Glossary

Here you will find a description of some of the key concepts, organizations, and technologies that we discuss in this course. If you would like us to add a description of something that we may have missed, please make a suggestion in our discussion forum.

E

Economies of scale. Economies of scale are the cost advantages that enterprises obtain due to size, output, or scale of operation, with cost per unit of output generally decreasing with increasing scale as fixed costs are spread out over more units of output. (Source: Wikipedia )

F

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). A common 3D printing technique that creates objects by melting filament and extruding it through a small nozzle that moves in three dimensions.

Fusion360. An advanced 3D modeling software used for creating 3D printable designs.

H

Hackerspace. A place in which people with an interest in making things can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. (Source: Google Definitions )

M

MakerBot. One of the first desktop 3D printer manufacturers located in Brooklyn, NY. Its product line includes the Cupcake and Replicator 3D Printers.

Maker’s Marks. As a new experimental method developed by researchers at Stanford and the University of California, Maker’s Marks allows users to easily create 3D designs by using a combination of modeling clay and stickers.

P

PrintrBot. PrintrBot is a 3D printer company aimed at home users through its small size factor, low cost, and ease of assembly. (Source: Wikipedia )

S

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). A 3D printing technology that uses high intensity light to sinter a powdered material.

Soli. A Google project that will let users easily create 3D objects by moving their finger in space.

Stereolithography (SLA). A 3D printing technology which makes objects by using a high intensity light or a laser to harden a plastic resin.

T

Thingiverse. Founded by MakerBot in 2008, Thingiverse is a free online repository of 3D design files that can be downloaded and created on a 3D printer.

TinkerCad. The most accessible 3D modeling software that can create 3D printable designs.

Thermoplastic. Thermoplastic is a plastic, 3D printable material that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling. (Source: Wikipedia )

U

Ultimaker. A 3D printer manufacturer with headquarters in Geldermalsen, Netherlands, Ultimaker started out as an open-source printer company, and its current product line includes the Ultimaker 2+, Ultimaker 2, and the Ultimaker Original. (Source: Wikipedia )