Short, clear explanations of the terms you come across in 3D printing, 3D scanning, laser engraving and 3D design. Each term has a one-sentence definition and a practical explanation, with a link to the matching service.
3D printing is a manufacturing technique that builds an object layer by layer from a digital 3D model.
3D scanning is digitising an existing physical object into an accurate 3D model.
A brim is a thin border printed around the first layer of a 3D print to improve adhesion to the print bed.
Infill is the internal, usually partly hollow pattern inside a 3D print.
Laser engraving is permanently applying text, images or markings to a material with a laser beam.
Print-in-place is a design technique where moving parts such as a hinge or chain are printed together in one go, already assembled and movable, with no assembly afterwards.
Reverse engineering is turning an existing object back into an editable digital model.
A STEP file stores the exact, mathematical shape of a 3D model instead of a triangle approximation.
An STL file is the most common file format for 3D printing.
Supports are temporary props a 3D printer prints under overhanging parts that would otherwise hang in mid-air.