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Hardware & Components
Extruder
– Pushes filament into the hotend to be melted.
Hotend
– Heats up to melt the filament for printing.
Nozzle
– Tip where melted filament exits; size affects print detail and speed.
Cooling Fan
– Quickly cools printed layers for better quality and reduced warping.
Build Plate
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Print bed
– Flat surface where the model is printed; can be heated for better adhesion.
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Printer Types & Technologies
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
– Melts filament through a nozzle; most common and affordable.
SLA/DLP (Stereolithography / Digital Light Processing)
– Uses UV light to cure resin; produces high-detail prints but requires more post-processing.
Bowden Extruder
– Pushes filament through a PTFE tube to the hotend; lighter print head but less control with flexible filaments.
Direct Extruder
–Filament is fed directly into the hotend for precise control, especially with flexible materials.
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Software, Files & Platforms
Slicer
– Converts 3D models into printable G-code.
G-code
– Instructions your printer reads (temperature, speed, movements).
STL (Standard Tessellation Language)
– 3D model file format showing surface geometry.
3MF
– Modern file format supporting advanced data like settings, colors, and materials.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
– Design software to create models.
Model Repositories
– Sites like Thingiverse, Printables, or MakerWorld to find and share models.
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Print Settings & Features
First-Layer & Adhesion
Bed Leveling
– Ensures an even first layer; can be manual or automatic.
Z-Offset
– Adjusts nozzle height for ideal first-layer squish.
Skirt / Brim / Raft
– Structures to prime the nozzle or improve adhesion.
Layering & Infill
Layer Height
– Thickness of each layer; lower = smoother, slower prints.
Infill
– Internal structure.
Supports
– Structures that hold up overhangs during printing.
Movement & Retraction
Travel
– Movement of the print head when it is NOT extruding filament.
Printing Speed
– How fast the printer moves; slower usually improves quality.
Retraction Distance & Speed
– Controls filament pull-back to prevent stringing.
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Materials & Properties
Filament
– The thermoplastic material used for printing.
Hygroscopic
– Absorbs moisture from air; affects print quality.
Drying
– Process of removing moisture from filament before use.
Heat Resistance
–Ability of filament to withstand high temperatures without deforming.
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