ToolingU Additive Manufacture

Composite Molding

A manual molding process during which reinforcement material is positioned into a mold and saturated with a resin. Composite molding is also referred to as lay-up molding.

Lay-Up Molding

A manual molding process during which reinforcement material is positioned into a mold and saturated with a resin. Lay-up molding is also referred to as composite molding.

Linear Arrangement

A molecule chain that consists of a long, but flexible, chain of monomers that connect end-to-end with each other. Linear arrangements occur in straight-chain polymers.

Branched Arrangement

A molecule chain with multiple branches or extensions of monomers. Branched arrangements of molecules can appear in both thermoplastics and thermosets.

Bracket

A mounted support device. Brackets can be optimized through additive manufacturing (AM) methods as they impose fewer design limitations than traditional manufacturing operations.

Mill

A multi-point cutting tool that is used to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece. Mills are used to cut a sheet of metal foil to the near net-shape of a final part during ultrasonic consolidation (UC).

Drills

A multi-point cutting tool used to make round holes. Drills created with AM have specialized internal channels that improve cutting fluid flow and lengthen drill service life.

Saws

A multipoint cutting device that is used to separate materials. A saw can be used to remove a metal additive manufacturing (AM) part from a build platform.

Electron Beam

A narrow stream of focused electrons that create thermal energy. An electron beam is used in a number of additive manufacturing processes, such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and directed energy deposition (DED).

Biomaterials

A natural material that composes a part or all of a living structure. Biomaterials, like living cells and tissues, can be used in some additive manufacturing methods.

Polymers

A natural or synthetic material group that consists of very large molecules held together by either a secondary bond or a primary bond. Polymers include silk, nylon, rayon, and plastics.

Metals

A naturally occurring material group that consists of tightly packed atoms held together by a strong primary bond. Metals include copper, iron, nickel, and lead.

Nitrogen

A naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas that can promote strength and resistance to pitting in stainless steels. Nitrogen is sometimes used as an alloying element or in different processes such as metal spraying or gas atomization.

Electrons

A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. Electrons are involved in chemical bonding and electrical conductivity.

Gating System

A network of channels in a mold or die. Gating systems deliver molten metal into the mold or die cavity.

Titanium

A nonferrous metal that is silver-gray. Titanium has a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent flexibility, and exceptional corrosion resistance.

Tin

A nonferrous metal that is very soft. Tin is weak in its pure state, but is stronger when alloyed with copper to make bronze.

Conceptual Models

A nonfunctional model used to physically demonstrate design ideas for a part. Conceptual models are often composed of plastic and made using additive manufacturing processes such as material extrusion or vat photopolymerization.

Conceptual Model

A nonfunctional model used to physically demonstrate design ideas for a part. Conceptual models are often composed of polymer and made using additive manufacturing (AM) processes such as material extrusion or vat photopolymerization.

Extrusion Head

A nozzle or die that shapes and dispenses semi-solid material. Extrusion heads are used in some additive manufacturing methods, such as material extrusion.

Deposition Head

A nozzle that melts and dispenses material. Deposition heads are used in directed energy deposition (DED) processes, such as electron beam AM (EBAM) and laser-engineered net shaping (LENS).

Airbrushing

A painting process that uses an air-powered device that turns the paint into a fine mist. Airbrushing quickly creates a thin, even coating of paint.

Undercuts

A part feature that will not allow a mold to separate along the parting line. Undercuts, which can be protrusions or depressions as well as internal or external, require additional mold pieces.

Functional Prototypes

A part model made to represent the composition and design of the proposed final part. Functional prototypes are used to test part functionality.

Visual Prototypes

A part model that is usually for display purposes and used to illustrate and supplement verbal or written information. Visual prototypes, which are not as strong or durable as other types of prototypes, can be made using sheet lamination.

Proprietary

Designed by a specific company for use only with its own systems. Proprietary materials include many polymers and superalloys that have been designed for specific applications.

Master Patterns

A replica of a part or casting that is used to create a negative impression in a mold. Master patterns for silicone molding are traditionally made of plastic, wood, or metal.

Patterns

A replica of the part or casting that is used to create a negative impression in a mold. Patterns with exceptional accuracy can be created using an additive manufacturing process.

Plug

A replica possessing the same shape and dimensions as a part to be formed. Plugs are used to make open molds used in composite molding processes.

Die

A reusable mold that holds heated liquid metal and imparts its shape as the metal cools. Dies are made of two halves instead of being one solid object.

Dies

A reusable mold that holds heated liquid metal and imparts its shape as the metal cools. Dies are made of two halves instead of being one solid object.

Burrs

A rough edge remaining on material, such as metal, after it has been machined. Burrs must be removed during finishing processes to increase the functionality and appearance of a part.

Silicone Rubber

A rubber-like material composed of a silicone polymer that is used to create flexible parts. Silicon rubber has good strength and resistance to heat.

Lockout Devices

A safety device that holds an energy-isolating device in the safe or "off" position, covers the switch so that it is inaccessible, or prevents machine components from moving. Lockout devices are typically used with tag-out devices.

Vertically

Perpendicular to the horizon or ground. Vertically oriented objects span up and down.

PPE

Personal protective equipment. Any clothing or device worn to minimize exposure to hazards or prevent injury. Common additive manufacturing PPE includes gloves, safety goggles, and nonflammable clothing.

Computer Tomography

A scanning procedure that utilizes specialized X-ray equipment to generate detailed geometric information about an object. Computer tomography can be used to gather information about the internal features of a part as well as its external features.

Tongs

A scissor-like device that allows operators to pick up parts from a slight distance. Tongs allow operators to pick up parts that would be hazardous to touch or place parts in hazardous areas such as a chemical bath.

Filters

A screen or mesh used to limit airborne contamination by trapping very fine and fine particulate matter from the air. Filters must be replaced regularly to ensure their effectiveness.

Vacuum Chamber

A sealed enclosure from which air is removed by a vacuum pump. Vacuum chambers surround the entire build area in powder bed fusion (PBF) systems.

Thermoforming

A secondary plastic shaping process that forces heated plastic sheets around a mold. Thermoforming processes use mechanical, air, or vacuum pressure.

Overhangs

A section or feature on a part that extends outward and past the base. Overhangs are often created using support material in material extrusion.

Nylon

A semicrystalline thermoplastic that gains strength when the fibers are stretched. Nylon is a commonly used term for polyamides (PA).

Hazards

A source of danger or possible injury. Additive manufacturing hazards include heavy materials and equipment, potentially harmful materials and fumes, and fire.

Chemical Bath

A specialized solution that an engineer dips an AM part into in order to remove support structures. A chemical bath is formulated to dissolve support structures without harming the part.

Chemical Baths

A specialized solution that an operator dips an additively manfuactured part into in order to remove support structures. A chemical bath is formulated to dissolve support structures without harming the part.

Reactive Sites

A specific portion of a polymer monomer chain that engineers create to allow for a chemical reaction between two or more substances. Reactive sites are necessary for cross-linking to occur in a thermoset.

Nozzle

A spout at the end of piping or tubing through which substances are funneled. A nozzle is used to distribute build material in a material extrusion additive manufacturing process.

Nozzles

A spout at the end of piping or tubing through which substances are funneled. Nozzles are used to distribute build material in a material extrusion additive manufacturing process.

Liquid

A state of matter that is cohesive and has the ability to flow. Liquids are the room temperature forms of some substances, such as water, or the melted form of others, such as metals.

High-Pressure Casting

A type of casting process that involves injecting metal into a mold at very high velocity using a pumping system. Die casting is a high-pressure metal casting process.

Refractory

A type of ceramic that can withstand extremely high temperatures. Investment casting makes a part by surrounding a pattern made of wax in a refractory slurry.

PA

Polyamide. A semicrystalline thermoplastic that gains strength when the fibers are stretched. PA is a common polymer that is used as build material in additive manufacturing.

PC

Polycarbonate. A type of thermoplastic that is used for items that require high heat resistance. PC is a common polymer that is used as build material in additive manufacturing.

Elastic

Possessing the ability to return an original shape after having been stretched or deformed. Elastic materials include many different types of plastic.

Hazardous

Potentially dangerous or unsafe. Additive manufacturing (AM) involves the use of hazardous material, such as powdered materials that can cause respiratory irritation.

PBF

Powder bed fusion. An additive manufacturing method that uses thermal energy to either sinter or melt together layers of powdered polymer, metal, ceramic, or other material. PBF processes often use either lasers or electron beams as thermal energy sources.

Contoured Cooling Channels

A type of cooling channel that are curved and closely follow a part's shape in order to better circulate cooling fluid and maintain the desired die temperature. Contoured cooling channels are created by additive manufacturing processes.

Straight Cooling Channels

A type of cooling channel that does not conform to a part's shape. Straight cooling channels are created by drilling and other traditional machining processes

Kraft Paper

A type of durable paper that has high elasticity, strength, and tear resistance. Kraft paper often composes some of the slurry material used in paper pulp molding.

Stepper Motors

A type of electrical device that creates mechanical movement in small, precise increments. Stepper motors are often used to move mobile components, such as nozzles or sweeper bars, in additive manufacturing.

Class-D

A type of fire extinguisher rated for putting out fires caused by combustible metals. Class-D fire extinguishers use dry powder to put out fires.

Extension Cords

A type of flexible wiring that extends the range of a power cable. Extension cords are not recommended for use with devices that require a large amount of electricity.

Liquid Photopolymer

A type of fluid plastic that cures and hardens when exposed to light. Liquid photopolymers are used in material jetting and vat photopolymerization.

Resins

A type of fluid plastic that cures and hardens when exposed to light. Resins, or photopolymers, appear to be liquids but are technically viscous solids and are used in material jetting and vat photopolymerization.

Primary Process

An additive manufacturing (AM) application where the end result is a prototype or end-use part. Primary processes are an increasingly large usage of AM in manufacturing.

Single-Point

An additive manufacturing (AM) device that layers, sinters, or cures a part layer one small dot at a time. Single-point sources include nozzles and lasers.

Single-Point Source

An additive manufacturing (AM) device that layers, sinters, or cures a part layer one small dot at a time. Single-point sources include nozzles and lasers.

1D Channel Array

An additive manufacturing (AM) layer construction method in which a series of connected single-point sources create a part layer in one pass. 1D channel array construction is used in material and binder jetting.

Water Atomization

An atomization process that creates powder by breaking up liquid into droplets using high-pressure water. Water atomization produces irregularly shaped and sized powder particles.

Atomic Bonds

An attraction that forms when electrons are shared or transferred among atoms. Atomic bonds become the "glue" that holds the atoms together.

Bond

An attraction that forms when electrons are shared or transferred among atoms. Bonds hold atoms together.

Static Electricity

An electrical charge caused by the buildup of friction in a person or object. Static electricity can be controlled through the use of machine grounding or using safety accessories, such as antistatic mats.

Power Strips

An electrical device that converts a single plug into a series of plugs. Power strips can cause overloads to an electrical circuit if used with devices that require dedicated circuits, such as additive manufacturing machines.

Alloying Elements

An element that is intentionally added to a metal in order to change its properties. Common alloying elements include chromium, manganese, nickel, and silicon.

Negative Spaces

An empty area either surrounding a part, contained within a part, or lying between features of a part. Negative spaces are sometimes created using support material in additive manufacturing methods.

Voids

An empty space between the layers or particles of a part. Voids occur when the layers or particles in an AM process do not fuse correctly and lower the properties of the part, such as strength and hardness.

Internal Cavities

An empty space on the inside of an otherwise solid part. Internal cavities in parts are made using cores during casting processes.

Ovens

An enclosed heating device. Ovens are used in additive manufacturing post-processing to cure, or harden, metal parts or infiltrate another metal into the part.

Foil

An exceedingly thin sheet of metal. Foils are usually made with metals, such as aluminum, copper, or tin, that are easily stretched or drawn out.

Manual Process

An operation that is entirely controlled by trained personnel. Manual processes include composite molding.

Raw Material

An unprocessed or lightly-processed component used to make the finished part. Raw materials in manufacturing include metal, plastic, and ceramic.

Tolerance

An unwanted but acceptable deviation from a given dimension. Tolerances indicate the allowable difference between a physical feature and its intended design.

Tolerances

An unwanted but acceptable deviation from a given dimension. Tolerances indicate the allowable difference between a physical feature and its intended design.

Bronzes

Any copper-based alloy that does not use zinc or nickel as the primary alloying element. Bronzes commonly contain tin, aluminum, or silicon.

Bronze

Any copper-based alloy that does not use zinc or nickel as the primary alloying element. Bronzes, which commonly contain tin, aluminum, or silicon, can be powdered and used as build material in additive manufacturing.

Ignition Sources

Any device or event capable of causing a fire or explosion. Ignition sources include open flames, sparks, static electricity, and hot surfaces.

Blocks

Any device used to lock a machine component in place. Blocks are used when a machine component can still move even if it is not energized.

Waste

Any element of the manufacturing process that does not add value to a product. Waste includes metal scraps and chips as well as parts with defects.

Production Costs

Any expenditure directly related to starting or running an additive manufacturing operation. Production costs include the machine and material purchase expenses.

Overhead

Any expenditure related to general building or equipment costs, including rent, insurance, and repairs. Overhead is considered a manufacturing system cost.

Operational Costs

Any expenditure related to running a machine in a manufacturing process. Operational costs include labor and power expenditures.

Manufacturing System Costs

Any expenditure related to the general cost of running an industrial production operation. Manufacturing system costs include practical considerations, such as overhead and distribution costs, as well as discretionary considerations, such as new product development.

Subtractive Manufacturing

Any manufacturing process in which a piece of raw material is machined into a desired final shape through a controlled material removal process. Subtractive manufacturing methods are fast but create a large amount of waste.

Production Considerations

Any of the various choices an engineer or operator needs to make during the actual manufacturing of a part. Additive manufacturing production considerations include part orientation and layer thickness.

Additives

Any substance that is added to a material during manufacturing in order to improve its properties. Additives in plastics perform a range of functions, from changing the color to improving strength.

Chemicals

Any substance, or mixture of substances. Chemicals may be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases, and may consist of an element such as hydrogen, or a combination of elements, such as water or saltwater.

Planning

Assessing the ways to best create the conceptualized part. Planning involves initial considerations of the design and of the practical concerns related to the manufacturing process.

Tooling

Assorted tools used in various manufacturing processes. Tooling that can be created by additive manufacturing processes include molds, assembly fixtures, and medical guides.

Big Area Additive Manufacturing

BAAM. Additive manufacturing on a scale that exceeds the typical cubic yard size limitations of most additive manufacturing machines. Big area additive manufacturing machines are capable of creating objects the size of cars or larger.

Break-Away Support Systems

BASS. An additive manufacturing support material that can be removed from the build by hand. Break-away support systems are used in material extrusion.

Body-Centered Cubic

BCC. The metal crystal structure that contains an atom in the center and one atom in each corner of a cube. Body-centered cubic metals are often hard.

BAAM

Big area additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing on a scale that exceeds the typical cubic yard size limitations of most additive manufacturing machines. BAAM machines are capable of creating objects the size of cars or larger.

Oxidizing

Combining with or chemically reacting to oxygen. Oxidizing can be prevented by using shielding gases during directed energy deposition (DED) processes.

STL File

Computer files that represent 3D models as a series of interconnected triangles. STL files are used by additive manufacturing machines.

STL

Computer files that represent 3D models as a series of interconnected triangles. STL files are used with additive manufacturing machines.

CAD

Computer-aided design. Computer software used to create a 3D model of a part before it goes into prototyping or production. CAD models are converted to an STL format for use by additive manufacturing machines.

Respiratory

Concerning the organs involved in breathing air. Respiratory organs include the nose, esophagus, and lungs.

Grounded

Connected to an electrically neutral body that can absorb an electrical force. Additive manufacturing machines must be grounded, usually through the outlet or power connection.

Gradation

Containing a series of changes in material composition. Gradation allows a part to have different properties at different places in the part.

Heat Treatment

Controlled heating and cooling processes used to change the structure of a material and alter its physical and mechanical properties. Heat treatment is often used to improve the hardness and durability of an additive manufacturing part.

Precision Casting

A casting process that creates intricate shapes using an expendable wax pattern and mold. Precision casting is also called investment casting and lost-wax casting.

Grades

A category, rank, or level of quality. Grades of steel are typically categorized by the specific amount of elements included in the steel.

Sodium Hydroxide

A caustic compound made of sodium, oxygen, and hydrogen. Sodium hydroxide is often used to remove support material from additively manufactured parts.

Roller Chains

A chain drive or belt used to transfer mechanical power between machine components. Roller chains are made of interlinking cylindrical rollers.

Runners

A channel in a die that provides the path and delivers the molten material to the mold cavities. Runners are often located in the ejector die.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed between atoms by the sharing of electron pairs. Covalent bonds are a strong type of primary bond that form in a thermoset during cross-linking.

Nitrides

A chemical compound containing nitrogen, an inert gas. Nitrides are a type of ceramic.

Metal Oxides

A chemical compound containing oxygen and metal. Metal oxides, which include aluminum oxides and iron oxides, are a type of ceramic.

Solvent

A chemical material that attempts to dissolve another material. Solvents are used after some additive manufacturing processes in order to remove support material.

Light-Activated Polymerization

A chemical reaction that causes the molecules of photopolymer materials to bond together when exposed to light. Light-activated polymerization is used in vat photopolymerization.

Fire Hazards

A chemical, machine, or material that burns easily or can easily start a fire. Fire hazards of additive manufacturing include the lasers and powdered materials used in powder bed fusion (PBF) methods and the heated nozzle used in material extrusion.

Slicing Program

A computer program that divides an STL file into layers for additive manufacturing (AM). Slicing programs, or slicers, can either be separate computer programs or part of the machine interface.

Infill

A cross-hatched or honeycombed structure that can fill the interior of an additively manufactured part. Infill provides a part with additional strength and support.

Contours

A curved surface or feature of a workpiece. Contours are cut into successive layers of build material during sheet lamination.

Fixture

A customized workholding device used to position and hold a workpiece during a manufacturing process. Fixtures are often built to hold a specific part design.

Thermoset

A group of polymers that are permanently hardened by heating. Thermosets, also known as thermosetting plastics, have high rigidity and thermal stability.

Atomization

A group of processes that creates powder by breaking up a liquid into very fine droplets. Atomization processes include water atomization and gas atomization.

Atomization Process

A group of processes that creates powder by breaking up a liquid into very fine droplets. Atomization processes include water atomization and gas atomization.

Maraging Steels

A grouping of low-carbon steels that exhibit exceedingly high levels of strength, toughness, hardenability, and wear resistance. Maraging steels typically contain high levels of nickel along with cobalt, molybdenum, and titanium.

Tool Steels

A grouping of steels designed to be used as cutting tools, dies, punches, and other tools. Tool steels are designed for toughness, hardness, and wear resistance.

Stainless Steels

A grouping of steels that contain large percentages of chromium, as well as nickel, manganese, and/or nitrogen. Stainless steels have very high hardness and corrosion resistance.

Stainless Steel

A grouping of steels that contain large percentages of chromium, as well as smaller amounts of nickel, manganese, and/or nitrogen. Stainless steels, which have very high hardness and corrosion resistance, are sometimes used as build material in additive manufacturing.

Hand Drill

A hand-held tool used by builders, assemblers, or operators to create holes or drive screws. A hand drill requires combining a number of different types of plastic, which can be accomplished in one operation using an additive manufacturing process, such as material jetting.

Chromium

A hard gray metal used in ferrous alloys to add hardness, hardenability, and wear resistance. Chromium is typically 15% of stainless steels.

Turning

A machining operation where a cylindrical workpiece is rotated while a single-point tool is guided along the length of the part. Turning is one of the most common subtractive manufacturing operations.

Cutting

A machining process that uses a tool to remove material from a workpiece. Cutting is a traditional manufacturing operation.

Electromagnets

A magnet formed from electric current. Electromagnets are typically formed by wrapping a current-carrying coil around an iron core.

Waxes

A malleable, water-resistant organic material with a low melting point. Wax is sometimes used as build or support material during material jetting.

Functionality

The ability of a part to optimally perform a set purpose. Functionality is a key design consideration, particularly for additively manufactured parts.

Mass Customization

The ability to quickly create a large number of uniquely-designed variations on a part. Mass customization is one of the key advantages of additive manufacturing technology.

Heat Resistance

The ability to resist degradation when under extreme heat. Heat resistance is important for plastics that will be exposed to heat on a regular basis.

Alignment

The accurate positioning of parts. Jigs help ensure the disparate components of an assembled part are held in proper alignment when joined together.

Scanning

The act of examining a surface, object, or body part using an electromagnetic beam or other detector. Scanning creates a computer-generated three-dimensional model of the scanned object, which can then be turned into an additive manufacturing part.

Modeling

The act of making a three-dimensional computer or physical representation of a part. Modeling, such as a dental impression, is used to create an object that can be scanned and turned into an additive manufacturing part.

Load

The amount of force or pressure placed on a component or system. The effects of a load on a component can be digitally assessed using computer-aided engineering (CAE) software.

Thermal Input

The amount of heat generated during various points of an additive manufacturing process. Thermal input can affect the mechanical and physical properties of a part.

Density

The amount of mass within a specific volume. Objects with greater density increase in mass and weight.

Layer Width

The amount of material applied to or solidified in a layer horizontally in one pass of an additive manufacturing process. Layer width helps determine build rate, though too high a layer width can lead to thermal distortion.

Layer Thickness

The amount of material applied to or solidified in a layer vertically in one pass of an additive manufacturing process. Layer thickness helps determine build rates with large layer thicknesses generating fast build rates but less accurate parts.

Wall Thickness

The amount of material in a flat vertical barrier in a part. Wall thickness must fall within certain parameters for different additive manufacturing processes.

Surface Porosity

The amount of small spaces or voids within the surface of a solid material. Surface porosity can lead to cracks and other defects in a metal part.

Lead Times

The amount of time it takes from the beginning of a project, including initial design and prototyping, to the completion of the finished part. Lead time can be dramatically shortened through the use of additive manufacturing processes.

Lead Time

The amount of time it takes from the beginning of a project, including initial design and prototyping, to the completion of the finished part. Lead time can be dramatically shortened through the use of additive manufacturing.

Cycle Time

The amount of time required to to complete one manufacturing process from its beginning to its end. Cycle times for casting and molding processes include the time it takes to close a mold or die, fill a cavity with molten material, cool the material, open the mold or die, and release the final part.

Hierarchical Complexity

The amount of variation allowed in the ordering of shape or material composition of a part. Hierarchical complexity allows for numerous and rapid changes in the shape and composition of a part.

Build Chambers

The area contained within the additive manufacturing machine where the part is actually built. Many build chambers are enclosed to improve the safety of the manufacturing operation.

Magnetic Fields

The area in and around a magnet in which a magnetic force exists. Magnetic fields exhibit the powers of attraction and repulsion.

Powder Bed

The area of a powder-based additive manufacturing machine that holds granulated construction material and provides the build platform. Powder beds are used in additive manufacturing systems, including binder jetting, selective laser sintering (SLS), and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

Molecular Structure

The arrangement of a molecule's atomic bonds and location of its atoms. A material's molecular structure is determined by the types of atomic bonds present as well as which atoms are bonded to other atoms.

Topology

The arrangement of geometric or material components in a part. The topology of additively manufactured parts is can be particularly complex because AM is capable of creating intricate shapes.

Cells

The basic structural unit that makes up almost all living organisms. Cells can be used as build materials in some specialized material extrusion systems.

Drag

The bottom half of the mold in a casting operation. Most molds have two halves that are used together to shape the casting.

Impurity

The degree to which a material contains foreign elements or substances. The impurity of a metal powder depends on its atomization process.

Coefficient Of Thermal Expansion

The degree to which a material increases in size as temperatures increase. Coefficient of thermal expansion is an important material physical property.

Functional Complexity

The degree to which a part can perform a task immediately after it is manufactured. Functional complexity is limited in traditionally manufactured parts.

Process Development

The design and development of the activities that make a product. The goal of process planning is to make the manufacturing process as efficient and effective as possible.

Specifications

The design parameters that set the limits of acceptable deviation for a part's intended application. Specifications for a part may not be met when using lower quality metal powders as build material in directed energy deposition.

Burner Heads

The device that discharges and controls a flame. Burner heads often have intricate shapes, particularly when used for precise applications such as gas turbines.

Profit Margins

The difference between cost and selling price of a product or service. Profit margins usually decrease as quality costs increase.

Diameter

The distance from one edge of a circle to the opposite edge that passes through the center. The diameter of an extrusion head determines the material layer thickness.

Voltage

The electrical force or pressure that causes current to flow in a circuit. Voltage is measured in volts and is potentially hazardous at high enough levels.

Wear

The erosion of material as a result of friction. Wear typically is caused by two or more objects in contact with one another.

Testing

The examination of a part to ensure that it performs its intended function and that it can be satisfactorily manufactured. Testing indicates whether the part needs additional planning or if it is ready for production.

Resolution

The fineness of detail in a computer-aided design (CAD) model. Resolution helps determine the surface finish quality of an additively manufactured part, with greater resolution leading to better surface finish.

Build Platform

The flat surface on which a part is additively manufactured. The build platform can either be a permanent surface from which parts are removed or a surface that can be removed from the machine once the build is complete.

Electrical Shock

The flow of electricity through the body. Electrical shock can be fatal at high enough levels, generally starting around 0.01 amperes of current.

Weight

The force of a mass due to gravity. Without gravity, objects have no weight.

Cross-Linking

The formation of covalent bonds between polymer molecule chains. Cross-linking is a chemical reaction that occurs before a thermoset is manufactured.

Polycrystalline Diamond

The manufactured formation of diamond that has a level of hardness that approaches that of a natural diamond. Polycrystalline diamond can be machined using electrical discharge machining.

Production

The manufacturing of a finished part for delivery to a customer. Production is the final stage of design for manufacturing (DFM).

Molecular Weight

The mass of a molecule. High molecular weight is a characteristic of thermoplastic molecules.

Yield Strength

The maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before being permanently deformed. Yield strength is sometimes called a material's elastic limit.

Porosity

The measure of a material's ability to absorb or allow the flow of liquids and gasses. Porosity is often determined by the number of small spaces or voids within a solid material.

Ductility

The measure of a material's ability to be drawn, stretched, or formed without fracturing. High ductility levels indicates a material can bend easily but resist fracture.

Rigidity

The measure of a material's ability to resist bending or stretching. Rigidity is characterized by being stiff and inflexible.

Melt Pool

The small area of molten material that forms during directed energy deposition. Melt pools form a permanent material layer when they cool.

Atoms

The smallest unit of an element. Atoms bond together to form molecules.

Conceptualization

To form an idea about a possible part or manufactured good. Conceptualization is one of the initial stages of design for manufacturing (DFM) or design for additive manufacturing (DFAM).

Spherical

To have a round, three-dimensional circular, or globular shape. Spherical metal powders are produced using the gas atomization process.

Sinter

To heat, but not melt, powdered materials in order to fuse them together to create a solid shape. Some powder bed fusion (PBF) processes, such as selective laser sintering (SLS) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), use lasers to sinter build materials.

Investment Casting

A casting process that creates intricate shapes using an expendable wax pattern and mold. Investment casting is also called precision casting and lost-wax casting.

Lost-Wax Casting

A casting process that creates intricate shapes using an expendable wax pattern and mold. Lost-wax casting is also called lost-wax casting and precision casting.

Gates

An opening at the end of a runner, which directs the flow of molten material into the mold cavity. Gates connect runners to a die cavity.

Turbine Blades

A flat component attached to the rotary axis of a turbine to direct air, steam, or gas flow. Turbine blades can be made using composite molding processes.

Two-Dimensional

2D. Occurring only in the axes of length and width. Two-dimensional objects are flat and lack height.

Three-Dimensional

3D. Having a length, depth, and width. Three-dimensional parts are created during additive manufacturing processes.

Solid

A basic non-flowing form of a substance. Solids are the room temperature forms of some substances, such as aluminum, or the frozen forms of others, such as water.

Zinc

A bluish white metal that is corrosion resistant and has a relatively low melting point. Zinc is often alloyed with aluminum.

Primary Bond

A bond between atoms that involves the exchanging or sharing of electrons. Primary bonds form strong connections within a material's molecules.

Secondary Bonds

A bond that involves attraction between molecules but no transferring or sharing of electrons. Secondary bonds are not as strong as primary bonds.

Respirators

A breathing device worn to prevent the inhalation of hazardous gases or fumes. Respirators are worn by additive manufacturing machine operators to reduce exposure to powdered material in the air and fumes produced by the additive manufacturing process.

Gear

A circular, toothed component that engages, rotates, and transmits power to another circular, toothed component when rotated. A gear is usually used as part of a larger energy transfer system, such as a belt drive.

Tree

A cluster of wax patterns that have been attached to a sprue prior to the slurry-dipping step in investment casting processes. Trees allow for more than one wax pattern to be coated in slurry at a time.

Electroplating

A coating method that uses electricity and a conductive solution to deposit a layer of plating metal on a metal or nonmetal workpiece. Electroplating presents chemical, electrical, and mechanical hazards to operators.

Powdered

A collection of small, uniform, and separate particles of a solid material. Powdered materials are fused together into a solid part in the various powder bed fusion AM processes.

Isopropyl Alcohol

A colorless, flammable chemical compound with a strong odor used to clean and sterilize surfaces. Isopropyl alcohol is often used to clean plastic parts made using vat photopolymerization processes.

Argon

A colorless, odorless type of inert gas. Argon is sometimes used in gas atomization processes and as a propellant in the metal spraying process.

Oxygen

A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that naturally exists in the atmosphere. Oxygen inhibits the light-activated polymerization process.

Conventional EDM

A common electrical discharge machining method that uses a customized electrode. Conventional EDM is also referred to as ram EDM.

Ram EDM

A common electrical discharge machining method that uses a customized electrode. Ram EDM is also referred to as conventional EDM.

Carbon

A common, nonmetallic element that is combined with iron to create steel. Carbon content typically increases hardness in metal.

Service Bureau

A company that provides a specific service. AM service bureaus can assist manufacturers with a number of steps in the manufacturing process, including rapid prototyping and post-processing.

Service Bureaus

A company that provides a specific service. Service bureaus can assist manufacturers with rapid prototyping, producing end-use parts, post-processing, and many other additive manufacturing (AM) steps.

Circuits

A completely enclosed electrical path consisting of various devices that transmit or control electricity. Circuits are used in computers and automated manufacturing equipment, such as additive manufacturing machines.

Fuel Systems

A component in a motorized vehicle that helps deliver fuel to the engine. Fuel systems components, such as fuel nozzles and pumps, can be made by additive manufacturing processes.

Cylinder Head

A component in an automotive engine that helps form the combustion chamber. Cylinder heads are often created by casting processes using cores to shape their internal components.

Conformal

A component or part feature that fits exactly to a part by distorting its own shape. Conformal features are desirable because they add functionality, such as adding electrical conductivity, without changing the shape of a part.

High-Performance Composite

A composite made from specially formulated resins and high-performance fibers. High-performance composites are often used in applications requiring parts with high strength, stiffness, and resistance to heat.

Slicer

A computer program that divides an STL file into layers for additive manufacturing (AM). Slicers, or slicing programs, can either be separate computer programs or part of the machine interface.

Slicers

A computer program that divides an STL file into layers for additive manufacturing (AM). Slicers, or slicing programs, can either be separate computer programs or part of the machine interface.

Jigs

A customized workholding device used to position and hold a workpiece while guiding the location and motion of a tool. Jigs are a type of workholding device that can be created using additive manufacturing.

Jig

A customized workholding device used to position and hold a workpiece while guiding the location and motion of a tool. Jigs are often built to hold a specific part design.

Band Saw

A cutting device that uses a serrated blade constructed from a continuous loop or band of metal. Band saws are used in additive manufacturing post-processing to remove metal parts from build plates.

Roller

A cylindrical device that rotates forwards and backwards to move a load. Rollers are used by binder jetting, powder bed fusion, and sheet lamination systems to move and position build materials over top a build platform.

Rollers

A cylindrical device used in additive manufacturing to either deposit and level build material or fuse layers of a part together. Rollers are used to level material in vat photopolymerization and powder bed fusion methods and to fuse layers together in sheet lamination methods.

Print

A design representing the specific dimensions and production considerations for a part or prototype. A print is often created before building the computer-aided design (CAD) version of an additive manufacturing (AM) part.

Blueprints

A design representing the specific dimensions and production considerations for a part or prototype. Blueprints are created during the design phase of design for manufacturing (DFM).

Electronic

A device capable of emitting, controlling, and/or directing an electric current. Electronic devices can be embedded in AM parts to provide illumination, mobility, or the ability to send and receive signals and data.

Implants

A device installed on the surface or inside of a human body, usually through surgery. Implants perform essential functions such as monitoring body functions and supporting nearby organs and bodily structures.

Cutting Tools

A device made of hard, tough material that is used to remove metal by creating chips. Cutting tools can be created, and optimized, using additive manufacturing (AM) processes.

Safeguards

A device or procedure used to prevent injury or harm. Safeguards include mechanical devices, such as enclosures, and procedural steps, such as de-energizing machines before cleaning them.

Filtration Systems

A device or series of devices that mechanically routes air through a filter or series of filters to remove contaminating particles from the air. A filtration system may be a part of an additive manufacturing machine or a separate machine.

Adapters

A device that converts alternating current to direct current or connects incompatible electrical sources and devices. Adapters should not be used with additive manufacturing machines because they lead to electrical hazards.

Battery

A device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy. A battery can be used to power hand-held tools, such as a hand drill.

Transducers

A device that converts one form of energy, such as electrical, into another form of energy, such as mechanical. In ultrasonic consolidation (UC), transducers convert electrical energy into ultrasonic vibrations.

Projector

A device that creates a two-dimensional layer of light. Projectors are used by some vat photopolymerization systems to create an entire part layer in a single moment.

UV Projector

A device that creates a two-dimensional layer of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV projectors are used to create an entire part layer in a single moment in continuous liquid interface production processes.

Sensors

A device that detects the presence or absence of an object, or certain properties of that object, and provides feedback. Sensors send feedback in the form of signals, which can be measured and recorded.

Light Source

A device that emits a beam or beams of light. Light sources for vat photopolymerization processes include lasers, electron beams, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), X-rays, and xenon arc lamps.

Shin Guards

A device that fits over the lower legs to protect against heat, impact, and other hazards. Shin guards are often made from leather or plastic.

Toe Guards

A device that fits over the toes of regular shoes to protect toes from being crushed by falling objects. Toe guards may be made from aluminum, steel, or plastic.

Smoke Detectors

A device that generates an alarm in the presence of smoke. Smoke detectors are essential safeguards for additive manufacturing operations.

Laser

A device that generates an intense beam of light that can be precisely aimed and controlled. Lasers are used to selectively solidify or combine materials in a number of additive manufacturing processes, including selective laser sintering (SLS), vat photopolymerization, and directed energy deposition (DED).

Springs

A flexible device that yields under compressive force to its original shape when the force is removed. Springs are used to apply force, control motion, and store energy.

Lasers

A device that generates an intense beam of light that can be precisely aimed and controlled. Lasers are used to selectively solidify or combine materials in a number of additive manufacturing processes, including selective laser sintering (SLS), vat photopolymerization, and directed energy deposition (DED).

Thermal Energy Sources

A device that generates power in the form of heat. Thermal energy sources, such as devices that generate electron beams, lasers, and plasma arcs, are used during some additive manufacturing methods.

Heating Element

A device that heats a component when activated. Heating elements melt build materials before a nozzle extrudes them onto a build platform during material extrusion.

Lifting Equipment

A device that helps an operator move an object from one location to another. Common lifting equipment includes forklifts and cranes.

Mechanical Fasteners

A device that holds two or more objects together. Mechanical fasteners include screws, bolts, and buttons.

Cutting Guides

A device that precisely controls the movement of a cutting tool, such as a drill. Cutting guides can be made with optimized functionality through additive manufacturing processes.

Recoater

A device that slides forwards and backwards over top the surface of photopolymer material held in a vat. Recoaters are used by stereolithography (SLA) systems to smooth photopolymer material layers over top a build platform.

Laser Scanner

A device that uses a controlled beam of light to create a digital model of a 3D shape. A laser scanner is used to make models of patient or customer anatomy in order to customize an implant or other device using an additive manufacturing process.

Fume Extractors

A device that uses suction to remove hazardous gas and fumes from a work environment. Fume extractors are used with ventilation and respirators to keep additive manufacturing operators from breathing contaminated air.

Electrodes

A device used to convey an electric current, which can either leave or enter the electrode. Electrodes are used during electrical discharge machining, which generates an electric spark between an electrode and a workpiece.

Dental Braces

A device used to straighten teeth. Dental braces can be created through AM processes to customize them for individual patients.

Workholding Devices

A device used to support, locate, and hold a workpiece for manufacturing purposes. The workholding device establishes a relationship between the cutting tool and the workpiece.

Motion System

A directed energy deposition machine configuration that determines the type of movement a machine is capable of making. Motion systems include machines that move only a workpiece, only a deposition head, or both a workpiece and deposition head.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

A disease resulting from the formation of scar tissue in the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by breathing in additive manufacturing metal powder.

Sonotrode

A disk-shaped device that directly applies ultrasonic vibrations to the surface of a material. Sonotrodes, or ultrasonic horns, create a solid-state weld between metal foil sheets during ultrasonic consolidation (UC).

Ultrasonic Horn

A disk-shaped device that directly applies ultrasonic vibrations to the surface of a material. Ultrasonic horns, or sonotrodes, create a solid-state weld between metal foil sheets during ultrasonic consolidation (UC).

Sacrificial Cores

A disposable component that forms an internal feature in a final part. Sacrificial cores are often used during composite molding processes.

Sacrificial Pattern

A disposable replica of the part or casting that is used to create a negative impression in a mold. A sacrificial pattern is used in investment casting.

Sacrificial Patterns

A disposable replica of the part or casting that is used to create a negative impression in a mold. Sacrificial patterns are destroyed during some casting processes, such as investment and sand casting.

Features

A distinguishing characteristic that performs a function on a part. Features include grooves, shoulders, hinges, among many others.

Niobium

A ductile metallic element that is used as an alloying element. Niobium is found in some superalloys.

Wool

A fabric made from sheep fur. Wool is flame resistant and a good fabric choice for operators working with potentially flammable materials.

Wear-Resistant Coating

A finish used to protect a material from gradual erosion. Wear-resistant coatings can be added to parts using directed energy deposition (DED).

Coating

A finishing process that applies a protective film to the surface of an object to improve its functionality. Coating helps improve a part's ability to withstand environmental hazards, such as extreme heat or flying debris.

Turbine Blade

A flat component attached to the rotary axis of a turbine to direct air, steam, or gas flow. Turbine blades can be made using an additive manufacturing (AM) process such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

Gas

A fluid phase of matter characterized by having high energy and the tendency to flow and expand indefinitely. Gas is used in some AM processes, such as the powder bed fusion (PBF) methods, to facilitate heat transfer from a laser.

Dielectric Liquid

A fluid that does not conduct an electric current under normal circumstances. Dielectric fluid insulates and cools an electrode and workpiece, conveys the spark, and flushes away the removed metal during electrical discharge machining.

Coolant

A fluid used to decrease the temperature of a tool and workpiece to prolong tool life. Coolants may also serve other purposes such as helping to flush away metal pieces removed during machining processes.

Cutting Forces

A force generated by the motion of the cutting tool and the resistance of a workpiece. Cutting forces are not produced during electrical discharge machining.

Mechanical Forces

A force that attempts to bend, stretch, break, or indent a material. Mechanical forces include compressive, shear, and tensile stress.

Stress

A force that attempts to deform an object. Stress includes compressive, shear, and tensile forces.

Compressive Stress

A force that attempts to flatten or squeeze a material. Compressive stress is a type of mechanical force.

Tensile Stress

A force that attempts to pull apart or stretch a material. Tensile stress is a type of mechanical force.

Electricity

A form of energy created by the movement of electrons. Electricity can be converted into light, heat, or motion.

Rolling

A forming processes in which a sheet of metal is passed through rollers to reduce thickness and make the sheet a uniform size. Rolling can also be used to improve the properties of a workpiece.

Inert

A gas that does not chemically react with the substance it contacts. Inert gases include nitrogen, helium, and argon.

Inert Gas

A gas that does not chemically react with the substance it contacts. Inert gases include nitrogen, helium, and argon.

Shielding Gas

A gas that protects a material or process from atmospheric contamination. Shielding gases include nitrogen and compressed air and are selected based on the job specifications.

Forming

A general category of manufacturing processes that involve bending, separating, or shaping material using punches and dies. Forming is a traditional manufacturing process and includes methods such as rolling and extrusion.

Casting

A general category of metalworking processes that involves pouring a liquid material into a hollow mold and allowing the material to cool into a solid shape. Casting is a traditional manufacturing process and includes methods such as investment and sand casting.

Molecules

A group of atoms held together by either primary or secondary bonds. Molecules are the smallest unit into which a material can be divided without changing its properties.

Tissue

A group of cells that have a similar structure and purpose. Tissues can be used as build material in some specialized material extrusion systems.

Thermoplastic

A group of plastics that can be repeatedly heated, cooled, and shaped. Thermoplastics are often used in during many additive manufacturing processes.

Thermoplastics

A group of plastics that can be repeatedly heated, cooled, and shaped. Thermoplastics consist of molecule chains that are not cross-linked.

Thermosets

A group of polymers that are permanently hardened by heating. Thermosets have high rigidity and thermal stability.

Manganese

A hard, brittle, gray-white metal. Manganese also increases strength and hardness in alloy steel.

Molybdenum

A hard, silvery white metal used in metal alloys. Molybdenum can add toughness, creep strength, and wear resistance to steel.

Metal

A hard, strong material that conducts electricity and heat. Metal powders are used in AM to create solid, finished metal additive manufacturing parts.

Cavities

A hollow area in a solid part or component. Cavities should never be fully enclosed when making parts with powder bed fusion methods as they would trap excess powder.

Mold

A hollow cavity that holds heated liquid material and imparts its shape on the material as it cools. Molds with exceptional accuracy can be created using an additive manufacturing prototype as the basis for the model.

Molds

A hollow cavity that holds heated liquid material and imparts its shape on the metal as it cools. Molds with exceptional accuracy can be created using an additive manufacturing process.

Duct

A hollow, enclosed space used to convey a substance such as air. A duct with an optimized design can be created through additive manufacturing processes.

Welding

A joining process that permanently bonds two separate components together. Welding uses heat, pressure, or a combination of elements to make one new part.

Macromolecules

A large molecule that consists of repeating molecular units. Polymers consist of long chains of multiple macromolecules.

Gel Coating

A layer of material that is usually applied to the mold's surface before forming the composite part. Gel coatings protect the surface of the composite and give it a smooth finish.

Helium

A light, colorless, nonflammable inert gas that is much lighter than air. Helium is sometimes used in gas atomization processes.

Aluminum

A lightweight metal that is silvery white in color. Aluminum resists corrosion and is a good conductor of electrical and thermal energy.

Plastic

A lightweight polymer material that has high corrosion resistance, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and a low melting point. Plastics are usually easy to shape and form.

Seam

A line along which two materials or components are joined together. Seams can be weaker and more prone to failure than solid areas.

Cutting Fluid

A liquid used during a cutting operation to reduce heat and friction between the cutting tool and workpiece. Cutting fluid lengthens tool service life, improves surface finish quality, and can speed production operations.

Drive Shafts

A long, cylindrical component that transfers power from a motor to other machine components. Drive shafts are used in a variety of applications, such as car engines and metal-cutting machines.

Desktop

A machine designed to fit easily on a standard desk. Desktop models of AM machines are more affordable but less precise than larger, more advanced models.

Gas Turbine

A machine designed to produce continuous motion in a wheel or rotor that is driven by the energy of hot gases produced by burning fuel. Gas turbines can be used to generate electricity or to help move a large object, such as an airplane.

Die Casting Machine

A machine that holds the two halves of the die together while molten metal is quickly injected into the die cavity under high pressure. Die casting machines often clamp the two halves closed when they are mounted onto the machine.

Turbines

A machine that uses the motion or energy of moving water, wind, gases, or any fluids to produce movement in paddles, buckets, or other devices arranged in a circle. Turbines generate electricity through this mechanical motion.

Urethane

A manufactured thermoset that is made of isocyanate and alcohol, which are mixed together and undergo a chemical reaction to enable curing. Urethane is a common polymer used in silicone molding to create final parts.

Silicone Molding

A manufacturing process in which a liquid polymer is poured into a heat-resistant, flexible silicone mold to create plastic parts. Silicone molding is also known as room temperature vulcanizing molding (RTV molding).

Silicon Molding

A manufacturing process in which a liquid polymer is poured into a heat-resistant, flexible silicone mold to create plastic parts. Silicone molding is often performed using a mold created from an additive manufacturing pattern.

Sheet Metal Forming

A manufacturing process that forms parts by shearing, stretching, bending, or compressing sheet metal using punches and dies. Sheet metal forming includes hydroforming and stamping.

Traditional Manufacturing

A manufacturing process that involves creating a part by shaping or removing material from a workpiece. Traditional manufacturing operations include metal cutting and forming.

Negative Impression

A mark or indentation that has resulted from pressing an object into the surface of mold material, such as sand or wax, and then removing the object. Negative impressions retain the details and characteristics of the original object from which they are made.

Antistatic Mats

A mat made of a material that conducts electricity away from a person or object and into the ground. Antistatic mats can prevent static electricity discharge that could start a fire.

Crystalline

A material consisting of crystals, which are formed by repeating patterns of atoms. Crystalline structures determine a material's unique properties and are found in both metals and ceramics.

Foundry Sand

A material consisting of sand mixed with additives, such as clay, coal, and water. Foundry sand, which is the primary molding material for sand casting processes, is also called green sand.

Green Sand

A material consisting of sand mixed with additives, such as clay, coal, and water. Green sand, which is the primary molding material for sand casting processes, is also called foundry sand.

Tungsten Alloys

A material containing larger amounts of tungsten, a gray metal that is very strong at elevated temperatures, along with various, lesser amounts of other metals. Tungsten alloys can be powdered and used as build material in additive manufacturing.

Alloys

A material created by intentionally mixing two or more substances. Alloys have improved properties, such as increased strength and resistance to thermal distortion.

Carbides

A material developed by combining carbon with chromium, tungsten, or titanium, among other materials. Carbide is used in metal cutting tools for its hardness and wear resistance.

Hybrid Material

A material made by combining two or more separate substances together. Hybrid materials exhibit properties and characteristics that are superior to those of each individual material.

Composite

A material made by mixing together two or more of the following groups: metals, plastics, and ceramics. Composite materials are categorized by their matrix material.

Composites

A material made by mixing together two or more of the following groups: metals, polymers, and ceramics. Composite materials are categorized by their matrix material.

Insulators

A material or element that has little electrical conductivity and high resistance to electrical charges. Most insulators are plastics and ceramics.

Electrical Conductors

A material that allows free movement of electrons and therefore enables the easy flow of electricity. Electrical conductors are often metals.

Biocompatible

A material that can be used in living tissue without being toxic or causing injury. Biocompatible materials are frequently used to make medical implants.

Flammable

A material that can easily ignite and catch fire. Flammable materials, such as powdered additive manufacturing (AM) build material, must be handled correctly and with the proper safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers.

Photoreactive

A material that chemically reacts to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Photoreactive materials used in additive manufacturing, such as photopolymer or resin, solidify and harden when exposed to UV light.

Soluble

A material that dissolves when exposed to a solvent, such as water or a liquid chemical. Soluble materials are often used to create cores for use in some casting and molding processes.

Inorganic

A material that does not contain carbon. Inorganic materials are derived from nonliving substances such as minerals.

Nonferrous

A material that does not contain iron. Nonferrous metals include aluminum, copper, and zinc.

Binder

A material that holds together two or more other materials. Binders promote adhesion and cohesion.

Impact Toughness

A material's ability to absorb energy from a sudden, sharp blow without fracturing. Impact toughness is also known as impact strength.

Toughness

A material's ability to absorb mechanical forces before it breaks. Toughness includes specific categories such as impact toughness.

Ductile

A material's ability to be drawn, stretched, or formed without breaking. Ductile materials bend easily but resist fracture.

Hardenability

A material's ability to be hardened by heat treatments or other processes. Steels have varying degrees of hardenability, depending on their alloying elements.

Softness

A material's ability to be scratched, indented, or penetrated by another material. Softness is the absence of hardness.

Biocompatibility

A material's ability to be used in living tissue without being toxic or causing injury. Biocompatibility is an important property for materials used in medical applications.

Thermal Resistance

A material's ability to remain unchanged due to exposure to extremely high or low temperatures. Thermal resistance allows materials to maintain their properties and integrity even at extreme temperatures.

Moisture Resistance

A material's ability to resist absorbing and becoming wet when exposed to water. Moisture resistance is one factor to consider during AM polymer selection.

Damping

A material's ability to resist deformation through vibration. Damping capabilities in plastics are higher than the damping capabilities of metals.

Corrosion Resistance

A material's ability to resist deterioration and chemical breakdown due to surface exposure in a particular environment. Corrosion resistance is an important physical property.

Fatigue Resistance

A material's ability to resist failing due to repeated external stress. Fatigue resistance is an important material property for many applications.

Strength

A material's ability to resist forces that attempt to break or deform it. Additive manufacturing processes such as vat photopolymerization create parts with poor strength.

Shear Strength

A material's ability to resist forces that attempt to cause the internal structure to slide against itself and separate. Shear strength is the amount of shear force a material can withstand before fracturing.

Tensile Strength

A material's ability to resist forces that attempt to pull it apart. Tensile strength is the amount of tensile stress a material can withstand before fracturing.

Compression Strength

A material's ability to resist forces that attempt to squeeze or crush it. Compression strength is the amount of compressive stress a material can withstand before fracturing.

Hardness

A material's ability to resist penetration, indentation, or scratching. Hard materials tend to be very strong and resistant to wear.

Rupture Strength

A material's ability to resist permanent deformation or breakage after supporting a load over time. Rupture strength is a vital material property for superalloys used in aerospace and medical applications.

Wear Resistance

A material's ability to resist the gradual wearing away caused by abrasion and friction. Increased wear resistance can lengthen the life of a tool or part.

Elasticity

A material's ability to revert back to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. Elasticity is a mechanical property.

Creep Strength

A material's ability to withstand a constant force over an extended period of time or at elevated temperatures. Creep strength is a vital material property for superalloys used in aerospace and medical applications.

Flammability

A material's characteristics that determine its ability or tendency to ignite or burn when exposed to an open flame. Flammability is one factor to consider during AM polymer selection.

Oxidation

A material's chemical reaction with oxygen. Oxidation can result in polymer degradation.

Brittle

A material's resistance to being drawn, stretched, or formed. Brittle materials can fracture when subjected to mechanical forces.

Viscosity

A material's resistance to flow. Viscosity is often affected by temperature.

Ventilation

A means of providing fresh air. Ventilation, including open windows and fan systems, prevents the buildup of hazardous fumes and gases.

Efficiency

A measure of the energy output of a system or process versus the total energy supplied to it. The efficiency of some additive manufacturing methods, such as material extrusion, is often affected by the level of resolution and complexity that a final part requires.

Index Of Refraction

A measurement of the amount of and the speed with which light is able to pass through an object. The index of refraction for a material indicates its reflectiveness.

Pressure

A measurement of the amount of force exerted on a surface divided by the area of the surface. Pressure is typically expressed in pounds per square inch (psi).

Intensity

A measurement that describes the strength of energy being transmitted during a process. The intensity of the thermal energy used during some additive manufacturing methods, such as powder bed fusion (PBF), must be carefully regulated.

Energy-Isolating Mechanism

A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, such as a circuit breaker or valve. Energy-isolating mechanisms must, if possible, be locked out before an operator begins any maintenance or repairs.

Gripper

A mechanical device that uses rotary and linear actuators to mimic the motion of the human hand. A gripper has a complex shape that can be easily produced using additive manufacturing.

Grippers

A mechanical device that uses rotary and linear actuators to mimic the motion of the human hand. Grippers have complex shapes that can be easily produced using additive manufacturing.

Pumping System

A mechanical device used to move liquids and gases. Pumping systems quickly inject molten metal into die cavities during die casting processes.

Hinges

A mechanical joint that is capable of movement. Hinges can be created as a single integrated part using additive manufacturing (AM) technology.

Belt Drive

A mechanism that transmits power by moving a thin strip of flexible material around rotating components. A belt drive is a type of gear train.

Spinal Inserts

A medical implant that is inserted in the backbone to help reconstruct a damaged or deteriorating spinal column. Spinal inserts can be customized for a specific patient through additive manufacturing processes.

Build Function

A menu selection or control-panel button that activates an additive manufacturing (AM) part build. The build function, or print function, is selected after the build file has been loaded and the machine prepared.

Print Function

A menu selection or control-panel button that activates an additive manufacturing (AM) part build. The print function, or build function, is selected after the build file has been loaded and the machine prepared.

Aluminum Alloys

A metal containing aluminum, which is a silvery white metal that is soft, light, and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum alloys are frequently used in automotive and aerospace applications because of their strength and light weight.

Copper Alloys

A metal containing copper, which is a reddish metal that is very ductile, thermally and electrically conductive, and corrosion resistant. Copper alloys include bronze and brass.

Aluminum-Silicon Alloys

A metal containing larger amounts of aluminum and silicon along with various, lesser amounts other alloying elements. Aluminum-silicon alloys are common types of aluminum alloys used in additive manufacturing processes.

Aluminum-Silicon-Magnesium Alloys

A metal containing larger amounts of aluminum, silicon, and magnesium along with various, lesser amounts of other alloying elements. Aluminum-silicon-magnesium alloys are common types of aluminum alloys used in additive manufacturing processes.

Titanium-Aluminum-Vanadium Alloys

A metal containing larger amounts of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium along with various, lesser amounts of other alloying elements. Titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloys are common types of titanium alloys used in additive manufacturing processes.

Titanium Alloys

A metal containing titanium, which is a silver-gray, strong, and lightweight metal known for its corrosion resistance. Titanium alloys, which are often biocompatible, are frequently used in medical applications.

Ferrous

A metal in which iron is the main ingredient. Ferrous metals commonly used in additive manufacturing include different types of steel.

Ferrous Metals

A metal in which iron is the main ingredient. Ferrous metals commonly used in additive manufacturing include different types of steel.

Alloy

A metal made by intentionally adding specific amounts of one or more other materials. An alloy often has improved mechanical and physical properties due to the added material.

Lockout

A method of protecting employees from accidental machine startup through proper locking or blocking of machines that are undergoing maintenance. Proper lockout physically prevents the machine from being turned on or moving.

Lockout/Tag-Out

A method of protecting operators from accidental machine startup through proper locking and labeling of the machine. Lockout/tag-out is an essential practice for safe maintenance and repair of machines.

Nonferrous Alloys

A mixture of two or more metals that does not contain iron as the main element. Nonferrous alloys commonly used in additive manufacturing processes include aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and copper alloys.

Sacrificial Mold

A mold that can be used to produce only one part. Both sand casting and investment casting use sacrificial molds.

Injection Molding

A molding process in which liquid resin is heated in a barrel and deposited into a mold by a reciprocating screw. Injection molding is a metal shaping process used in traditional manufacturing.

Amorphous Thermoplastics

A molecular formation that lacks a definite repeating form, shape, or structure. Amorphous thermoplastics have a lower viscosity with increased temperatures.

Smart Structures

A part or component that can vary and optimize its performance depending on environmental factors, such as applied pressure or temperature changes. Smart structures are made using complex part configurations and intricate layering and gradation of materials.

Cores

A part that forms the hollow area or internal feature of a casting. Cores are solid components that are placed inside a mold cavity prior to pouring in the molten metal.

Near Net-Shape

A part that is close to meeting consumer or manufacturer specifications, including tolerance and surface finish, directly after it is manufactured. Near net-shape parts can be produced by ultrasonic consolidation (UC).

Workpiece

A part that is subjected to one or more manufacturing procedures. Workpieces may be subject to cutting, welding, forming, or other operations.

Net Shape

A part that meets consumer or manufacturer specifications, including tolerance and surface finish, directly after it is manufactured. Net shape parts do not need any further post processing after they are created.

Net-Shape

A part that meets consumer or manufacturer specifications, including tolerance and surface finish, directly after it is manufactured. Net-shape parts do not need any post-processing after they are created.

Cooling Channels

A passage through which a cooling fluid is circulated to maintain the desired die temperature. Cooling channels, which may also be called cooling lines, may be straight or contoured.

Internal Channels

A pathway for air, coolants, or other substances to travel through the inside of a part. Internal channels are most easily created through additive manufacturing processes.

Operator

A person trained to run a specific machine. Operators are responsible for ensuring that a machining process runs properly, efficiently, and safely.

Operators

A person trained to run a specific machine. Operators are responsible for ensuring that a machining process runs properly, efficiently, and safely.

Engineer

A person who designs machines, parts, or other technically complex components or features. In manufacturing, engineers are responsible for designing a part, including creating the exact specifications for that part and deciding how best to build and finish the part.

Engineers

A person who designs machines, parts, or other technically complex components or features. In manufacturing, engineers are responsible for designing a part, including creating the exact specifications for that part and deciding how best to build and finish the part.

Enclosure

A physical barrier designed to protect the build area and prevent materials from exiting the build area. Enclosures for directed energy deposition systems sometimes include shielding gas.

Model

A physical representation of a part or other object. Models are usually three-dimensional and can be physical or digital.

Cavity Inserts

A piece of tool steel placed inside the cover base and ejector base to form a portion of the die cavity shape. Cavity inserts are brittle and must be handled with caution.

Joint

A point at which two objects or materials are connected, usually facilitating movement between the objects or materials. Joints can be directly manufactured using additive manufacturing (AM) with no additional assembly required.

Joints

A point at which two objects or materials are connected, usually facilitating movement between the objects or materials. Joints can be directly manufactured using additive manufacturing with no additional assembly required.

Synthetic Polymers

A polymer that is chemically manufactured. Synthetic polymers include many different types of plastic.

Natural Polymers

A polymer that occurs in nature and is not synthesized by humans. Natural, or organic, polymers include amber, wool, and silk.

Fire Extinguishers

A portable device that uses a rapid spray of water, foam, or chemicals to put out a fire. Fire extinguishers are essential safety gear for any industrial operation.

Dedicated Circuit

A power supply that is used for a single device that requires a large amount of electricity. Dedicated circuits are used with additive manufacturing machines to prevent electrical hazards such as overloads.

Machine Tool

A power-driven machine that holds a variety of tools. Machine tools can hold a variety of cutting and manufacturing tools.

Prototype

A preliminary model of a part used to evaluate the look and performance of a design. Prototypes are used to determine the specifications for the final part.

Prototypes

A preliminary model of a product used for evaluation of performance of a design. Prototypes provide a design basis for final products.

Chemical Reaction

A process in which one or more substances are changed into another substance or substances. Chemical reactions alter the physical structure of a substance in some way.

Reverse Engineering

A process that captures geometric data of an existing object to convert it to a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) model. Reverse engineering can be used to create an additive manufacturing part from a traditionally manufactured part.

Hydroforming

A process that shapes ductile metal sheets using hydraulic pressure and a die. Hydroforming is one method of sheet metal forming.

Hybrid Manufacturing

A process that uses both traditional and additive manufacturing to create a finished part. Hybrid manufacturing can involve either using a traditional manufacturing process on a mostly additively manufactured part or vice versa.

Hybrid Process

A process that uses both traditional and additive manufacturing to create a finished part. Hybrid processes can involve either using a traditional manufacturing process on a mostly additively manufactured part or vice versa.

Master Pattern

A replica of a part or casting that is used to create a negative impression in a mold. Master patterns for silicone molding are traditionally made of plastic, wood, or metal.

Rapid Prototyping

A product development technique where additive manufacturing processes are used to create prototypes for a traditional manufacturing operation. Rapid prototyping allows engineers to quickly create a number of prototypes in a short time period, reducing lead time.

Robotic Arm

A programmable or remote-controlled mechanical device that simulates the movement of a human arm. A robotic arm is used in a variety of assembly and manufacturing applications.

Robotic Arms

A programmable or remote-controlled mechanical device that simulates the movement of a human arm. Robotic arms are used in a variety of assembly and manufacturing applications.

Tag-Out Device

A prominent warning label, such as a tag, that can be securely attached to a machine or power source to alert operators that equipment is not to be operated until the tag is removed. Tag-out devices are often used in conjunction with lockout devices.

Hoods

A protective barrier that can be lowered on a hinge to completely enclose an area. Hoods are commonly used to enclose a build area in additive manufacturing and preserve operator safety, particularly in the binder jetting and material jetting methods.

Face Shields

A protective device that guards the face and eyes from debris. Face shields can also be designed to protect users from intense light and infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Coatings

A protective film applied to the surface of an object to improve its functionality. Coatings improve a part's ability to withstand environmental hazards such as extreme heat or flying debris.

Cladding

A protective layer added to a workpiece to improve corrosion resistance and other beneficial properties. Cladding can be added to traditionally manufactured parts using the additive manufacturing process of directed energy deposition (DED).

Dust Mask

A protective nose and mouth cover that filters out some airborne particles. Dust masks are effective in filtering out large particles, such as sand used in binder jetting, but cannot filter out smaller debris, such as nanoscale metal and plastic particles.

Nanoscale

A range measuring between one and 100 nanometers. Nanoscale particles are, individually, smaller than the human eye can see and can cause harm when inhaled or otherwise absorbed.

Resin

A raw polymer, usually in the form of liquid, beads, or pellets, that is not yet molded into its final shape. Resin is applied to reinforcement fibers during composite molding processes.

Sweeping Bars

A rectangular device used in some additive manufacturing methods to deposit and/or level build material. Sweeping bars are commonly used in vat photopolymerization, powder bed fusion, and binder jetting methods.

Scraper Bar

A rectangular, three-dimensional object that pushes powdered material evenly across a powder bed. Scraper bars, used in powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, place fresh powder over sintered powder so the next layer of the part can be built.

Copper

A reddish nonferrous metal that is very ductile. Copper is thermally and electrically conductive as well as corrosion resistant.

Support Structure

A reinforcing component used to hold the weight of an additively manufactured part as it is being constructed. Support structures are removed from the part once the build is complete.

Support Structures

A reinforcing component used to hold the weight of an additively manufactured part as it is being constructed. Support structures are removed from the part once the build is complete.

Build Plates

A removable flat surface on which an additively manufactured part is constructed. Build plates are removable build platforms and must be carefully centered and leveled to ensure a successful build.

Build Boxes

A removable, enclosed build platform used in additive manufacturing (AM). Build boxes are used to make powder removal easier for additive manufacturing powder bed fusion (PBF) methods.

Lattice Structures

A repeating, symmetrical pattern of crossing strips of material that leave diamond- or square-shaped gaps between them. Lattice structures provide excellent strength to a part.

Ionic Bonds

A type of atomic bond that occurs when one atom borrows one or more electrons from another atom. Ionic bonds are relatively strong.

Ventilation System

A series of devices designed to remove potentially hazardous air from a work area and replace it with clean air. Ventilation systems are often composed of ductwork, exhaust hoods, filters, and fans, among other components.

Physical Properties

A set of characteristics that describe how a material responds to environmental, thermal, electrical, and magnetic forces. Physical properties describe how a material reacts to forces other than mechanical forces.

Point Cloud

A set of data points for a 3D object. The point cloud for a part is taken from various scanning procedures and used to create a computer-aided design (CAD) model.

Gear Train

A set of gears arranged to transfer mechanical energy from one part of a mechanical system to another. Gear trains are used in a number of automotive and manufacturing applications, particular in motors.

Drive Roll

A set of wheels that feed a filament of build material through an extrusion head and to the nozzle of a material extrusion system. Drive rolls are specially designed for various types and sizes of build material filaments

Secondary Shaping Process

A shaping operation that occurs after plastic has already been formed or molded. Secondary shaping processes are sometimes used with thermoplastics.

Fiber Molding

A shaping process that forms paper pulp into a finished part. Fiber molding, also called paper pulp molding, is used to create protective packaging.

Paper Pulp Molding

A shaping process that forms paper pulp into a finished part. Paper pulp molding, also called fiber molding, is used to create protective packaging.

Chisels

A sharp metal tool that is used to remove material or parts. A chisel can be used to separate metal additive manufacturing (AM) parts from build platforms.

Stamping

A sheet metal forming process that shapes metal sheets using a press and a die. Stamping is one method of sheet metal forming.

Cobalt

A shiny, silver-white metallic element. Cobalt is tough, brittle, and hard as well as highly magnetic.

Antistatic Footwear

A shoe or shoe covering made of material that resists the flow of electricity. Antistatic footwear helps prevent operators from building up static charge or serving as a conduit for electricity.

Whiskers

A short, thin filament used for composite reinforcements. Whiskers are smaller than fibers but larger than particles.

Wireless Router

A signal-producing device that transmits data through an antenna rather than a network cable. Wireless routers, which are used to create computer networks, operate through the use of radio waves.

Iron

A silver-white, metallic element that is highly magnetic. Iron is alloyed with carbon to make steel.

Nickel

A silvery metal that is both tough and corrosion resistant. Nickel is often added to metals as an alloying element.

Mer Units

A single unit of atoms that chemically bonds to other similar units to form long, repeating polymer molecule chains. Mer units are also called monomers.

Monomers

A single unit of atoms that chemically bonds to other similar units to form long, repeating polymer molecule chains. Monomers are also called mer units.

Fibers

A slender, thread-like reinforcing material used in composites. Fibers are larger and longer than whiskers or particles.

Scalpels

A small and extremely sharp knife that is used by a surgeon during surgery. Scalpels are usually made of corrosion resistant material, like stainless steel.

Forklift

A small vehicle with two prongs used in factory settings to lift and transport heavy loads. A forklift may be used to help an operator transport heavy additive manufacturing materials.

Graphite

A soft, black form of carbon. Graphite is commonly used to make electrical discharge machining electrodes.

Graphites

A soft, black form of carbon. Graphites are a type of ceramic.

Engine Block

A solid automotive part that contains cylinders and other components. Engine blocks are often created by casting processes using cores to shape their internal components.

Welding Head

A solid metal rod that holds a disk-shaped sonotrode, or ultrasonic horn, and has a transducer on each of its ends. A welding head applies ultrasonic vibrations as it rolls over the top of metal foil sheets during ultrasonic consolidation (UC).

Denatured Alcohol

A solvent created by combining ethanol with additives that increase its cleaning properties and render it poisonous. Denatured alcohol is used to clean some AM machines that create parts with liquid photopolymer, such as vat photopolymerization or material jetting machines.

Horizontally

Parallel to the horizon or ground. Horizontally oriented objects span from side to side or left to right.

Plasma Arc

A stream of plasma formed by an electrode ionizing air or another gas and heating it to a high temperature. Plasma arcs are sometimes used in additive manufacturing methods, including directed energy deposition (DED).

Ribs

A structural component that provides shape and support. Ribs are used to reinforce a thin section of a part, such as a wall.

Compound

A substance consisting of the atoms of two or more different elements in fixed proportions. Compounds can only be broken down by chemical processes.

Mixture

A substance consisting of two or more separate substances that are mixed, but not chemically bonded, together. Mixtures include the different types of composites.

Nonflammable

A substance or object that does not easily start or support fire. Nonflammable clothing is often required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with additive manufacturing operations.

Absorbent Material

A substance that can draw in and hold a large amount of liquid. Absorbent materials are used to clean chemical spills to help ensure that the chemical is completely removed from the area or surface.

Adhesive

A substance used to join two or more materials. Adhesives have a wide range of properties that make them suitable for a variety of manufacturing applications.

Machining

A subtractive manufacturing process that involves removing material to form an object. Machining includes methods such as milling, turning, and drilling that remove metal using cutting tools.

Metal Cutting

A subtractive manufacturing process that uses a tool to remove metal from a workpiece. Metal cutting methods include turning, milling, and drilling.

Grinding

A subtractive manufacturing process used to improve surface finish and bring parts into close tolerance. Grinding is used as a post-processing procedure in additive manufacturing.

Vacuum

A suction tool used to collect loose dust, dirt, and debris. A vacuum is used to remove the excess powder left around a part created through powder bed fusion (PBF) methods.

Vacuums

A suction tool used to collect loose dust, dirt, and debris. Vacuums are used to remove the excess powder left around a part created through powder bed fusion methods.

Inconel

A superalloy based in nickel and chromium that is designed to perform well in extreme environments. Inconel resists both oxidation and corrosion.

Cobalt Chrome

A superalloy containing larger amounts cobalt and chromium along with lesser amounts of other alloying elements. Cobalt chrome is sometimes used as build material in additive manufacturing.

Cobalt-Chromium-Based Superalloys

A superalloy containing larger amounts of cobalt and chromium along with various, lesser amounts of other alloying elements. Cobalt-chromium-based superalloys are common superalloys used in additive manufacturing processes.

Nickel-Based Superalloys

A superalloy containing larger amounts of nickel along with various, lesser amounts of other alloying elements. Nickel-based superalloys are common superalloys used in additive manufacturing processes.

Substrate

A surface or medium that serves as a base for other materials or components. Some directed energy deposition processes deposit materials onto substrates rather than a build platform.

Rubber

A synthetic or natural material that is often elastic. Rubber can be used to make nonslip surfaces, such as the grips for tooling.

Markup Language

A system that encodes information in a document or computer file by clearly separating that information from the original document or computer file. Markup language is used in advanced additive manufacturing files (AMF) to allow engineers to add more specificity and complexity to a part design.

Network

A system where two or more computers or machines are connected through a wireless router or cables to communicate with each other. A network facilitates quick and easy communication between computers and machines, streamlining a number of work processes.

Scaffolding

A temporary elevated platform consisting of metal or wooden crosspieces, supports or cables, and metal or wooden planking. Scaffolding allows builders to reach tall worksites, such as the side of a skyscraper.

Die Casting

A thermal, high-pressure metal casting process that involves injecting molten metal into a mold at high velocity and pressure. Die casting is a metal shaping process used in traditional manufacturing.

Thick-Gauge Thermoforming

A thermoforming process that heats and forms thick plastic sheets into parts. Thick-gauge thermoforming can be used to create coverings for large medical equipment.

Thin-Gauge Thermoforming

A thermoforming process that heats and forms thin plastic sheets into parts. Thin-gauge thermoforming is often used to create packaging materials and other small parts.

Semicrystalline Thermoplastics

A thermoplastic with both amorphous and crystalline regions of molecules. Semicrystalline thermoplastics are melted at higher temperatures than amorphous thermoplastics because more heat is needed to encourage molecular movement.

Photopolymers

A thermoset polymer that cures and hardens when exposed to light. Photopolymers are used in material jetting and vat photopolymerization systems.

Acrylates

A thermoset polymer that is transparent, elastic, and highly fracture resistant. Acrylates are common thermosets that are used as build materials in additive manufacturing.

Epoxy

A thermoset polymer that is very tough and heat resistant. Epoxies are common polymers used in silicone molding to create final parts.

Epoxies

A thermoset polymer that is very tough and heat resistant. Epoxies can be used in additive manufacturing processes.

Brush

A tool composed of a bundle of soft bristles. A brush can be used to remove powder from additively manufactured parts created using powder bed fusion (PBF) methods.

Hand Tools

A tool that is not powered by an external source but rather by the individual using the tool. Hand tools include hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches.

Centrifuges

A tool that spins enclosed vials rapidly to separate materials into their individual parts. Specialized centrifuges can be made through additive manufacturing processes without creating specialized tooling or designing new machine setups.

Flask

A tool used in sand casting that contains the mold. Flasks, which are usually made from metal or wood, frame the sides of a sand mold.

Scraper

A tool with a wide, flat blade. A scraper can be used to remove additively manufactured parts without damaging the build platform.

Milling

A traditional machining operation that uses a multi-point horizontal or vertical cutter to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece. Milling is one of the most common metal-cutting operations, along with turning and drilling.

Filtered Glass

A transparent amorphous solid with tint or other protective substances added. Filtered glass can protect operators from radiation while still allowing visibility of a process that emits radiation.

Glass

A transparent material made from silica and other materials. Glass parts can be created using an AM process similar to FDM.

Glasses

A transparent material made primarily from silica along with other ingredients. Glasses are a type of ceramic.

Solid Modeling

A type of geometric modeling based on solids in which all visible surfaces of a part are shown. Solid modeling processes, such as computer-aided design (CAD), provide a direct representation of the shape, volume, and mass of an object.

Sanding

A type of grinding process that uses a fine-grain abrasive to remove small amounts of surface material. Sanding can be used to improve the surface finish of some additively manufactured parts.

Steels

A type of metal consisting of iron and carbon, usually with small amounts of other elements. Steels, which include stainless steels and tool steels, are the most common manufacturing metals.

Reactive Metals

A type of metal that undergoes a chemical reaction when combined with elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, or nitrogen. Reactive metals include titanium, nickel, and magnesium.

Reactive Metal

A type of metal that undergoes a chemical reaction, including igniting, when exposed to elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, or nitrogen. Reactive metals include titanium, nickel, and magnesium.

Implicit Modeling

A type of modeling that uses complex mathematical equations to map every point within the boundaries of a shape. Implicit modeling allows engineers to make a detailed map of desired material gradation in a part.

Flexible Wiring

A type of movable electrical connector not intended for permanent use. Flexible wiring is prone to wearing since it is often moved and readjusted.

Photopolymer

A type of photoreactive fluid plastic that cures and hardens when exposed to light. Photopolymers, or resins, appear to be liquids but are technically viscous solids and are used in material jetting and vat photopolymerization.

Metallic Bond

A type of primary atomic bond that occurs when atoms share electrons that float about in a general electron cloud. Metallic bonds are weaker than the other types of primary bonds, ionic and covalent bonds.

Goggles

A type of tight-fitting eye protection that completely covers the eyes, the sockets, and the surrounding facial area. Goggles offer protection from impact, debris, and splashes.

Wet Separator

A type of vacuum cleaner filled with a liquid. Wet separators are used to neutralize potentially flammable debris such as metal additive manufacturing powder.

Solid-State Weld

A type of weld in which two or more materials have been joined together while below their melting points. Solid-state welds are created during friction welding, ultrasonic welding, and ultrasonic consolidation.

File Formats

A unique way of storing computer data so that it can only be accessed by certain programs. File formats for additive manufacturing (AM) include STL files, Additive Manufacturing Files (AMF), and Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) files.

Wax

A variety of organic substances characterized by the ease with which they can be shaped. Waxes are used to make sacrificial patterns for investment casting.

Top-Down Printing

A vat photopolymerization system orientation in which the light source is above the vat and the build platform is inside the vat. Top-down printing systems cure and create part layers by projecting light downward and into a deep vat, while the build platform lowers within the vat as each layer completes.

Bottom-Up Printing

A vat photopolymerization system orientation in which the light source is beneath the vat and the build platform is above the vat. Bottom-up printing systems project light upward into the vat to cure and create a part layer, while the build platform moves upward to slowly draw a part out of the vat as each layer completes.

Air Filtration Unit

A ventilation component containing a mesh fiber or other medium to remove harmful components from the atmosphere. Air filtration units are used in a variety of ventilation systems, including personal respirators and general ventilation setups for a work area.

Exhaust Hoods

A ventilation component that uses high-power suction to capture contaminated air at the source. An exhaust hood can be designed to fit over the entire area taken up by an additive manufacturing machine.

Tantalum

A very hard, ductile metal that is highly resistant to heat and corrosion. Tantalum is often added to superalloys and carbide cutting tools.

Pellets

A very small, round ball of material. Pellets of thermoplastic material are used by some material extrusion additive manufacturing processes to build parts.

Dead Zone

A very thin area of photopolymer materials held in a vat in which photopolymerization cannot occur due to the presence of oxygen. Dead zones prevent liquid photopolymer from curing and adhering to the optical window of vat photopolymerization systems that are oriented for bottom-up printing.

Particles

A very tiny piece of material used as a reinforcement. Particles are smaller than whiskers or fibers.

Cracks

A visible fracture or point of separation in the surface of a material. Cracks can originate from pores on the surface of additively manufactured metal parts and are a type of defect.

Green

A weak part made from powdered materials bound with adhesive into its final shape. Green parts are extremely fragile and must undergo various post-processing steps to harden them before use.

Clamps

A workholding device that grips and holds a workpiece in place. Clamps maintain the position of a workpiece by applying inward pressure.

Vises

A workholding device with two jaws that grip and hold a workpiece in place. Vises are mostly used to hold rectangular or cubic workpieces with fairly simple dimensions.

Release Agent

AA substance that is applied to a mold surface to make it easier to remove the molded part. Release agents are commonly used in composite, or lay-up, molding processes.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

ABS. A thermoplastic material with good heat, chemical, and impact resistance. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a common polymer used in additive manufacturing processes.

Additive Manufacturing

AM. The process of joining or solidifying materials to make an object based on a three-dimensional computer model. Additive manufacturing methods typically build up layers of material to create an object.

Additive Manufacturing File

AMF. An emerging standardized computer file that can communicate the build specifications of a part to an additive manufacturing machine. The Additive Manufacturing File is based on extensible markup language (XML) and easily incorporates important part specifications, such as material gradation and texture variation.

Functional

Able to correctly and efficiently perform a specific task. The functional complexity of additive manufacturing allows for the creation of parts that can perform tasks immediately after being built.

Heat Resistant

Able to withstand high temperatures. Heat resistant parts will not deform or lose their shape when exposed to heat.

Tandem

Acting together or in conjunction with another object. Tandem nozzles are used in 2 x 1D channel construction to create a part layer more quickly than 1D channel construction.

AM

Additive manufacturing. The process of joining or solidifying materials to make an object based on a three-dimensional computer model. AM methods typically build up layers of material to create an object.

Grinding Wheel

An abrasive finishing tool made by bonding abrasive grains together to form them into a circular shape. A grinding wheel can be used during additive manufacturing post-processing to improve surface finish.

Filing

An abrasive finishing process that involves using a thin metal strip with small, sharp teeth to smooth out the surface of a part. Filing creates an even surface finish.

Polishing

An abrasive finishing process used to improve the surface of a part to a very fine finish. Polishing methods include bead blasting and deburring.

1D Channel

An additive manufacturing (AM) layer construction method in which a single-point source creates a part layer one line at a time. 1D channel construction is commonly used in material extrusion and directed energy deposition (DED).

2D Channel

An additive manufacturing (AM) layer construction method in which a source creates an entire layer of a part at once. 2D channel construction is faster than other layer construction techniques, but it is currently only available with continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) processes.

2 X 1D Channel

An additive manufacturing (AM) layer construction method in which two single-point sources create a part layer at the same time. 2 x 1D channel construction is faster than 1D channel construction but is only available with some additive manufacturing (AM) methods, such as vat photopolymerization.

Vat Photopolymerization

An additive manufacturing process in which a part is built by curing layers of a photo-reactive resin with a UV laser. Vat photopolymerization may also be called stereolithography.

Material Jetting

An additive manufacturing process in which droplets of build material are selectively deposited onto a build platform. Material jetting systems use a photopolymer that is cured by ultraviolet light.

PolyJetting

An additive manufacturing process in which droplets of build material are selectively deposited onto a build platform. PolyJetting, or material jetting, systems use a photopolymer that is cured by ultraviolet (UV) light.

Binder Jetting

An additive manufacturing process in which liquid binder is used to join powdered materials to create part. Binder jetting systems use powdered plaster, metal, or sand.

Sheet Lamination

An additive manufacturing process that forms an object by bonding sheets of material together using an adhesive, heat, and pressure. Sheet lamination processes are not commonly used in manufacturing operations.

Material Extrusion

An additive manufacturing process that uses a nozzle to dispense material, usually a thermoplastic filament, onto a support. One example of material extrusion is the FDM process.

Powder Bed Fusion

An additive manufacturing process that uses adhesives, heat, or light to bond areas in a container of powder plastic, metal, ceramic, or other material. Powder bed fusion may use a variety of different channel configurations.

G-Code

An additive-manufacturing (AM) compatible file that provides detailed instructions to an AM machine. G-code includes information about the exact shape and size of each layer.

Build Parameters

An adjustable variable that controls an aspect of an additive manufacturing process. Build parameters include layer thickness and deposition rate.

Antennas

An apparatus for sending and receiving radio signals. Antennas can be printed directly on a part, such as an aerospace or automotive part, using additive manufacturing processes, such as material jetting.

Crystalline Regions

An area in a polymer where the molecules are packed together into regular, repeating patterns. Crystalline regions usually consist of small and simple molecule chains.

Amorphous Regions

An area in a polymer where the molecules lack a definite repeating form, shape, or structure. Amorphous regions usually consist of large and complex molecule chains and branches.

Optical Properties

An aspect of an object's physical appearance. Optical properties include a material's transparency, opacity, color, and index of refraction.

Image Projection Module

An assembly of components that focuses and directs the movement of a laser or electron beam in a specific pattern. Image projection modules are used during powder bed fusion (PBF) and vat photopolymerization processes.

Enclosures

An assembly that completely encases an area, often a build area in manufacturing. Many larger additive manufacturing machines have lockable enclosures surrounding their build area to prevent injury.

Hearing Aid

An assistive device worn in or around the ear to amplify sound for the hearing impaired. Hearing aids can be customized using additive manufacturing processes.

Hearing Aids

An assistive device worn in or around the ear to amplify sound for the hearing impaired. Hearing aids can be customized using additive manufacturing processes.

Gas Atomization

An atomization process that creates powder by breaking up liquid into droplets using a high-pressure inert gas. Gas atomization produces uniformly shaped and sized powder particles.

Action

An executable process in a computer program. An action is any process a user can initiate in a program, such as turning text bold or sending a part to be manufactured from the program to a manufacturing machine.

Superalloys

An expensive, complex metal alloy designed to perform under intense conditions, such as elevated temperatures. Superalloys are also known as high performance alloys.

Filaments

An extremely thin strand of material. Filaments of thermoplastic material are used by some material extrusion additive manufacturing processes to build parts.

X Axis

An imaginary line that runs parallel to the horizon. X axes usually run left to right.

Y Axis

An imaginary line that runs parallel to the horizon. Y axes usually run back and forth.

Z Axis

An imaginary line that runs perpendicular to the horizon. Z axes usually run up and down.

Axes

An imaginary straight line or circle used to describe the location or movement of an object in three-dimensional space. Axes can be either vertical or horizontal.

Defects

An imperfection in a part that prevents it from operating correctly. Defects sometimes appear in additive manufacturing parts when layers do not adhere to each other correctly or when surface porosity occurs in a part.

Non-Sparking Tools

An implement made of nonferrous materials that resist generating small particles of fire. Non-sparking tools should be used in any powder bed fusion or directed energy deposition (DED) operation.

Facets

An individual triangle in the mesh of an STL file. Facets must be oriented correctly for the additive manufacturing (AM) machine to be able to properly build the part.

Vat

An industrial receptacle used to hold fluids. A vat is used to hold liquid photopolymers in vat photopolymerization processes.

Ultrasonic Welding

An industrial technique that uses high-frequency vibrations to permanently bond together two separate components in order to make one new part. Ultrasonic welding is used to bond together material layers during ultrasonic consolidation (UC), or ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM).

Nuclear Power

An industry that involves producing energy through the use of atomic reactions. Nuclear power applications often require the use of specialized materials such as superalloys.

Biomedical

An industry that involves the application of both biology and medical sciences. Biomedical manufacturers often use additive manufacturing processes to build parts made from superalloys.

Ceramic

An inorganic material that consists of both metallic and nonmetallic atoms held together by a strong primary bond. Ceramics include metal oxides, nitrides, and glasses.

Ceramics

An inorganic material that consists of both metallic and nonmetallic atoms held together by a strong primary bond. Ceramics include metal oxides, nitrides, and glasses.

Exhaust System

An interconnected series of devices and pipes that move contaminated air away from the point of contamination. Exhaust systems often include ventilation hoods and ductwork.

Short Circuit

An interruption in the intended flow of electricity. Short circuits can damage equipment and generate sparks.

Oxygen-Permeable

An object or surface that allows oxygen to pass through it. Oxygen-permeable optical windows are used in vat photopolymerization systems that are oriented for bottom-up printing.

Visual Aids

An object used to illustrate and supplement verbal or written information. Visual aids created using additive manufacturing include conceptual, construction, and surgical models.

Open Mold

An open cavity that has no rigid second piece to enclose the part and apply pressure. Open molds are used in composite molding.

Cables

Bundled wires in a protective sheath that are used to transfer telecommunication signals. Cables are used to connect computers in a network.

Overloaded

Burdened by a level of current that exceeds the recommended level for a device or circuit. Overloaded devices can cause fires and electric shock.

Computer-Aided Design

CAD. Computer software used to create a 3D model of a part before it goes into prototyping or production. Computer-aided design models are converted to an STL format for use by additive manufacturing machines.

Computer-Aided Engineering

CAE. Computer software that helps part manufacturers with the engineering aspect of part design. Computer-aided engineering is helpful in assessing how a part will respond to exposure to a load, fluid movement, and other real-world conditions.

Continuous Liquid Interface Production

CLIP. An additive manufacturing (AM) process in which a part is built by curing layers of a photopolymer with an ultraviolet (UV) projector. In continuous liquid interface production, the part is drawn out of the vat as the UV projector creates an entire layer in one flash of light.

Ceramic Matrix Composites

CMC. A composite made from an oxide, carbide, nitride, or boride matrix and reinforcement materials. Ceramic matrix composites are stiff, lightweight, and can withstand extremely high temperatures.

Computer Numerically Controlled Machines

CNC machines. A sophisticated, precise machine tool run by a computer that requires programmed speed and feed rate values. Computer numerical control machines are very rigid and are capable of fast cutting speeds.

Cures

Causes a material to bond and solidify through heat, time, or chemical means. A laser cures photopolymers in vat photopolymerization processes.

Software

Coded instructions or programs that control computer hardware functions and operations. Software is used as a platform to design additively manufactured parts.

Part Integration

Combining discrete pieces of a part into a design that can be manufactured as one complete part. Part integration can lead to optimized part design and reduced production time.

Directed Energy Deposition

DED. An additive manufacturing process in which focused thermal energy is used to melt materials as they are deposited. Directed energy deposition is often used with powdered or wire metal.

Design For Additive Manufacturing

DFAM. The methodology of planning, testing, and creating an additively manufactured part that functions optimally. Design for additive manufacturing allows engineers to mostly focus on part functionality.

Design For Manufacturability

DFM. The methodology of planning, testing, and creating a part that functions correctly and is easy to manufacture. Design for manufacturability, also known as design for manufacturing, involves considering part functionality and the limits of the manufacturing process.

Design For Manufacturing

DFM. The methodology of planning, testing, and creating a part that functions correctly and is easy to manufacture. Design for manufacturing, also known as design for manufacturability, involves considering part functionality and the limits of the manufacturing process.

Digital Light Processing

DLP. A vat photopolymerization process that uses a specialized projector to display an entire image onto a layer of photopolymer at one time. Digital light processing is a faster process than stereolithography (SLA).

Direct Metal Deposition

DMD. A directed energy deposition process that uses a laser or plasma arc to melt build materials as they are deposited on a build platform. Direct metal deposition most frequently uses metal powders as build materials.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering

DMLS. An additive manufacturing process that uses a laser to bond successive layers of material in a bed of powdered metal. Direct metal laser sintering can produce complex metal parts, such as dies with contoured cooling channels.

Thermal Stress

Damage to a material due to excessive or abrupt changes in temperature. Thermal stress can cause a material to warp or crack.

Thermal Distortion

Deformation caused by exposure to excessive heat. Thermal distortion of parts is a concern for all additive manufacturing processes that use heat, such as material extrusion or powder bed fusion (PBF).

DFAM

Design for additive manufacturing. The methodology of planning, testing, and creating an additively manufactured part that functions optimally. DFAM allows engineers to mostly focus on part functionality.

DFM

Design for manufacturability or design for manufacturing. The methodology of planning, testing, and creating a part that functions correctly and is easy to manufacture. DFM involves considering part functionality and the limits of the manufacturing process.

End-Use

Designed to be used directly by a consumer or directly in another manufactured product. End-use products created by additive manufacturing include medical implants, custom dental devices, and camera equipment.

Thermal Degradation

Deterioration of a material due to overexposure to heat or sun. Thermal degradation can accelerate oxidation in a plastic.

DLP

Digital light processing. A vat photopolymerization process that uses a specialized device to create an entire part layer in one flash of light. DLP builds parts more quickly than other vat photopolymerization processes.

DMLS

Direct metal laser sintering. An additive manufacturing process that uses a laser to bond successive layers of material in a bed of powdered metal. DMLS can produce complex metal parts, though they often require extensive post processing.

DED

Directed energy deposition. An additive manufacturing process in which focused thermal energy is used to melt materials as they are deposited. DED is often used with powdered or wire metal.

Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing

EBAM. A directed energy deposition process that uses an electron beam to melt materials as they are deposited on a build platform. Electron beam additive manufacturing can use either wire or powder feedstock as build materials.

Electron Beam Melting

EBM. An additive manufacturing process that uses an electron beam to bond successive layers of material in a vacuum-sealed bed of powdered metal. Electron beam melting is more expensive than other powder bed fusion (PBF) methods but produces parts with superior physical and mechanical properties.

Electrical Discharge Machining

EDM. A nontraditional machining process that erodes unwanted material from a workpiece using an electric arc. During electrical discharge machining, a workpiece and an electrode are immersed in a dielectric fluid.

EDM

Electrical discharge machining. A widely used nontraditional machining process that removes metal through the repeated sparking of an electrical current. During electrical discharge machining, a workpiece and an electrode are immersed in a dielectric fluid.

EBM

Electron beam melting. A powder bed fusion (PBF) process that builds a part using an electron beam to liquefy and fuse together successive layers of powdered metal. EBM is more expensive than other PBF processes but produces parts with superior physical and mechanical properties.

Radiation

Energy emitted in the form of particles or waves. Prolonged radiation exposure can damage some materials.

Thermal Energy

Energy in the form of heat. Thermal energy is used to fuse materials together in some additive manufacturing methods, such as directed energy deposition (DED) and powder bed fusion (PBF).

Face-Centered Cubic

FCC. The metal crystal structure that contains one atom in the center of the six sides of a cube and one atom in each corner of the cube. Face-centered cubic metals are often ductile.

Fused Deposition Modeling

FDM. An additive manufacturing process that builds parts through extruding successive layers of material. Fused deposition modeling is one of the most accessible and affordable types of additive manufacturing, though it creates parts with poor surface finish and has relatively low build speed.

Fused Filament Fabrication

FFF. An additive manufacturing method that uses a nozzle to dispense material, usually a thermoplastic filament, onto a build platform. Fused filament fabrication is sometimes referred to as either material extrusion or fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Leather

Fabric made from cow hide. Leather provides protection from heat and other thermal hazards.

Lights-Out Manufacturing

Facilities that are fully automated and can operate without any employees on site. Lights-out manufacturing allows for processes to operate overnight and during the weekend.

Sheet Metal

Flat metal stock that is no greater than 0.25 inches (0.64 centimeters) thick. Sheet metal is often sheared, bent, or drawn.

Thermoplastic Sheets

Flat pieces of solid plastic resin that will be reheated and shaped during a secondary shaping operation. Thermoplastic sheets are produced by injection molding or extrusion.

Steel-Toed Boots

Footwear with a steel plate built into the toe area. Steel-toed boots help protect feet from damage from falling objects.

FDM

Fused deposition modeling. An additive manufacturing process that builds parts through extruding successive layers of material. FDM is one of the most accessible and affordable types of additive manufacturing, though it creates parts with poor surface finish and has relatively low build speed.

Hexagonal Close-Packed

HCP. The metal crystal structure that contains a collection of atoms that are closely packed into the shape of a hexagon. Hexagonal close-packed metals are often brittle.

HCS

HCS. An established OSHA policy that sets guidelines for communicating information about hazardous materials, including handling and disposal. The Hazard Communication Standard emphasizes labeling, the use of safety data sheets (SDS), and operator training, and is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

Hazard Communication Standard

HCS. An established OSHA policy that sets guidelines for communicating information about hazardous materials, including handling and disposal. The Hazard Communication Standard emphasizes labeling, the use of safety data sheets (SDS), and operator training, and is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

Hot Isostatic Pressing

HIP. A traditional manufacturing process that simultaneously subjects a part to high heat and gas pressure. Hot isostatic pressing can be used to decrease an additively manufactured part's porosity and increase its density.

Polycrystalline

Having a collection of multiple crystal grain structures with different orientations. Polycrystalline materials include most metals and ceramics.

Nonhomogenous

Having a composition and properties that vary and are not uniform. Nonhomogenous parts have limited functionality and reduced applications compared to homogeneous parts.

Viscous

Having a high resistance to flow. Viscous fluids tend to be sticky or syrupy.

High-Stress

Having a large amount of force attempting to deform an object. High-stress applications, such as aerospace and automotive applications, require parts that have been carefully designed to function properly while withstanding a large amount of force.

Viscoelastic

Having both elastic and viscous properties. Viscoelastic materials have the ability to return to their original shape after undergoing stress, but they will lose shape over time.

Porous

Having many openings or voids. Porous materials act as good insulators.

Transparent

Having the quality of allowing light to pass through. Transparent objects can be seen through.

Steel-Toe Boots

Heavy-duty footwear with a metal plate in the cap. Steel-toe boots protect an operator's foot from falling objects or sharp tools.

Bonded

Held together by a force of attraction or by the application of a chemical agent. Bonded components must first be assembled together.

Hertz

Hz. A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second. Hertz can measure the frequency of sound waves or electromagnetic radiation.

Infrared Radiation

IR radiation. The energy emitted by light sources with wavelengths just longer than red light. Infrared radiation, which cannot be seen with the human eye, can cause eye and skin irritation.

Infrared

IR. An area outside of the visible part of the color spectrum, beyond red. Infrared lasers are often used as thermal energy sources in some powder bed fusion (PBF) processes, such as selective laser sintering (SLS) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

Pyrophoric

Ignites easily. Pyrophoric materials, such as AM powdered metal or plastic, catch fire easily and must be used with proper safety precautions.

First-Aid

Initial and quick medical assistance. First aid is used to help an injured or ill operator before professional help arrives.

Light-Emitting Diodes

LEDs. A semiconductor device that emits a narrow spectrum of light in a forward direction. Light-emitting diodes are sometimes used as light sources in vat photopolymerization.

Laser-Engineered Net Shaping

LENS. A directed energy deposition process that uses a laser beam to melt materials as they are deposited on a build platform. Laser-engineered net shaping is sometimes referred to as laser powder forming.

Laminated Object Manufacturing

LOM. A sheet lamination process that uses an adhesive to bond successive layers of material together to build a final part. Laminated object manufacturing most frequently uses paper as build material but can also use thermoplastic and composite sheets.

LOM

Laminated object manufacturing. A sheet lamination process that uses an adhesive to bond successive layers of material together to build a final part. LOM most frequently uses paper as build material but can also use thermoplastic and composite sheets.

LENS

Laser-engineered net shaping. A directed energy deposition process that uses a laser beam to melt materials as they are deposited on a build platform. LENS is sometimes referred to as laser powder forming.

Sand

Loose, granular material derived from the crumbling of rocks. Sand can be used in additive manufacturing (AM) to create sand casting molds.

Multi-Jet Modeling

MJM. An additive manufacturing method in which droplets of build material are selectively deposited onto a build platform. Multi-jet modeling, or material jetting, uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure photopolymer build material.

Metal Matrix Composites

MMC. A composite made from a metallic matrix and high-performance reinforcement materials. Metal matrix composites have high levels of strength, stiffness, and relatively high resistance to heat.

Metal-Matrix Composites

MMC. A composite made from a metallic matrix and high-performance reinforcement materials. Metal-matrix composites have high levels of strength, stiffness, and relatively high resistance to heat.

Cancer

Malignant cell growth that surrounds and invades healthy tissue. Cancer can be caused by prolonged exposure to infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Inventory

Manufactured products that are stored prior to being shipped to end-use customers. Inventory allows manufacturers to have parts available to sell, but inventory incurs additional storage costs.

Material Data Sheets

Manufacturer-provided documents that describe a material's chemical composition as well as its mechanical and physical properties. Material data sheets include details such as a material's density, tensile and yield strength, hardness, and surface roughness.

Molding

Manufacturing processes that involve pouring heated liquid material into a reusable cavity that shapes the material as it solidifies. Molding is a traditional manufacturing process and includes methods such as injection and transfer molding.

Fiberglass

Material made from extremely fine strands of glass. Fiberglass is a commonly used composite reinforcement material.

Carbon Fiber

Material made from slender, thread-like strands of carbon, a strong non-metallic element. Carbon fibers are a commonly used composite reinforcement material.

Megapascals

Mpa. A unit of pressure derived from the International System of Units (SI). A kilopascal is equal to one million pascals (Pa).

Vacuum Pressure

Negative air pressure caused by a pulling or sucking force. Vacuum pressure forces slurry material against a mold during paper pulp molding.

Blister Packs

Packaging with clear plastic cavities or pockets on a rigid backing that is used for a variety of products. Blister packs are often thermoformed.

Pure

Not containing any intentionally added materials. Pure metals can have optimal physical properties, such as electrical conductivity, but often have poor mechanical properties, such as strength.

Stiff

Not having the ability to return to an original state once having been deformed. Stiff materials show a steep modulus on the stress-strain curve.

Occupational Safety And Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. OSHA ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

Nanometers

One billionth of a meter. Nanometers can be used to describe the size of the ultrafine particles (UFPs) used in additive manufacturing.

Ejector Die

One half of a die that helps form the die cavity, which holds the casting during cooling and solidification. Ejector dies move in order to eject castings from die cavities.

Cover Die

One half of a die, which holds the casting during cooling and solidification, that is attached to a die casting machine. Cover dies help to form a hollow cavity that holds heated liquid metal when paired with ejector dies.

Pole

Opposite ends of an axis. Poles also refer to the opposite ends of a magnet.

Polyamide

PA. A semicrystalline thermoplastic that gains strength when the fibers are stretched. Polyamides are commonly referred to as nylon.

Polycarbonate

PC. A type of thermoplastic that is used for items that require high heat resistance. Polycarbonate is a common polymer used in additive manufacturing processes.

Polyethylene

PE. A polymer that has good ductility and impact strength. Some proprietary thermosets are designed to mimic the properties of polyethylenes.

Polyetherimide

PEI. A manufactured thermoplastic that possesses excellent strength and high resistance to chemical corrosion and thermal degradation. Polyethermides is often used by additive manufacturing methods to make molds for use in metal sheet forming processes.

Polyimides

PI. A thermoset polymer that is lightweight and has good heat and chemical resistance. Polyimides can be used in additive manufacturing processes.

Polylactic Acid

PLA. A biodegradable thermoplastic in the polyester family. Polylactic acid is a natural polymer derived from corn starch and other renewable resources.

Polymer Matrix Composites

PMC. A composite made from a polymer resin matrix and reinforcement materials. Polymer matrix composites are not as strong or heat-resistant as metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites.

Polypropylene

PP. A polymer that is tough, flexible, and resistant to fatigue. Some proprietary thermosets are designed to mimic the properties of polypropylenes.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE. Any clothing or device worn to minimize exposure to hazards or prevent injury. Common additive manufacturing personal protective equipment includes gloves, safety goggles, and nonflammable clothing.

Polyurethanes

PU. A thermoset polymer that is versatile and wear-resistant. Polyurethanes can be used in additive manufacturing processes.

Coveralls

Protective clothing that covers the entire body from the wrists to the ankles. Coveralls provide good general protection for the skin against hazards like skin irritants.

Aprons

Protective clothing that is tied on to protect the torso and upper legs. Aprons are usually used to provide extra protection when working with hazardous liquids.

Safety Glasses

Protective eyewear with metal or plastic frames and impact-resistant lenses. Safety glasses can have protective side shields but do not provide total protection for the areas around the eyes.

Gloves

Protective hand covers that reduce the risk of injury and exposure to hazardous material. Gloves are used by additive manufacturing machine operators to limit exposure to build materials and high-temperature parts and components.

Room Temperature Vulcanizing Molding

RTV molding. A manufacturing process in which a liquid polymer is poured into a heat-resistant, flexible silicone mold to create plastic parts. Room temperature vulcanizing molding is also known as silicone molding.

Bar Stock

Raw material in the form of long bars or cylinders. Bar stock is commonly used in metal manufacturing processes.

Feedstock

Raw material that is used to make manufactured parts. Feedstock for additive manufacturing methods includes filaments, pellets, wire, and powder.

Electrical

Related to electricity or devices that conduct electricity. Electrical hazards include frayed power cables and improperly grounded machines.

Chemical

Relating to the interaction between substances. Chemical means, such as a chemical bath, can be used to separate support structures made of different material than the part.

De-Energizing

Removing electrical power. De-energizing an additive manufacturing machine usually involves unplugging the machine, disconnecting the power cord, or turning off the circuit breaker associated with the machine.

Automated

Run by a preprogrammed mechanical system with little to no human intervention. Automated machines operate more efficiently and precisely than those directly controlled by an operator.

Secure Digital Card

SD card. A small, portable memory disk that can be used to store and transfer data, such as build files for an additive manufacturing part. Secure digital cards are placed in a machine through a specialized slot.

Selective Deposition Lamination

SDL. A sheet lamination process that applies heat and pressure to bond successive layers of material together to build a final part. Selective deposition lamination most frequently uses paper as build material but can also use thermoplastic and composite sheets.

Safety Data Sheets

SDS. Mandatory information that must accompany almost every chemical in the workplace except for items like cleaning supplies. A safety data sheet includes details such as the precautions and first-aid procedures associated with exposure to a chemical.

Stereolithography

SLA. An additive manufacturing process in which a part is built by curing layers of a photoreactive resin with an ultraviolet (UV) laser. Stereolithography, also known as vat photopolymerization, is often used for making softer parts that require a high degree of customization such as dental aligners or hearing aids.

Selective Laser Melting

SLM. A powder bed fusion (PBF) process that builds a part using a laser to melt together successive layers of powdered metals. Selective laser melting is similar to selective laser sintering (SLS) but produces stronger and denser parts by fully melting build materials.

Selective Laser Sintering

SLS. An additive manufacturing process in which a part is built by heating and solidifying layers of powdered material, usually a polymer. Selective laser sintering parts are strong and durable but usually have poor surface finish.

Touch-Probe Technology

Scanning equipment that uses a sensitive device that makes physical contact with an object to generate data about the geometric shape of that object. Touch-probe technology is used to reverse engineer traditionally manufactured parts to recreate them using additive manufacturing processes.

SDL

Selective deposition lamination. A sheet lamination process that applies heat and pressure to bond successive layers of material together to build a final part. SDL most frequently uses paper as build material but can also use thermoplastic and composite sheets.

SLM

Selective laser melting. A powder bed fusion (PBF) process that builds a part using a laser to melt together successive layers of powdered metals. SLM is similar to selective laser sintering (SLS) but produces stronger and denser parts by fully melting build materials.

SLS

Selective laser sintering. An additive manufacturing process in which a part is built by heating and solidifying layers of powdered material, usually a polymer. SLS parts are strong and durable but usually have poor surface finish.

Deforming

Shifting out of the desired shape. Deforming can occur in additive manufacturing parts if they are not oriented correctly to support their own weight.

Contact Burns

Skin damage from touching an overheated component or other object. Contact burns can occur when poor electrical connections cause an exposed device or component to dangerously overheat.

Debris

Small particles or pieces of material. Debris is produced by most manufacturing operations and can cause injury if the correct safety measures, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), are not in use.

Precipitates

Solid elements that have been separated from a type of liquid solution. Precipitates that separate out of a solution can change a metal's properties.

Dense

Solidly compressed. Dense material transfers heat and energy efficiently.

SLA

Stereolithography. An additive manufacturing process in which a part is built by curing layers of a photo-reactive resin with an ultraviolet (UV) laser. SLA, also known as vat polymerization, is often used for making softer parts that require a high degree of customization such as dental aligners or hearing aids.

Networking

The ability for two or more computers to connect and communicate with each other. Networking additionally allows computers to communicate with additive manufacturing (AM) machines.

Repeatability

The ability of a manufacturing process to produce consistent and uniform results. Die casting enables the production of parts with a high degree of repeatability.

Electrically Conductive

The ability of a material to act as a medium for conveying electricity. Electrically conductive materials include carbides, polycrystalline diamond, and a variety of metals.

Electrical Conductivity

The ability of a material to act as a medium for conveying electricity. Polymers often have low electrical conductivity, while most metals usually have high electrical conductivity.

Thermal Conductivity

The ability of a material to act as a medium for conveying heat. Most metals usually have high thermal conductivity, while polymers often have low thermal conductivity.

Slurry

The channel where molten metal enters the mold. At the beginning of the casting process, molten metal is poured into the mold cavity through the sprue.

Sprue

The channel where molten metal enters the mold. At the beginning of the casting process, molten metal is poured into the mold cavity through the sprue.

Turbine Disk

The circular object, capable of rotating around an axis, that holds the turbine blades. A turbine disk has a relatively simple shape that is best created using traditional manufacturing techniques.

Nervous System

The collection of cells and connective fibers that carry impulses throughout the body. The nervous system may begin to function irregularly after prolonged exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs).

Mechanical Properties

The collection of properties that describe a material's ability to compress, stretch, bend, scratch, dent, or break. Mechanical properties include hardness, ductility, and tensile strength.

Interface

The control panel and displays that the operator uses to interact with and control a machine. Each additive manufacturing machine has a unique interface that the operator must be trained to use.

Conformal Cooling

The creation of cooling channel configurations that curve and closely correspond to a part's shape. Conformal cooling provides manufacturers with better heat management and allows them to reduce tools wear and cycle time.

Peeling

The curving up of the sides of a plastic part as a result of thermal distortion. Peeling can be reduced by building parts through stacking shorter layers.

Feedstock Roll

The cylindrical mechanism on a sheet lamination machine that holds and dispenses thin sheets of build material. Feedstock rolls often hold rolls of paper, polymer, or metal.

Part Complexity

The degree of intricacy in the design of a part. Part complexity can be increased through the use of additive manufacturing processes.

Surface Finish

The degree of smoothness on a part's outer surface after it has been manufactured. Surface finish quality varies depending on the additive manufacturing process used and the build parameters.

Transparency

The degree to which a material allows light to pass through it. Transparency is an optical property present in many polymers.

Impurity Content

The degree to which a material contains foreign elements or substances. The impurity content of a metal powder depends on its atomization process.

Corrosion

The gradual deterioration of a material due to atmospheric exposure. Corrosion often appears on metal in the form of rust.

Tempering

The heat treatment of metals to temperatures below the recrystallization phase, followed by gradual cooling. Tempering can increase a material's hardness.

Firing

The heating of ceramic materials at elevated temperatures. Firing helps to solidify the material and improve its strength.

Aerospace

The industry that covers machines or vehicles of flight. Aerospace manufacturers generally require workpiece materials with very specific properties.

Cryogenic

The industry that deals with producing and using exceedingly low temperatures. Cryogenic industries often study the behavior of materials when exposed to temperatures below -292 degrees Fahrenheit, or -180 degrees Celsius.

Ductwork

The interconnected system of channels, tubes, and vents used to convey a material, such as cooled air. Ductwork is usually made by connecting a series of smaller tubes and plates, but additive manufacturing ductwork can be made from large, unified components.

Opacity

The lack of transparency in a material or the degree to which it absorbs light. Opacity is an optical property present in many polymers.

Parting Line

The line along a part where the mold halves separate. Parting lines may be straight or curved.

Geometric

The linear and curved shapes that characterize a part. Geometric complexity is one of the key advantages of additive manufacturing.

Geometric Complexity

The linear and curved shapes that characterize a part. Geometric complexity is one of the key advantages of additive manufacturing.

Y-Axis

The linear axis representing back-and-forth movement of an AM layering device, relative to the origin. The y-axis, along with the x-axis, is one of two horizontal axes in AM part production.

X-Axis

The linear axis representing the side-to-side movement of an AM layering device, relative to the origin. The x-axis, along with the y-axis, is one of two horizontal axes in AM part production.

Z-Axis

The linear axis that represents up-and-down motion of an AM layering device, relative to the origin. The z-axis is the only vertical axis in AM part production and, because the layers are placed along the z-axis, the vertical surfaces of an additively manufactured part will have reduced tolerance and surface finish.

Build Area

The location and space within an additive manufacturing machine in which the part is actually constructed. Build areas in some additive manufacturing machines are open while others are surrounded by an enclosure.

Hole Proximity

The location of a hole relative to the edge of a part. Proper hole proximity ensures that the hole is far enough away from the edge of a part to maintain the correct shape.

Distribution

The movement of parts from manufacturers at the point of production to end-use customers. Distribution expenses are considered part of manufacturing system costs.

Printer Head

The moving component on a printer that holds and distributes the part build material. Additive manufacturing machines such as FDM or material jetting have printer heads.

Print Heads

The moving component on a printer that holds and distributes the part build material. Additive manufacturing machines, such as material jetting or binder jetting, have print heads.

Frequencies

The number of sound wave oscillations or vibrations in a unit of time as measured in hertz (Hz). Frequencies that are higher involve more wave cycles than low frequencies in the same amount of time.

Lymph System

The organs, tissues, and structures in the body that help remove toxins and other undesirable substances. The lymph system can malfunction after prolonged exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs).

Shell

The outer layer of an additive manufacturing (AM) part. Shells can vary in thickness at different places on an individual part.

Quality Assurance

The overall effort by a manufacturer to ensure all parts and products meet consumer or regulatory standards. Quality assurance is a challenge for additive manufacturing operations because the layering process can be highly variable.

Reinforcement

The part of the composite that provides strength, stiffness, and the ability to carry a load. Reinforcement materials can be in the form of whiskers, particles, or fibers.

Reinforcement Material

The part of the composite that provides strength, stiffness, and the ability to carry a load. Reinforcement materials can be in the form of whiskers, particles, or fibers.

Properties

The physical and mechanical characteristics of a material that distinguish it from other materials. The properties of a material can be altered with additives.

Part Orientation

The position a part will be manufactured in during an additive manufacturing process. Part orientation involves balancing part quality and build times.

Magnetism

The power of attraction and repulsion that exists in some materials. Magnetism occurs more frequently between metals than polymers.

Deformation

The process of a part bending out of the desired shape. Deformation reduces part tolerance and can occur due to thermal distortion or improper part orientation.

Infiltration

The process of a substance entering a porous material in order to fill any empty spaces or voids. Infiltration is a specialized post-processing step that is sometimes used to harden and strengthen parts produced by binder jetting.

Plating

The process of adding a thin layer of metal to serve as a decorative or protective coating on a part. Plating is used to improve the appearance or functionality of some additive manufacturing parts.

Sealing

The process of applying an impermeable, nonporous coating to a part to protect it from interacting with other substances. Sealing is used to keep fused deposition modeling (FDM) parts from interacting negatively with the surrounding environment.

Shaping Processes

The process of changing the shape of a piece of plastic. Shaping processes include molding, extrusion, and casting.

Product Development

The process of creating a new salable part. Product development requires an investment in design, testing, and the creation of new prototypes.

Design

The process of creating the actual part specifications. Design involves creating the blueprints and prototypes for a part.

Designing

The process of creating the actual part specifications. Designing involves creating the blueprints and prototypes for a part.

Assembly

The process of fitting components together into a larger or completed part. Assembly includes inserting components into a final part or mechanically joining components together.

Precipitation Hardening

The process of heating an element to a temperature at which it precipitates and then cooling it at a rate to prevent return to the original structure. Precipitation hardening forms a harder structure.

Material Handling

The process of loading, unloading, placing, or manipulating material. Material handling can refer to moving large volumes of material, such as barrels, or manipulating a small amount of a material, such as loading metal powder in an additive manufacturing machine.

Sand Casting

The process of making a part by pouring molten metal into a sand mold. Sand casting uses a sacrificial mold.

Low-Pressure Casting

The process of pouring the molten metal into the mold at a very low velocity. Sand casting, investment casting, and some forms of permanent mold casting are low-pressure casting processes.

3D Printing

The process of producing a 3D object using a specialized tool that creates successive layers of material. 3D printing technically must involve the use of a print head or nozzle but the term is often used interchangeably with additive manufacturing.

Resurface

The process of restoring a flat area to its original shape and specifications. Operators must resurface build platforms used to create metal additive manufacturing (AM) parts to remove any residual part material that would affect the next build.

Download

The process of transferring data, usually a copy, from one computer to another. Some computer programs can be downloaded from the Internet for free or for a fee.

Laser Scanning

The process of using a concentrated beam of light to generate data about the geometric shape of an object. Laser scanning is used to create a point cloud that can be turned into a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) model.

Curing

The process of using heat, ultraviolet radiation, or pressure to harden a thermoset. Curing creates a chemical reaction that permanently cross-links the molecules.

Small-Batch Production Runs

The production of a limited number of parts, usually less than 500. Small batch production runs can be cost-effective using additive manufacturing (AM) technology.

Small-Batch Runs

The production of a small number of parts, usually under 500. A small-batch run can be cost-effective using additive manufacturing technology.

Current

The rate and amount of electrical flow, which is measured in amperage. Current flowing through an electrode and to a workpiece creates the electrical arc used in electrical discharge machining.

Deposition Rate

The rate at which material is layered in an additive manufacturing process. Deposition rate helps determine the speed at which a part is built.

Deposition Rates

The rate at which material is layered in an additive manufacturing process. Deposition rate helps determine the speed at which a part is built.

Feed

The rate at which the cutting tool and/or the workpiece moves in relation to one another in a traditional manufacturing operation. Feed is often measured in inches per minute (ipm) or millimeters per minute (mm/min).

Speed

The rate at which the surface of the workpiece rotates past the cutting edge of a tool at the point of contact in a traditional manufacturing operation. Speed is often measured in revolutions per minute (rpm).

Topological Optimization

The rearrangement of a part's geometric and/or material components to optimize its performance. Topological optimization is based on a given set of load and environmental conditions compared to performance requirements.

Die Cavity

The recessed, enclosed space between two die halves. Die cavities form the shape of the final part as well as hold the casting as it cools and solidifies.

Crystal Structures

The regular, repeating pattern of atoms in a material. Crystal structures in a metal develop as the metal drops below the recrystallization temperature and solidifies.

Strength-To-Weight Ratios

The relationship between a material's strength and its weight. Materials that are light but also very strong have a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Strength-To-Weight Ratio

The relationship between a material's strength and its weight. Materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio are light but also very strong.

Grain Structure

The relationship between the small, individual crystals in a metal or alloy. Grain structure helps determine the mechanical and physical properties of a metal or finished metal part.

Grain Structures

The relationship between the small, individual crystals in a metal or alloy. Grain structure helps determine the mechanical and physical properties of a metal or finished metal part.

Build Plate

The removable platform in an additive manufacturing system that supports the in-process part. A build plate is commonly used in metal powder bed fusion operations.

Toolpaths

The series of coordinate positions that determine the movement of a tool during a manufacturing operation. Toolpaths for additive manufacturing machines are automatically generated by specialized slicing computer programs that analyze the 3D part model and divide it into layers.

Vacuum System

The several components that work together to pull or suck materials out of an area via the application of pressure. Vacuum systems are used to remove excess resin during composite molding processes.

Microstructure

The shape and alignment of microscopic components in a material. Microstructure helps determine the properties of a material.

Hole Diameter

The size of a circular opening on a part. Hole diameter is limited to a certain minimum and maximum based on the AM process in use.

Quenching

The soaking of a metal at a high temperature above the recrystallization phase, followed by rapid cooling due to exposure to a quenching medium, such as water, saltwater, air, and oil. Quenching can increase a material's hardness.

Extrusion Temperature

The specific heat used by the heating elements to melt materials for the material extrusion processes in additive manufacturing (AM). Extrusion temperature is usually set based on the specific material, most often polymer, used in a particular material extrusion operation.

Annealing

The steady heating of a metal above the recrystallization phase, followed by gradual cooling. Annealing can reduce hardness, improve machinability, and facilitate cold working.

Build Materials

The substance used to create an additive manufacturing (AM) part. Build material includes metal, plastic, and ceramics.

Build Material

The substance used to create an additive manufacturing part. Build material includes metal, plastic, and ceramics.

Support Material

The substance used to create the support structures for an additive manufacturing part. Support material is often slightly different from the build material so that it can be more easily removed once the part is finished.

Support Materials

The substance used to create the support structures for an additively manufactured part. Support material is often slightly different from the build material so that it can be more easily removed once the part is finished.

Melting Point

The temperature at which a material changes from a solid to a liquid. Melting points for semicrystalline materials are sharply defined, while amorphous thermoplastics have a glass transition temperature.

Glass Transition Temperature

The temperature at which a rigid solid becomes pliable and can be formed, shaped, or molded. The glass transition temperature of an amorphous thermoplastic is slightly below the melting point of a semicrystalline thermoplastic.

Recrystallization Temperature

The temperature at which new grains are formed in a metal. Every metal has a specific recrystallization temperature.

Ambient-Temperature

The temperature of the air and surrounding environment. Ambient-temperature processes include ultrasonic consolidation (UC), which is performed by open-air systems.

Thermal Expansion

The tendency of a material to increase in size as it increases in temperature. Every material has its own unique rate at which it expands when subjected to increases in temperature.

Build Rate

The time it takes to build a part or the number of parts that can be made in a set period of time. Build rates, or production rates, for additive manufacturing (AM) are considerably slower than traditional manufacturing.

Build Rates

The time it takes to build a part or the number of parts that can be made in a set period of time. Build rates, or production rates, for additive manufacturing are considerably lower than traditional manufacturing.

Production Rate

The time it takes to build a part or the number of parts that can be made in a set period of time. Production rates, or build rates, for additive manufacturing (AM) are considerably slower than traditional manufacturing.

Production Rates

The time it takes to build a part or the number of parts that can be made in a set period of time. Production rates, or build rates, for additive manufacturing are considerably lower than traditional manufacturing.

Production Speed

The time it takes to turn a workpiece from raw material or stock into a finished part. Traditional manufacturing operations typically have better production speed than additive manufacturing.

Mass Production

The time- and cost-saving process of rapidly producing a large volume of parts. Mass production is made possible through traditional manufacturing operations.

Fixtures

The tooling used to position and hold a workpiece during a manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing fixturing is usually made by material extrusion processes.

Cope

The top half of the mold in a casting operation. Most molds have two halves that are used together to shape the casting.

Optical Window

The transparent floor of the vat that holds liquid photopolymers in vat photopolymerization systems oriented for bottom-up printing. The optical window allows light to pass through and contact the photopolymer material.

Finishing Process

The treatment of a surface to remove roughness and irregularities and improve its appearance. Finishing processes include sanding, heat treating, and painting.

Finishing Processes

The treatment of a surface to remove roughness and irregularities and improve its appearance. Finishing processes include sanding, heat treating, and painting.

Drilling

The use of a multi-point tool to machine a new round hole into the surface of a workpiece. Drilling is often performed on a drill press.

Abrasive Finishing

The use of an abrasive, such as sandpaper, to polish and smooth the surface of a part. Abrasive finishing is commonly used to improve the surface finish of an additive manufacturing part.

Matrix

The viscous material that binds together the reinforcing fibers of a composite and hardens to give the part shape and protect the fibers from damage. Matrix materials can be a variety of polymers, metals, or ceramics.

Matrix Material

The viscous material that binds together the reinforcing fibers of a composite and hardens to give the part shape and protect the fibers from damage. Matrix materials can be a variety of polymers, metals, or ceramics.

Build Lines

The visible boundaries between layers of hardened material that compose an additively manufactured part. Build lines can be prone to fatigue failure.

Cubic Yard

The volume of a cube with sides measuring one yard in length. Most additive manufacturing machines are currently limited to creating objects one cubic yard or smaller.

3D

Three-dimensional. Having a length, depth, and width. 3D structures are created during additive manufacturing processes.

Safety Goggles

Tight-fitting eye protection that completely covers the eyes and the area surrounding the eyes. Safety goggles protect against flying debris.

Uniform

To be constant and unchanging. Uniform crystal structures compose all metals.

Embedded

To be enveloped by or surrounded by another material or object. Parts with embedded electrical components can be built using ultrasonic consolidation (UC).

Pliable

To be flexible and easily bent. Pliable materials are easily shaped.

Fuse

To blend with other materials to form a single object. Additive manufacturing processes such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and directed energy deposition (DED) use an electron beam to fuse metal powder into a solid object.

Fracture

To break apart into two or more pieces as a result of stress. Fracture is a type of catastrophic failure.

Degrades

To break down slowly over time due to exposure to various environmental conditions. A plastic part made through material jetting degrades over time due to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

Degrade

To break down slowly over time due to exposure to various environmental conditions. Dies degrade over time and use due to their exposure to extreme temperatures.

Char

To burn an object's surface until it becomes black or discolored. Charring of thermoset materials occurs when they are exposed to heat after their initial setting.

Flash Cures

To cause a material to bond and solidify by exposing it to a flash of ultraviolet (UV) light. Material jetting systems use an ultraviolet lamp to flash cure build materials as they are deposited on to a build platform.

Cure

To cause a material to bond and solidify by permanently cross-linking its molecules through heat, time, or chemical means. Curing often occurs as a molten material cools and solidifies.

Distort

To change from a natural shape and condition. Parts may distort due to thermal stress produced during some additive manufacturing methods.

Deform

To change or distort an object's shape. Deformed object's have permanently lost their original shape.

Purge

To clean a nozzle used in an additive manufacturing (AM) process, such as material jetting, material extrusion, or binder jetting. Operators purge the nozzle by scraping it with a rigid wire or soaking it in solvent.

Implode

To collapse inward. Hollow wax pattern designed to implode help reduce the chance of an investment mold developing cracks.

Mates

To connect and fit tightly together. Mating components, such as molds, usually fit one inside of the other.

Seals

To fill in any voids in a part's surface to make it impermeable. Parts produced by binder jetting undergo an infiltration post-processing step that seals their surfaces.

Extruding

To force a material, usually a polymer, through a nozzle or a die. Some additive manufacturing methods build a product by extruding material onto a platform.

Bonds

To hold together by a force of attraction or by the application of heat, pressure, or an adhesive. Some additive manufacturing methods, such as binder jetting and sheet lamination, bond materials together to build a part.

Optimize

To improve a process to the point where it is as effective and functional as it can be. Optimizing a manufacturing process involves taking steps to eliminate waste and maximize profits.

Electromechanical

To operate through a combination of electricity and mechanical motion. Electromechanical parts include relays, switches, and actuators.

Warp

To physically bend, twist, or deform. Warpage is commonly caused by poor heat exchange and uneven cooling.

Dissipate

To spread out, or disperse, and disappear. Contoured cooling channels allows heat to dissipate evenly.

Vaporize

To transform a material into a gas through the application of heat. Electrical discharge machining uses an electric arc to vaporize unwanted material from a workpiece.

Proving

To verify the accuracy of a part design. Proving includes fully testing a part's capabilities and functions.

Upskilling

Training that expands the skill set of the trainee. Upskilling is used to expand the knowledge of engineers and operators, which in turn expands the possibilities for a manufacturing operation, such as adding additive manufacturing.

Interlocking

Two parts that connect by overlapping or fitting together. Interlocking often ensures each individual part is unable to move or operate without the other part.

Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing

UAM. A sheet lamination process that uses high-frequency vibrations to bond successive layers of material together to build a final part. Ultrasonic additive manufacturing, or ultrasonic consolidation (UC), most frequently uses sheets of metal foil or tape as build material.

Ultrasonic Consolidation

UC. A sheet lamination process that uses high-frequency vibrations to bond successive layers of material together to build a final part. Ultrasonic consolidation, or ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM), most frequently uses sheets of metal foil or tape as build material.

Ultrafine Particles

UFPs. Microscopic airborne particulates from natural or industrial sources. Inhaling ultrafine particles created when heating thermoplastic or moving additive manufacturing metal powder can lead to respiratory problems.

Universal Serial Bus Drive

USB drive. A small, portable memory device that can be used to store and transfer data, such as build files for an additive manufacturing part. Universal serial bus drives are connected to AM machines through a USB port.

Ultraviolet Degradation

UV degradation. The deterioration of a material due to overexposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Ultraviolet degradation is typically associated with plastics.

Ultraviolet Lamp

UV lamp. A light source that steadily or in flashes emits ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet lamps are often used in material jetting to flash cure thermoset build materials.

Ultraviolet Light

UV light. A potentially harmful wavelength of light that is below, or shorter, than violet on the light spectrum. Ultraviolet light is used to selectively solidify liquid photopolymer in material jetting and vat photopolymerization.

Ultraviolet Oven

UV oven. Equipment that exposes material to ultraviolet light from all directions. Ultraviolet ovens are sometimes used to cure additively manufactured parts.

Ultraviolet Radiation

UV radiation. Energy transmitted as invisible wavelengths. Ultraviolet radiation is used in the curing process for some thermosets.

Ultraviolet Rays

UV rays. Potentially harmful wavelengths from the sun that are invisible to the naked eye. Ultraviolet rays can damage a plastic at the molecular level.

Ultraviolet-Curable

UV-curable. Able to be hardened through exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet-curable materials include a variety of photopolymers.

Ultraviolet

UV. A potentially harmful wavelength of light that is below, or shorter than, violet on the light spectrum. Ultraviolet light is used to selectively solidify liquid photopolymer in vat photopolymerization processes.

UV Light

Ultraviolet light. A potentially harmful wavelength of light that is below, or shorter, than violet on the light spectrum. UV light is used to selectively solidify liquid photopolymer in material jetting and vat photopolymerization.

UV

Ultraviolet. A potentially harmful wavelength of light that is below, or shorter than, violet on the light spectrum. UV light is used to selectively solidify photopolymer in vat photopolymerization processes.

Homogenous

Uniform in composition and properties. Homogenous part layers are achieved by powder bed fusion (PBF) processes, such as selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM), which fully melt, rather than sinter, build materials.

Downtime

Unproductive blocks of time during which machine operations cease, often due to mechanical problems. Downtime raises a company's financial costs, which leads to financial losses.

Scrap

Unusable material removed from a workpiece to create a finished part. Scrap is a waste product of manufacturing that is significantly reduced through using AM processes.

Indirect Rapid Prototyping

Using additive manufacturing processes to create patterns or molds for parts and tooling rather than final products. Indirect rapid prototyping processes are sometimes referred to as secondary processes or indirect rapid tooling.

Indirect Rapid Tooling

Using additive manufacturing processes to create patterns or molds for parts and tooling rather than final products. Indirect rapid tooling processes are sometimes referred to as secondary processes or indirect rapid prototyping.

Secondary Process

Using additive manufacturing processes to create patterns or molds for parts and tooling rather than final products. Secondary processes are sometimes referred to as indirect rapid tooling or indirect rapid prototyping.

Air Blasting

Using compressed air as a cleaning tool. Air blasting is often used to clean excess powder off additive manufacturing (AM) parts built with the powder bed fusion (PBF) processes.

Mechanical

Using physical force. Additive manufacturing support structures can be removed by mechanically using pliers to tear away the structures.

Fumes

Vapor that is hazardous to inhale. Additive manufacturing processes, such as material extrusion using plastic, can create fumes.

Wire Electrical Discharge Machining

Wire EDM. A material removal process where electricity is fed through a thin strip of metal in order to shape or separate parts. Wire electrical discharge machining is often used to accurately cut metal additive manufacturing (AM) parts from the build plate.

Pounds Per Square Inch

psi. A unit of pressure used in the English system. Pounds per square inch measures the amount of load pressure that is applied over an area of one square inch.