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3D PRINTING GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TERM DEFINITION
Hot End
The hot end is the component group on the printer that generates heat to melt the filament for extrusion through the nozzle. This term
encompasses components such as the nozzle, heat sink, cooling fans, heat break, heater cartridge, and thermistor. The Eastwood Genesis
FDM 3D printer has a hot end with a PTFE tube heat break because it has excellent function below 240°C. The term “all metal hot end” is
often referenced for printing higher temperature materials, which means the filament only comes into contact with metals in its path through
the hot end.
Stepper Motor
This is a type of motor commonly used on CNC machines. It has discrete phase positions, known as steps, that translate into accurate and fully
controlled movement. All axes on the Eastwood Genesis FDM 3D printer are controlled by a stepper motor.
CNC
An acronym for computer numerical control, this means that a machine is primarily controlled by a computer. 3D printers fall into this category.
CAM
Computer-aided machining, a software that takes a drawing file and turns it into a path that can be post processed into a G-code file for CNC
machine usage is referred to as CAM software. For 3D printing a Slicer is a type of CAM software.
G-code
The programming code language that CNC machines understand. Typically, movement commands start with a “G”, hence the name G-code.
Miscellaneous commands start with “M”.
Nozzle
The nozzle is the functional component that is heated so the filament can be forced through it. The nozzles are commonly brass or another
metal and have a nominal orifice in the end for the filament to be pushed through. The Eastwood Genesis FDM 3D Printer nozzle has a
standard 0.4mm orifice.
Post Processor
The post processor takes a path created in a computer-aided machining software and converts it into the G-code file machine language.
Slicers do this all-in-one operation.
Slicer
This is a type of CAM software specifically created for 3D printing. Slicers take a 3D object file, commonly an STL, and “slice” it into many
layers. It will automatically create a path for the nozzle to apply filament in and can post process that path into G-code so it can be saved and
run by the machine. Ultimaker Cura is the most popular slicer software and the one that Eastwood recommends.
Extruder
The component group that forces the filament through the feed tube and extrudes it out the hot nozzle is called the extruder. Extruders usually
consist of a stepper motor, tubes/guides for the filament, a gear to bite into the filament, and a roller with spring tensioning system to drive the
filament into the gear. The Eastwood Genesis FDM 3D printer has what is called a Bowden drive extruder, meaning the motor for extrusion is
not integrated into the hot end. It is instead pushed through the guide tube into the hot end. Direct drive extruder systems have the motor and
tensioning system mounted to the hot end.
FDM
Acronym for fused deposition modeling, also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF). Currently the most popular and affordable type of 3D
printer. The FDM process uses heat in the nozzle to melt filament and pressure to extrude it out the nozzle bonding it to the print bed, and then
itself as it builds up.
PLA
Filament type, abbreviation for polylactic acid. PLA is popular in 3D printing due to ease of printing and low odor. Excellent filament for begin-
ners or making prototype parts. Not a good filament for withstanding temperatures greater than approximately 120°F for sustained periods of
time. Fairly stiff and high strength.
Filament
In 3D printing the filament is the plastic type that is being used to build the part. Filament types include PLA, PETG, ABS, among many others.
They come in different sizes, weights, and colors coiled on a plastic spool. The filament spool size used with most 3D printers is of 1kg net
weight in an informally standardized size. The Eastwood Genesis FDM 3D printer requires the most common 1.75mm filament.
PETG
Acronym for polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified, another common filament type. Similar to PLA in regard to ease of printing but
withstands slightly higher temperatures. Much more flexible than PLA and offers some chemical resistance.
Print Bed
The print bed, also known as build surface, print surface, build sheet, among others, is the surface to which the filament is printed on top of.
Almost all 3D printers today have a heated print bed, and there are many different surface types which have varying costs, surface finishes,
and adhesion levels. The print bed on the Eastwood Genesis FDM 3D printer is glass with a carborundum top coating. This is a light adhesion
surface and provides a smooth surface for the bottom of the print. The glass sheet can also be flipped if the preference is to print on
uncoated glass.
