3D Printing Knowledge Base
Start here if you are new to 3D printing: plain-language definitions, practical guides and tools that help you choose the right printer and material.
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All guides →Starting a 3D Printing Business in Jordan: Opportunities, Costs, and Tips
Jordan's young population and growing tech scene make it one of the best places in the Arab world to launch a 3D printing business. Here's how.
3D Printing in Jordan's Healthcare: From Prosthetics to Surgical Models
Jordanian hospitals and clinics are adopting 3D printing to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Here's what's happening on the ground.
3D Printing in Jordan: How the Industry Is Transforming Local Manufacturing
Jordan is emerging as a hub for 3D printing technology in the Levant. Here's where the industry stands and what's driving its growth.
3D Printing Troubleshooting: 15 Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Stringing, layer shifting, under-extrusion, spaghetti — here are the fixes for every common 3D printing failure mode.
3D Printing Supports: When You Need Them and How to Minimize Them
Supports are necessary for complex prints but add time, material, and post-processing. Learn to use them efficiently.
Multi-Material 3D Printing: How to Print in Multiple Colors and Materials
Multi-color and multi-material printing unlocks new creative possibilities. Here's how systems like Bambu AMS and Prusa MMU work.
3D printing glossary
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- The most common 3D printing method: a plastic filament is melted in a nozzle and laid down layer by layer. Affordable and ideal for prototypes, parts and hobby prints.
- Resin printing (SLA / MSLA)
- Liquid photopolymer resin is cured by UV light, one layer at a time. Produces very fine detail, which is why jewelers, dentists and miniature makers prefer it.
- Filament
- The spool of plastic wire an FDM printer uses, usually 1.75 mm thick. Common types are PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA and TPU.
- PLA
- The easiest filament to print: low warping, no enclosure needed and available in many colors. Best for models, prototypes and indoor parts.
- PETG
- Tougher and more heat-resistant than PLA, with good chemical resistance. A good choice for functional parts and items used outdoors or in a warm car.
- ABS / ASA
- Engineering plastics that handle higher temperatures. They print best in an enclosed printer; ASA also resists UV for outdoor use.
- TPU
- A flexible, rubber-like filament for phone cases, gaskets, grips and shock absorbers.
- Layer height
- The thickness of each printed layer. Smaller layers give smoother surfaces but take longer; 0.2 mm is a typical FDM default.
- Nozzle & hotend
- The hotend melts the filament and the nozzle shapes it. 0.4 mm is standard; hardened steel nozzles are needed for abrasive carbon-fiber or glow filaments.
- Build volume
- The largest object a printer can make in one piece, given as width × depth × height in millimeters.
- Slicer
- Software such as Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer or Chitubox that turns a 3D model (STL/3MF) into layer-by-layer instructions for the printer.
- Infill
- The internal pattern inside a print. 10–20% is enough for most models; functional parts often use 30–50% or more.
- Supports
- Temporary structures printed under overhangs so they do not sag, removed after printing.
- AMS (Automatic Material System)
- Bambu Lab’s multi-spool feeder that switches filaments automatically for multi-color and multi-material prints.
- Wash & cure
- The post-processing step for resin prints: wash off uncured resin in alcohol, then cure under UV light to reach full strength.
- Filament dryer
- A heated box that removes moisture from filament. Damp filament causes stringing and weak parts, especially PETG, TPU and nylon.
Brand guides
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