3D File : electronic file representing an object in three dimensions. It is designed by 3D modeling to enable printing of the desired object with a 3D printer. 3D file creation is done by CAD.
3D Model : object obtained by 3D modeling.
3D modeling : three-dimensional computer graphics step of creating, in a 3D modeling software, a three-dimensional object by adding, subtracting and modifications of its components.
3D printing : additive manufacturing process. Here are some technologies that coexist : FDM, SLA and selective laser sintering …
3D printing machine : for the manufacture of pieces in three dimensions by depositing successive layers of melt.
Additive Manufacturing : manufacturing processes by adding material, most of the computer-aided time.
CAD : Computer Aided Design = includes all the software and geometric modeling techniques to develop, virtually test and realize manufactured products and tools to make them.
Charmille : measure of grain for a grained surface of an object.
Fab Lab : FABrication LABoratory = Community digital workshop open to all (handymen, designers, artists, students, hackers, …). It is equipped with computer controlled machinery must comply with a charter established by the MIT.
FDM : Fused Deposition Modeling = wire Removal: mechanical deposit plastic in successive layers. The machine deposits a molten plastic thread through a nozzle.
GF : Glass filled = loaded glass: material loaded with glass fibers.
HDPE : High density polyethylene: polymer plastic.
HST : Mineral Fiber Filled = loaded mineral fiber: material filled with mineral fibers.
Layer thickness : The layer thickness measuring the height of each added material in the additive manufacturing processes or 3D printing based on the layer stack.
Layout : partial or full representation of an object (existing or proposed) in order to test and validate certain aspects. The model can be performed at a given scale, usually reduced or enlarged for easier viewing.
PA : Polyamide: polymer plastic.
PC : Poly-Carbonate: Polymer plastic.
Photosensitive : material which reacts with light radiation.
Polymerization : chemical reaction or process whereby small molecules react together to form molecules of higher molecular weights.
PP : Poly-Propylene Polymer plastic.
Prototype : an original model that has all the qualities and all technical operating characteristics of a new product, but it is also sometimes an incomplete copy of that may be a product.
Rapid Prototyping : making computer-controlled method, which includes a set of tools which, arranged between them, allow to arrive at intermediate representation projects product design : models, prototypes and pre-series.
RIM : Reaction Injection Molding = By creating an epoxy or silicone resin mold (previously from a master model made Stereolithography) prototype can then take shape.
SLA : Stereolithography Stereolithography Apparatus = polymerization of a photosensitive epoxy resin by ultraviolet laser in layers of 0.10 to 0.15mm.
SLS : Selective laser sintering = Laser Sintering: polyamide particles are agglomerated by a CO2 laser.