NWA3D A31 User Manual
8. Glossary of 3D Printing Terms
3D
Three-dimensional
3D Printing
The process of creating a three-dimensional object from a digital file. Usually, it
is achieved by stacking two-dimensional layers of material to form a physical 3D
object. There are many different 3D printing processes that use many different
materials, but the most common process is material extrusion—also known as
Fused Deposition Modeling and Fused Filament Fabrication—which uses
thermoplastic filament. Also known as additive manufacturing.
3D Printer
It’s basically a crazy robotic hot glue gun! A type of industrial robot that prints
three-dimensional objects from a digital source. This machine usually reads
g-code files that give it specific instructions on how to print an object. Examples
include the A5, A31, and all the other awesome printers we carry.
3D Design Program
A type of software used to visualize, design, and manipulate 3D products while
providing a test environment for strength and dynamic analysis. Also known as a
Computer Aided Design (CAD) program or 3D Modeling Software. Free examples
for educators include Autodesk Inventor, Fusion360, SketchUp, Onshape, and
Tinkercad.
3D Modeler
A type of multimedia artist or animator who creates three-dimensional models
or visuals of items using a variety of different computer software programs and
tools. Also, a program used to manipulate 3D shapes to create objects for
animation or production.
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