors. It enhances aesthetics, labeling, and functional differentiation without post-processing. Advanced slicing software synchronizes tool changes, purge routines, and color mapping. Proper nozzle alignment, retraction settings, and wipe sequences ensure clean transitions and sharp color separation. Two-color printing expands creative possibilities, enabling multi-material integration, complex patterns, and functional parts with embedded features. It is widely used in prototyping, education, and consumer products.
Two-Part Resin Two-part resin is a photopolymer system consisting of a base resin and a curing agent or hardener, providing enhanced mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. It is widely used in SLA and DLP 3D printing for functional prototypes, engineering components, and custom molds. Two-part resins offer excellent dimensional accuracy, impact resistance, and smooth surfaces. Proper mixing ratios, degassing, and post-curing ensure consistent quality and strength. Advanced formulations provide specialized properties, including flexibility, transparency, or biocompatibility. Two-part resin expands applications in dental, medical, and industrial manufacturing.
Two-Photon Polymerization Two-photon polymerization is an advanced 3D printing technique that uses focused laser beams to cure photosensitive resin at the nanoscale, achieving ultra-high resolution. It enables intricate microstructures, complex geometries, and sub-micron details. Two-photon polymerization is widely used in micro-optics, biomedical devices, and nanotechnology. It provides precise control over layer thickness and feature sizes, allowing custom microfluidic channels and metamaterials. Proper exposure settings, resin formulation, and laser focus ensure accurate and reliable prints. It revolutionizes applications in photonics, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.