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

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [40]

U Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) UHMWPE is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional abrasion resistance, impact strength, and chemical resistance. It provides low friction, self-lubricating surfaces, and high wear resistance. UHMWPE is ideal for functional parts, mechanical components, and medical implants. It requires high-temperature nozzles, heated beds, and controlled cooling to prevent warping and delamination. Proper print settings, including low print speed and high infill density, ensure consistent layer bonding and dimensional accuracy. UHMWPE expands applications in automotive, aerospace, and biomedical industries.
Ultrafast Laser Sintering Ultrafast laser sintering is an advanced additive manufacturing technique using high-speed lasers to fuse powdered materials layer by layer. It provides high resolution, complex geometries, and rapid production. Ultrafast laser sintering is ideal for metals, ceramics, and high-performance polymers. It enables lightweight, high-strength parts with excellent surface finish and mechanical properties. Proper powder management, laser power, and scanning strategies ensure accurate sintering and consistent layer bonding. It expands applications in aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, supporting high-performance and functional components.
Ultrafast Printing Ultrafast printing uses high-speed motion systems, advanced extruders, and optimized toolpaths to achieve rapid production without compromising quality. It reduces print time, increasing productivity and efficiency for prototyping, batch production, and large-scale manufacturing. Ultrafast printing requires precise acceleration, jerk control, and high-flow nozzles for consistent extrusion. Advanced firmware algorithms, such as input shaping and resonance compensation, minimize vibrations and artifacts. Proper calibration, material selection, and cooling management ensure dimensional accuracy, layer bonding, and surface finish. Ultrafast printing revolutionizes additive manufacturing for agile design and on-demand production.
Ultrafine Resolution Ultrafine resolution in 3D printing achieves extremely detailed and smooth surfaces with minimal layer lines, typically using layer heights below 50 microns (0.05 mm). It enhances aesthetics, dimensional accuracy, and intricate details. Ultrafine resolution is achieved with high-precision motion systems, small nozzle diameters, and advanced slicing algorithms. SLA, DLP, and MSLA printers offer the highest resolution using light-based curing. Proper layer height, print speed, and exposure settings ensure sharp edges, accurate textures, and professional-grade finishes. Ultrafine resolution is ideal for jewelry, dental models, and detailed figurines.
Ultrasonic Bed Leveling Ultrasonic bed leveling uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the distance between the nozzle and the print bed, ensuring accurate and consistent bed leveling. It provides non-contact, high-precision measurements, compensating for bed irregularities or thermal expansion. Advanced 3D printers integrate ultrasonic sensors with auto bed leveling systems for reliable first layers and dimensional accuracy. Proper calibration enhances repeatability, stability, and print quality. Ultrasonic bed leveling reduces print failures, warping, and layer misalignment, supporting high-resolution and multi-material printing.
Ultrasonic Cleaning Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves in a liquid bath to remove residual resin, support material, or contaminants from 3D printed parts. It provides efficient, non-abrasive cleaning, preserving fine details and delicate structures. Ultrasonic cleaning is commonly used for SLA, DLP, and multi-material prints. Proper cleaning solutions, time, and frequency settings ensure effective residue removal without damaging the model. It enhances surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and post-processing efficiency. Ultrasonic cleaning improves print quality and usability, especially for complex geometries and intricate details.
Ultrasonic Leveling Ultrasonic leveling uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the distance between the nozzle and the print bed, ensuring accurate bed leveling and first-layer adhesion. It provides non-contact, high-precision measurements, compensating for bed irregularities or thermal expansion. Advanced 3D printers use ultrasonic sensors integrated with auto bed leveling systems for consistent layer height and dimensional accuracy. Proper calibration and firmware settings enhance repeatability, stability, and print quality. Ultrasonic leveling reduces print failures, warping, and layer misalignment, supporting high-resolution and multi-material printing.
Ultrasonic Sensor Calibration Ultrasonic sensor calibration ensures accurate distance measurements for automated bed leveling, nozzle alignment, and part detection in 3D printers. It involves adjusting sensitivity, offset, and threshold values for reliable detection on different surfaces. Advanced ultrasonic sensors provide non-contact, high-precision measurements, compensating for bed irregularities, warping, or thermal expansion. Proper calibration enhances first-layer adhesion, dimensional accuracy, and print reliability. It reduces print failures, layer misalignment, and nozzle crashes, supporting high-resolution and multi-material printing.
Ultrasonic Welding Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency sound waves to create frictional heat at the interface of 3D printed parts, bonding them without adhesives or fasteners. It provides strong, airtight, and durable joints for functional assemblies and enclosures. Ultrasonic welding is ideal for thermoplastics like ABS, PLA, and Nylon. Proper welding parameters, including frequency, amplitude, and pressure, ensure consistent bonding and structural integrity. It is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and electronics for joining complex geometries, multi-material parts, and safety-critical components.
Ultrathin Layers Ultrathin layers refer to extremely fine layer heights (below 20 microns) used for high-resolution prints with smooth surfaces and intricate details. They provide superior dimensional accuracy, sharp edges, and complex textures. Ultrathin layers are achieved using high-precision motion systems, small nozzle diameters, and advanced slicing algorithms. SLA, DLP, and MSLA printers offer the highest resolution with ultrathin layers. Proper layer height, print speed, and exposure settings ensure consistent layer bonding and professional-grade finishes. Ultrathin layers expand creative possibilities for jewelry, dental models, and detailed figurines.
Ultraviolet Light Shielding Ultraviolet light shielding protects photosensitive resins or printed parts from unwanted UV exposure, preventing premature curing, yellowing, or degradation. It enhances dimensional stability, surface finish, and mechanical properties. UV shielding is achieved using tinted enclosures, protective films, or UV-resistant coatings. Advanced resins include built-in UV blockers for enhanced stability and durability. Proper storage, handling, and post-processing prevent UV damage, ensuring consistent quality and reliability. UV light shielding expands applications in optical components, outdoor products, and high-precision models.
Ultraviolet Photoinitiators Ultraviolet photoinitiators are chemical compounds used in photopolymer resins to trigger polymerization when exposed to UV light. They provide precise curing control, high resolution, and smooth surfaces for SLA and DLP 3D printing. Different photoinitiators react to specific UV wavelengths for optimized curing speed, layer bonding, and mechanical properties. Advanced formulations enhance transparency, flexibility, or impact resistance. Proper exposure settings, including intensity and duration, ensure consistent polymerization and dimensional accuracy. UV photoinitiators enable complex geometries, fine details, and functional parts for artistic, medical, and industrial applications.
Ultraviolet Printing Ultraviolet printing uses UV light to cure photopolymer resins layer by layer, providing high resolution, smooth surfaces, and intricate details. It includes SLA, DLP, and UV inkjet technologies, enabling multi-material, multi-color, and transparent prints. UV printing offers superior dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and mechanical properties compared to FDM. Proper exposure settings, layer thickness, and support structures ensure accurate polymerization and consistent layer bonding. UV printing expands applications in dental models, jewelry, microfluidics, and high-detail figurines, supporting creative and functional designs.
Ultraviolet Resistance Ultraviolet resistance measures a 3D printed material's ability to withstand UV radiation without degradation, discoloration, or brittleness. It is essential for outdoor applications, signage, and products exposed to sunlight. UV-resistant materials include ASA, PETG, and specialized UV-stabilized resins. Proper additive formulations, including UV absorbers or stabilizers, enhance weatherability and color retention. Post-processing techniques like UV-resistant coatings or protective films further improve durability. UV resistance expands applications in automotive, construction, and consumer products requiring long-term stability and appearance.
Under-Extrusion Under-extrusion occurs when the 3D printer extrudes insufficient filament, leading to gaps, weak layers, and poor adhesion. It is caused by incorrect flow rate, clogged nozzles, or inconsistent filament feeding. Advanced slicing software adjusts extrusion multipliers and flow rates to compensate. Proper nozzle maintenance, temperature calibration, and tension relief mechanisms ensure consistent extrusion. Under-extrusion affects surface finish, mechanical strength, and dimensional accuracy. Proper troubleshooting enhances print quality, layer bonding, and overall reliability.
Undercooling Undercooling occurs when a material's temperature drops below its solidification point without crystallizing, affecting layer bonding, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties. It leads to warping, cracking, or layer separation, particularly in semi-crystalline polymers like Nylon and PETG. Proper cooling management, including gradual cooling rates, heated chambers, or active cooling systems, minimizes undercooling effects. Advanced slicing software adjusts fan speeds, print speeds, and temperature settings for consistent solidification. Managing undercooling enhances layer adhesion, structural integrity, and print reliability, supporting high-performance applications.
Undercut An undercut is a feature in a 3D model where a portion of the geometry is recessed or overhangs, creating an area that is not directly accessible from the build direction. Undercuts are challenging to print without support structures, leading to sagging or poor layer adhesion. Proper print orientation, support placement, and multi-axis printing strategies minimize undercut challenges. Advanced slicing software detects undercuts and generates optimized supports. Undercuts enable complex geometries, interlocking parts, and functional assemblies, expanding design possibilities for artistic, architectural, and engineering applications.
Underhang An underhang is the opposite of an overhang, occurring when a model's feature extends inward or downward, creating unsupported geometry. It poses challenges in printing without internal supports, leading to sagging or poor layer adhesion. Proper print orientation, infill patterns, and multi-axis printing strategies minimize underhang challenges. Advanced slicing software detects underhangs and generates optimized internal supports. Proper settings enhance dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and surface finish. Managing underhangs expands design possibilities for complex geometries, functional parts, and artistic models.
Uneven Cooling Uneven cooling occurs when different regions of a 3D printed part cool at varying rates, leading to warping, cracking, or layer separation. It is caused by improper fan settings, ambient temperature fluctuations, or complex geometries. Advanced printers use directed airflow, temperature-controlled chambers, or adaptive cooling profiles for uniform cooling. Proper print orientation, infill patterns, and material selection minimize uneven cooling effects. It is particularly important for high-temperature polymers like ABS, Nylon, and Polycarbonate. Managing uneven cooling enhances dimensional stability, structural integrity, and print reliability.
Uneven Layer Lines Uneven layer lines are surface artifacts caused by inconsistent extrusion, mechanical vibrations, or thermal fluctuations. They result in rough textures, visible seams, or dimensional inaccuracies. Proper calibration of layer height, flow rate, and print speed minimizes uneven lines. Advanced firmware features, like pressure advance and input shaping, enhance extrusion consistency and motion stability. Regular maintenance, including nozzle cleaning and belt tensioning, reduces mechanical issues. Proper cooling and environmental control prevent warping, shrinking, and uneven layer bonding. Managing uneven layer lines ensures smooth surfaces and high-quality prints.
Unibody Design Unibody design involves printing a single, integrated structure without joints, seams, or assemblies. It enhances structural integrity, rigidity, and aesthetics while reducing weight, assembly time, and fasteners. Unibody designs are ideal for enclosures, frames, and complex geometries. Advanced slicing software optimizes support structures, print orientation, and layer bonding for accurate dimensions and surface finish. Proper design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) ensures printability, functionality, and mechanical performance. Unibody design expands applications in consumer products, aerospace, and architectural models.
Unidirectional Layering Unidirectional layering involves printing all layers in the same direction, enhancing mechanical strength along the layer lines. It optimizes stress distribution and load-bearing capacity for parts subjected to directional forces. Unidirectional layering is commonly used in composite 3D printing with continuous fibers like carbon or glass. Proper layer orientation, infill patterns, and flow control ensure consistent layer bonding and structural integrity. It enhances rigidity, impact resistance, and fatigue strength, supporting high-performance applications in aerospace, automotive, and industrial components.
Uniform Cooling Uniform cooling maintains consistent temperature distribution throughout a 3D printed part, preventing warping, cracking, or residual stresses. It enhances dimensional accuracy, mechanical strength, and layer bonding. Uniform cooling is achieved using directed airflow, temperature-controlled chambers, or adaptive cooling profiles. Proper print orientation, infill patterns, and support structures minimize thermal gradients. Advanced printers use active cooling systems with adjustable fan speeds and environmental sensors. Uniform cooling is crucial for high-temperature materials like ABS, Nylon, and Polycarbonate, ensuring structural integrity and reliable prints.
Uniform Wall Thickness Uniform wall thickness ensures consistent layer bonding, dimensional accuracy, and structural integrity. It reduces stress concentration, warping, and layer separation, enhancing mechanical performance and durability. Advanced CAD and slicing software analyze and adjust wall thickness for optimized strength, weight, and material usage. Proper settings for extrusion width, perimeter overlap, and infill patterns maintain uniform wall thickness. It is crucial for functional parts, enclosures, and load-bearing components. Uniform wall thickness enhances print quality, surface finish, and functional reliability.
Unmanned Print Farm An unmanned print farm is an automated 3D printing facility with multiple printers managed remotely for high-volume production, rapid prototyping, and on-demand manufacturing. It utilizes robotic arms, conveyor systems, and smart sensors for continuous printing, part removal, and post-processing. Advanced cloud-based platforms enable remote monitoring, print scheduling, and real-time error detection. Unmanned print farms enhance productivity, scalability, and efficiency, supporting mass customization and smart factories. Proper integration of IoT devices, machine learning, and predictive maintenance ensures reliability, security, and streamlined workflows.
Unmanned Production Unmanned production involves automated 3D printing operations without human intervention, increasing productivity and reducing labor costs. It utilizes robotic arms, conveyor systems, and smart sensors for continuous printing, part removal, and post-processing. Advanced cloud-based platforms enable remote monitoring, print scheduling, and real-time error detection. Unmanned production enhances scalability, consistency, and efficiency, supporting mass customization, on-demand manufacturing, and smart factories. Proper integration of IoT devices, machine learning, and predictive maintenance ensures reliability, security, and streamlined workflows.
Upcycling Filament Upcycling filament involves transforming waste prints, failed parts, or recycled plastics into high-quality filament for 3D printing. It reduces environmental impact, material costs, and plastic waste. Upcycling is achieved using filament extruders that grind, melt, and extrude new spools. Proper sorting, cleaning, and drying ensure consistent quality and extrusion performance. Advanced systems mix virgin and upcycled materials for enhanced mechanical properties. Upcycling filament supports sustainable 3D printing practices and circular economy models.
Upgradable Firmware Upgradable firmware allows 3D printers to receive software updates, bug fixes, and new features, enhancing functionality, performance, and compatibility. It provides advanced motion control, temperature management, and safety features. Open-source firmware, like Marlin, Klipper, and Repetier, enables customization, community-driven improvements, and hardware support. Proper update procedures ensure data integrity, configuration preservation, and system stability. Upgradable firmware extends the lifespan of 3D printers, supporting evolving technologies, multi-material printing, and high-resolution capabilities.
Upholstery Integration Upholstery integration combines 3D printed frames or structures with soft, flexible materials like foam, fabric, or leather for ergonomic, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing products. It is widely used in furniture design, automotive interiors, and wearable devices. Advanced multi-material printing enables seamless integration of rigid and flexible components. Proper bonding techniques, including over-molding or adhesive lamination, ensure durability and usability. Upholstery integration enhances design versatility, customization, and functionality, supporting innovative product design and user experience.
Upright Layer Bonding Upright layer bonding refers to the adhesion strength between layers printed in the vertical direction, influencing tensile strength, rigidity, and impact resistance. Proper layer bonding enhances mechanical properties and structural integrity along the Z-axis. It is influenced by layer height, print speed, and extrusion temperature. Advanced slicing software optimizes upright layer bonding by adjusting extrusion width, overlap, and cooling profiles. Proper settings minimize delamination, cracking, and layer separation. Upright layer bonding ensures high-strength parts for load-bearing, mechanical assemblies, and functional prototypes.
Upright Printing Upright printing involves orienting the model vertically on the build plate, maximizing Z-axis resolution and minimizing support structures. It enhances surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and structural integrity along the vertical axis. Proper upright orientation reduces print time, material usage, and post-processing. It is ideal for tall, thin models, mechanical assemblies, or parts with minimal overhangs. Advanced slicing software suggests optimal upright orientations based on geometry and stability. Proper calibration and adhesion techniques ensure reliable first layers and consistent layer bonding.
Upward Facing Surface Quality Upward facing surface quality refers to the appearance and finish of surfaces printed facing up, influenced by layer height, extrusion width, and cooling. Proper settings ensure smooth, consistent layers with minimal visible lines or artifacts. Advanced slicing software optimizes top layers, infill overlap, and ironing techniques for enhanced surface finish. Incorrect settings cause rough textures, gaps, or poor adhesion. Proper upward-facing surface management enhances aesthetics, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties, ensuring professional-grade prints for decorative models, functional prototypes, and end-use products.
Urethane Casting Urethane casting uses 3D printed molds or masters to create high-quality replicas with flexible, durable polyurethane materials. It provides excellent toughness, elasticity, and chemical resistance. Urethane casting is ideal for low-volume production, prototypes, and functional parts. It reproduces fine details, smooth surfaces, and accurate dimensions. Proper mold design, venting, and release agents ensure consistent casting and ease of demolding. It supports multi-material integration, color matching, and over-molding. Urethane casting expands applications in product design, automotive, and medical devices.
Urethane Resin Urethane resin is a flexible, durable photopolymer used in SLA and DLP 3D printing for high-impact resistance, elasticity, and chemical resistance. It provides excellent toughness, tear resistance, and elongation, making it ideal for functional prototypes, flexible joints, and wearable devices. Urethane resin requires post-curing for maximum performance and dimensional stability. Proper exposure settings, layer thickness, and support structures ensure accurate prints and consistent layer bonding. Urethane resin expands possibilities for flexible, durable, and high-performance applications in consumer products, medical devices, and industrial components.
User-Defined Supports User-defined supports allow manual placement, customization, and optimization of support structures for complex geometries and overhangs. It provides precise control over support density, pattern, and contact width, minimizing material usage and post-processing. Advanced slicing software enables interactive support editing, custom rafts, and tree-like supports for efficient removal. Proper user-defined support configuration enhances surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and structural integrity. It supports intricate designs, delicate details, and functional assemblies, expanding creative possibilities and print quality.
UV Absorbers UV absorbers are additives used in 3D printing materials to protect against UV radiation, preventing discoloration, degradation, and loss of mechanical properties. They absorb or dissipate UV energy, enhancing durability and weather resistance. UV absorbers are commonly added to ASA, PETG, and specialized resins for outdoor applications. Proper formulation ensures consistent UV protection, chemical stability, and color retention. UV absorbers expand functional applications in automotive, construction, and consumer products requiring long-term stability and appearance.
UV Curing UV curing is a post-processing technique that hardens photopolymer resin using ultraviolet light, enhancing strength, stability, and chemical resistance. It completes the polymerization process, preventing deformation, brittleness, or tacky surfaces. UV curing chambers provide controlled exposure time, intensity, and wavelength for consistent curing. Different resins require specific UV wavelengths for optimal performance. Proper post-curing enhances mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. UV curing is essential for SLA, DLP, and resin-based 3D printing applications.
UV Inkjet Printing UV inkjet printing uses UV-curable inks to create high-resolution, full-color 3D models with smooth gradients, fine details, and vibrant colors. It is ideal for prototyping, product design, and artistic models. UV inkjet technology provides multi-material, multi-color, and textured surfaces with layer heights as low as 16 microns. It combines photopolymer curing and inkjet deposition for precise color registration and sharp details. Proper curing, color mapping, and support structures ensure dimensional accuracy, adhesion, and surface finish. UV inkjet printing expands creative possibilities and realism in 3D modeling.
UV Stabilized Resin UV stabilized resin is a photopolymer formulated with UV inhibitors to prevent yellowing, degradation, and brittleness when exposed to sunlight. It provides enhanced weatherability, color retention, and mechanical stability. UV stabilized resins are ideal for outdoor applications, signage, and automotive components. Proper exposure settings, post-curing, and protective coatings ensure consistent UV resistance and durability. Advanced formulations offer impact resistance, flexibility, or transparency. UV stabilized resins expand functional and aesthetic applications in architectural models, consumer products, and industrial manufacturing.
UV Stabilizers UV stabilizers are additives mixed with 3D printing materials to enhance resistance against ultraviolet radiation, preventing degradation, discoloration, and brittleness. They extend the lifespan and appearance of parts exposed to sunlight, including outdoor products, automotive components, and architectural models. UV stabilizers absorb or dissipate UV energy, reducing photodegradation. Advanced formulations provide enhanced weatherability, chemical resistance, and color retention. Proper additive concentration and processing ensure consistent UV protection and mechanical performance. UV stabilizers expand applications in outdoor signage, consumer goods, and safety-critical devices.