Model G0922 (Mfd. Since 07/20) -7-
The following is a list of common definitions, terms and phrases used throughout this manual as they relate
to this 3D printer and 3D printing in general. Become familiar with these terms for assembling, adjusting or
operating this machine.
Glossary of Terms
Axis: Direction of movement. Three geometric
axes are typically X (left-right), Y (front-back) &
Z (up-down). In addition, G-code for 3D printers
has an E-Axis than describes the length of fila-
ment that moves through the extruder.
Bowden Tube: A flexible tube that guides fila-
ment from the feeder to the print head. Bowden
tubes are used in Bowden extruders, in which
the feeder is not directly mounted to the print
head.
Build Plate: A flat surface where the printer
deposits molten filament.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design): CAD software
is used to create a digital model of a project.
Extruder: The mechanism that pushes and pulls
filament and deposits it on the build plate,
including the feeder, heating elements, and
nozzle.
FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication): A 3D printing
process in which filament is extruded through a
heated print head and deposited on the object
being printed. Also known as FDM (fused
deposition modeling), a trademarked term for
the same process.
G-Code: A machine language that uses axis
points and commands.
Home Position: A fixed point on the machine set
with proximity switches. It is the zero point for
X, Y, and Z axes.
Hot End: The heated portion of the extruder
including heat sinks, heating block, and nozzle.
Infill: The interior material of a 3D printed object.
Can often be printed at a lower density than
the shell.
Nozzle: The component that funnels molten
filament out of the print head, usually made
of brass. The nozzle diameter determines the
width of extruded filament.
PLA: A popular material used for 3D printer fila-
ment because it is non-toxic, affordable, and
prints at a low temperature. It is often the first
choice for rapid prototyping.
Print Head: The assembly of components from
which filament is extruded. Often moves along
all axes, although in some printers the build
plate also moves.
Print Speed: Speed at which axis movement
occurs, typically measured in mm/s.
Resolution: Often referred to as "build resolution"
or "print resolution." It is the height of each layer
of printed material.
Support: Extra material printed in order to allow
overhangs and intricate geometry. Supports
are typically printed at low density and can be
removed from the object after printing.
Shell: The exterior surface of a 3D printed object.
Typically the first part of each layer to be
printed.
Slicer: Software that converts 3D models into
G-code by "slicing" the model into many layers
of movement commands.
STL: A common file type used to create and store
3D models.
