- Build plate (a.k.a. print bed) - This is the glass your 3D-printed creation will be.
- Dremel Build Tape - This is the tape used to cover the glass (the "bed" or "build plate"), upon which the 3D-printed object will rest. Non-heated printbeds normally need to be covered in blue tape (painters tape) or even Kapton tape (i.e. polyimide tape - very heat resistant) in order to make the print stick to the printbed. The tape helps with initial adhesion of the thermoplastic and keeps everything in place during the print. The object needs to be firmly fixed to the printbed, as the slightest movement of the printed object itself will most probably result in a botched-up print. As the adhesion factor of the blue tape wears out quickly, it needs to be replaced regularly. Dremel Multi-Tool ($20)
- Extrusion or print nozzle - This refers to the nozzle from which the filament emerges from. Also known as the "hot end."
- Extruder - The extruder is actually the part that is responsible for feeding the filament into the so-called "hot-end". See diagram shown right. (Source)
- Extruder arm - This is the arm to which the extrusion nozzle--where the filament is distributed from onto the build plate--is attached. The arm moves in the pre-arranged design, laid out in layers.
- FDM - Fused Deposition Model refers to the type of 3D printer. FDM printers use a thermoplastic filament, which is heated to its melting point and then extruded, layer by layer, to create a three dimensional object. "Objects created with an FDM printer start out as computer-aided design (CAD) files. Before an object can be printed, its CAD file must be converted to a format that a 3D printer can understand — usually .STL format" (Source)
- FFF - Fused Filament Fabrication is another way of referring to an FDM 3D printer, except the term isn't copyrighted or trademarked. "FFF printers are by far the most common 3D printer type used for home 3D printing, i.e. desktop 3D printers. If you are considering to buy your own 3D printer, a FFF is most likely the 3D printing technology that you will end up using. Fused Filament Fabrication is nothing but a fancy word to describe a process by which a machine deposits a filament (picture something like a small string) of a certain material (normally thermoplastics, wax or similar products) on top or next to the same material, in order to create a joint.
- Filament: There are several types of filament, including the following:
- PLA - This is "pretty" filament, food safe and plastic.
- ABS - This is strong and is what is usually used for logos. It has toxins so it's not safe for food items (e.g. mugs).
- PLA/PHA - Strong and pretty looking.
- Co-Polyster - ninjaflex, rubbery
- Composite PLA - Shavings of organic material such as copper, limestone, poplar wood, cedar, plastic. You can use this to make small objects that appears to be made of metal.
- Filament + Perfume - These are used to get rid of the "burnt" smell and have a nice odor. Good for schools where the 3D Printer is in a common area.