Additive manufacturing glossary

3D printing and CNC terms in plain language

12 terms

  • FDM/FFF

    Fused filament printing — the most common technology.

  • SLA/MSLA

    Resin printing, UV-cured — high detail.

  • SLS

    Laser powder sintering — industrial, support-free.

  • Layer height

    Layer height: 0.12–0.28 mm standard; lower is smoother, slower.

  • Infill

    Internal fill, %; patterns: gyroid, grid, cubic.

  • Retraction

    Filament pullback against stringing.

  • Bridging

    Printing in air between anchors — up to ~50 mm support-free.

  • Warping

    Corner lifting from shrinkage — ABS/ASA prone.

  • Brim/Raft/Skirt

    Adhesion helpers: brim, raft, skirt.

  • Supports

    Supports under overhangs >45–60°; tree/organic save material.

  • VFA/ringing

    Vibration artifacts on walls from accelerations.

  • Annealing

    Heat-treating a finished part for strength (PLA ~60°C).