Additive manufacturing terminology explained: A beginner’s guide

Additive manufacturing terminology can make or break your next project—do you know what it all means?

For engineers, project managers, and executives in the fast-evolving and high-growth manufacturing industry, navigating the complex language of additive manufacturing can feel like decoding a foreign blueprint—frustrating and risky if misunderstood. 

Fortunately, there’s a way to demystify this niche vocabulary and turn it into a powerful tool for success. 

With a clear grasp of additive manufacturing terminology, you can enhance technical documentation, streamline international collaboration, and confidently expand into global markets—all while avoiding costly errors and miscommunication. 

The challenge is real: without this knowledge, SMEs and startups risk delays, compliance issues, or lost opportunities in a sector where precision is everything.

Curious how mastering these terms can transform your workflow and give your business an edge? 

Let’s dive into this beginner’s guide and explore why understanding additive manufacturing terminology is a game-changer for technical professionals and decision-makers like you.

What is additive manufacturing? Understanding the basics

If you’re new to additive manufacturing—or AM, as insiders often call it—you might wonder what sets it apart from the manufacturing methods you’re already familiar with. 

At its core, additive manufacturing is a process that builds objects layer by layer, using digital designs to guide the precise deposition of material. 

Think of it as a 3D printer stacking thin sheets of metal, plastic, or even ceramic, one on top of the other, until a fully formed part emerges. 

This approach allows for incredible flexibility, creating complex shapes that would be impossible or wildly expensive with traditional methods.

Contrast that with conventional manufacturing, where you typically start with a block of material and subtract what you don’t need—cutting, drilling, or milling away excess steel or aluminum, for example. 

Subtractive processes often leave behind waste and struggle with intricate geometries. 

Additive manufacturing flips this on its head: material is only added where it’s needed, minimizing waste and unlocking new design possibilities. 

For companies in high-growth niches, this distinction matters. 

It’s why AM is transforming industries like aerospace, medical devices, and automotive—sectors where precision and innovation drive success.

Understanding this foundational concept is key, especially when you’re dealing with technical documentation or collaborating across borders. 

Misinterpreting “layer-by-layer fabrication” in a spec sheet or a translated manual could derail a project. 

My years running a specialized translation agency have taught me that clarity here isn’t optional—it’s essential. 

When you grasp how AM builds from the ground up, you’re better equipped to communicate with engineers, suppliers, and clients, no matter the language or market.

Key concepts in additive manufacturing terminology

If you’re stepping into additive manufacturing—or even if you’ve been around the block but still find the jargon a bit tangled—this list of key terms is your starting point. 

These are the building blocks of a technology that’s reshaping how we design, produce, and compete globally. 

For decision-makers and technical pros in high-growth niches, understanding this vocabulary means sharper communication, fewer missteps, and a stronger foothold in international markets. 

I’ve honed this guide to clarify the essentials—because when precision matters, so does every word. 

Let’s break it down.

• Additive Manufacturing (AM): The defining term, AM describes a set of processes and production technologies that create three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing (like milling).
  
• 3D Printing: Often used interchangeably with Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing is, more technically, a subset of AM. It primarily refers to processes that deposit material using a print head, nozzle, or similar technology. While all 3D printing is AM, not all AM is strictly “3D printing” (e.g., large-scale processes like Directed Energy Deposition). It’s acceptable (and often preferable) to use “3D printing” in a beginner’s context, but understanding the nuance is important.
• Layer-by-Layer Manufacturing: The fundamental principle of AM. Objects are built by adding successive layers of material on top of each other, each layer adhering to the one below. This is in contrast to subtractive manufacturing, which removes material from a solid block.
• Digital Model / CAD File: A three-dimensional digital representation of the object to be printed, created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This file serves as the blueprint for the AM process. Common file formats include STL (Standard Tessellation Language) and 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format).
• Build Volume / Build Envelope: The maximum size of an object that can be printed by a specific AM machine. It defines the physical limits (X, Y, and Z dimensions) of the build space.
• Resolution: The level of detail or precision that an AM process can achieve. It’s often expressed in terms of layer thickness (Z-axis resolution) and the smallest feature size that can be printed in the X-Y plane. Higher resolution generally means finer details and smoother surfaces, but often comes at the cost of build speed.
• Material Extrusion: A broad category of AM processes where material (typically a thermoplastic filament) is melted and extruded through a nozzle, layer by layer, to build the object. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most common example.
• Slicing: The process of converting the 3D digital model (CAD file) into a series of thin, two-dimensional layers that the AM machine can understand. Slicing software generates the instructions (G-code) that control the machine’s movements.
• G-code: A numerical control (NC) programming language. It is a set of instructions to control the movement and printing of a 3D printer.
• Support Structures: Temporary structures built during the AM process to support overhanging parts or features of the object that would otherwise collapse during printing. Support structures are typically made of the same material as the object (or a dissolvable material) and are removed after the build is complete. This concept is critical for understanding the limitations and design considerations of many AM processes.
•  Powder Bed Fusion (PBF): A category of AM processes where thermal energy (usually a laser or electron beam) selectively fuses regions of a powder bed. This encompasses several important processes like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Selective Laser Melting (SLM), and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). Introducing PBF as a category helps beginners understand the relationship between these different (but related) processes. It also introduces powder as a common AM feedstock.
• Vat Photopolymerization: A category of AM processes where a liquid photopolymer resin is selectively cured (hardened) by light, layer by layer. Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) are the most common examples. This introduces the concept of using liquid resin as a feedstock and highlights the use of light as a curing mechanism.

Exploring common additive manufacturing processes

When you’re exploring additive manufacturing, the sheer variety of processes can feel like a maze—each with its own terminology, quirks, and possibilities. 

Whether you’re an engineering manager fine-tuning a prototype or a C-level exec plotting global expansion, knowing the language of these common AM processes is your ticket to clarity and control. 

From lasers fusing metal powder to light hardening liquid resin, these methods define how ideas turn into parts. 

After years learning and translating highly-technical documentation in this field, I’ve learned that mastering this terminology isn’t just about sounding smart—it’s about ensuring your team, suppliers, and partners are all on the same page, no matter the language or market. 

Let’s break down the major additive manufacturing methods, step-by-step.

I. Material Extrusion Processes:

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): The most widely known and accessible AM process. A thermoplastic filament is melted and extruded through a nozzle, layer by layer, to build the object. Often used for prototyping and low-cost parts. Synonym: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) – technically FFF is the open-source term, while FDM is trademarked by Stratasys, but they are often used interchangeably.
• Material Extrusion (MEX – General Term): Term used in ISO/ASTM 52900 to mention the family of processes.

II. Vat Photopolymerization Processes:

• Stereolithography (SLA): An early AM process. A UV laser beam cures (hardens) a liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer, in a vat. Known for high accuracy and smooth surface finishes.
• Digital Light Processing (DLP): Definition: Similar to SLA, but uses a digital light projector to cure an entire layer of resin at once, rather than a scanning laser. This can be faster than SLA for some geometries.
• Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP): A variation of DLP that uses a special oxygen-permeable membrane to create a “dead zone” of uncured resin, allowing for continuous, faster printing.
• Vat Photopolymerization (VPP – General Term): Term used in ISO/ASTM 52900 to mention the family of processes.

III. Powder Bed Fusion Processes:

• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): A laser selectively sinters (fuses) powdered material (typically nylon or other polymers) together, layer by layer. Known for producing strong, functional parts without the need for support structures (in many cases).
• Selective Laser Melting (SLM): Similar to SLS, but uses a higher-powered laser to fully melt metal powders, creating denser, stronger parts. Used for high-performance applications.
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): A term often used interchangeably with SLM, although some distinguish DMLS as partially melting the metal powder. For a beginner’s guide, it’s acceptable to treat them as synonymous, but mentioning the slight nuance is helpful.
• Electron Beam Melting (EBM): Uses an electron beam in a vacuum to melt metal powders. Known for producing high-density, high-strength parts, often used for aerospace and medical implants.
• Powder Bed Fusion (PBF – General Term): Term used in ISO/ASTM 52900 to mention the family of processes.

IV. Binder Jetting:

• Binder Jetting (BJ): A liquid binding agent is selectively deposited onto a powder bed, layer by layer, to join the powder particles. The part is then typically cured or sintered in a separate step to achieve its final strength. Can be used with metals, ceramics, and sand.

V. Material Jetting:

• Material Jetting (MJ): Droplets of build material (often photopolymers) are selectively deposited and cured by UV light, similar to inkjet printing. Known for high accuracy and the ability to print multiple materials in a single part.
• PolyJet: A specific type of Material Jetting from Stratasys, very renowned.
• NanoParticle Jetting (NPJ): Similar to Material Jetting but deposits metal particles.

VI. Directed Energy Deposition (DED):

• Directed Energy Deposition (DED): Focused thermal energy (laser, electron beam, or plasma arc) is used to melt material as it is being deposited. Often used for repairing or adding material to existing parts, and for creating large-scale components.
• Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS): Trademark of a specific type of DED.
• Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM): Trademark of a specific type of DED.

VII. Sheet Lamination:

• Sheet Lamination: Sheets of material (paper, plastic, or metal foil) are bonded together layer by layer and then cut to shape, typically using a laser or knife.
• Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM): Specific process of Sheet Lamination

VIII. Hybrid Manufacturing

• Hybrid Manufacturing: Combination of additive and subtractive technologies in the same machine.

Understanding materials in additive manufacturing terminology

Diving into additive manufacturing means more than understanding the machines—it’s about knowing the materials that bring your designs to life. 

The terminology of AM materials can feel like a new dialect, especially if you’re an engineering manager tweaking a part or an export lead navigating global specs. 

These terms define what’s possible: how strong, how smooth, or how heat-resistant your next project can be. 

After years of translating material datasheets and technical docs for clients breaking into new markets, I’ve seen how a solid grasp of this language cuts through confusion and keeps projects on track. 

Here’s your primer on the materials shaping additive manufacturing—and why they matter to your success.

I. General Material Categories:

• Polymers: A broad class of materials composed of large molecules made up of repeating subunits (monomers). Many plastics fall into this category. Widely used in AM due to their versatility and ease of processing.
• Metals: Elements or alloys that are typically strong, ductile, and conductive. Used in AM for creating high-performance, functional parts.
• Ceramics: Inorganic, non-metallic materials, often made from compounds of a metal and a nonmetal. Known for their hardness, heat resistance, and chemical stability. Used in AM for specialized applications.
• Composites: Materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. These materials are combined to create a material with enhanced characteristics (e.g., stronger, lighter, or more heat-resistant).
• Biomaterials: Any material, natural or synthetic, designed to interact with biological systems, typically for medical applications, and capable of being processed through additive manufacturing.

II. Polymer Subcategories and Specific Materials:

• Thermoplastics: Polymers that can be repeatedly softened by heating and solidified by cooling. This makes them ideal for processes like FDM. Key characteristic: Reversible change.
• Thermosets (Thermosetting Polymers): Polymers that undergo irreversible chemical changes when heated, forming a rigid, cross-linked structure. They cannot be re-melted. Often used in vat photopolymerization processes. Key characteristic: Irreversible change.
• Photopolymers: Liquid resins that solidify (cure) when exposed to light, typically UV light. Used in vat photopolymerization processes like SLA and DLP.
• Filament: The form of material used in FDM/FFF processes. It’s a continuous strand of thermoplastic material, typically supplied on a spool.
• Resin: A general term often used to refer to the liquid photopolymers used in vat photopolymerization processes (SLA, DLP, CLIP).
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A common thermoplastic known for its toughness and impact resistance. Widely used in FDM.
• PLA (Polylactic Acid): A biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources (e.g., corn starch). Popular in FDM due to its ease of printing and low environmental impact.
• Nylon (Polyamide – PA): A strong, durable, and flexible thermoplastic. Used in both FDM and SLS processes.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified): Strong and versatile polymer
• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Flexible and elastic polymer

III. Metal Forms and Specific Materials:

• Metal Powders: The form of material used in powder bed fusion processes (SLS, SLM, DMLS, EBM) and binder jetting. Consists of finely ground metal particles.
• Titanium Alloys (e.g., Ti6Al4V): Lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. Widely used in aerospace, medical, and other high-performance applications.
• Aluminum Alloys (e.g., AlSi10Mg): Lightweight and good thermal conductivity. Used in automotive, aerospace, and other industries.
• Stainless Steel (e.g., 316L, 17-4 PH): Corrosion-resistant and strong. Used in a variety of applications, including medical devices, tooling, and industrial parts.
• Nickel Alloys (e.g., Inconel): High-strength and resistant to high temperatures and corrosion. Used in demanding applications like aerospace engines.
• Cobalt Chrome Alloys: High resistance to use, used in medical implants.

IV. Other Material Forms and Considerations:

• Powder Size Distribution: The range of particle sizes present in a metal powder. This is a critical characteristic that affects powder flowability and the density of the final part.
• Binder: In binder jetting, the liquid bonding agent that holds the powder particles together.
• Green Part: An object in binder jetting after printing and depowdering, and before sintering.
• Brown Part: An object in binder jetting after debinding.

Essential process parameters in additive manufacturing

When you’re working with additive manufacturing, the machines and materials get a lot of attention—but it’s the process parameters that truly steer the outcome. 

These are the dials and settings that determine whether your part comes out flawless or falls short, and their terminology can feel like a code worth cracking. 

For project managers overseeing production or R&D pros pushing innovation, understanding these terms means mastering quality, efficiency, and consistency. 

From my experience translating AM workflows for clients expanding globally, I’ve seen how these parameters bridge the gap between concept and reality—especially when precision across languages and markets is non-negotiable. 

Here’s your rundown on the essential process parameters that define success in additive manufacturing.

I. General Parameters (Applicable to Multiple Processes):

• Layer Thickness: The height of each individual layer of material deposited in the AM process. A thinner layer thickness generally results in higher resolution and smoother surfaces, but increases build time.
• Build Speed / Scan Speed: The rate at which the material is deposited or the laser/electron beam moves across the build area. Faster build speeds reduce build time but can compromise accuracy and material properties.
• Build Orientation / Part Orientation: The way the part is positioned within the build volume. This significantly impacts support structure requirements, surface finish, and mechanical properties due to the layer-by-layer nature of AM.
• Support Structures: (Already covered in Core Concepts, but worth reiterating here) Temporary structures built to support overhanging features or parts that would otherwise collapse during printing. They are removed during post-processing.
• Infill Density: The amount of material used to fill the interior of a part. Expressed as a percentage (e.g., 20% infill means the interior is 20% solid material and 80% air). Higher infill density increases strength and weight, but also increases material usage and build time.
• Infill Pattern: The geometric pattern used for the infill structure (e.g., honeycomb, grid, rectilinear, triangular). Different patterns offer different balances of strength, weight, and material usage.
• Shell Thickness / Wall Thickness: The thickness of the outer walls of the part. Thicker shells increase strength and stiffness but also increase material usage and build time.
• Build Plate Temperature / Bed Temperature: (Primarily relevant for FDM) The temperature of the build platform. Proper bed temperature is crucial for good adhesion of the first layer and preventing warping.
• Ambient Temperature: Temperature of the chamber.

II. Parameters Specific to Laser/Energy-Based Processes (PBF, DED):

• Laser Power: The energy output of the laser used in processes like SLS, SLM, and DMLS. Higher laser power can melt materials more quickly but can also lead to issues like excessive heat input.
• Scan Spacing / Hatch Spacing: The distance between adjacent laser scan lines. Closer spacing leads to higher density and smoother surfaces, but increases build time.
• Beam Diameter / Spot Size: influences energy density.
• Energy Density: Amount of energy applied per unit of volume.
• Exposure Time: Time in which material is exposed to the energy source.

III. Parameters Specific to Vat Photopolymerization:

• Exposure Time (per layer): The amount of time each layer is exposed to UV light to cure the resin. Proper exposure time is crucial for achieving accurate dimensions and material properties.
• Light Intensity: The power of the light source.

IV. Parameters Specific to Material Jetting:

• Droplet Size: The volume of each droplet of material deposited. Smaller droplets generally lead to higher resolution.
• Jetting Frequency: The rate at which droplets are deposited.

V. Other Important Parameters:

• Slicing Parameters: (General term encompassing many of the above) Refers to the settings used by the slicer.
• Contour: Parameters of the outline of the part.
• Raster Angle: Refers to the direction of the rastering, that is, deposition.

Post-processing: The final steps in additive manufacturing

Once the printer stops humming, additive manufacturing isn’t quite done—welcome to the world of post-processing, where raw parts become finished products. 

These final steps can make or break the quality, appearance, and functionality of what you’ve built, and their terminology is a must-know for anyone in the game. 

Whether you’re an engineering director perfecting a prototype or a procurement manager ensuring specs meet global standards, understanding these terms helps you control the endgame. 

I’ve seen firsthand how crucial post-processing is to achieving the perfect finish in additive manufacturing. And after years of translating for AM experts worldwide, I know the language that makes it all work – from the factory floor to your international partners.

Here’s your guide to the final steps that polish additive manufacturing.

I. General Post-Processing Concepts:

• Post-Processing: All the steps taken after a part is built in an additive manufacturing machine to achieve the desired final properties and finish. This is a crucial stage that often involves multiple techniques.
• As-Built: The state of a part immediately after it is removed from the AM machine, before any post-processing steps have been performed.
• Near-Net Shape: A part that is close to its final desired dimensions after the AM build process, but still requires some post-processing (typically machining) to achieve precise tolerances.

II. Support Removal: 

• Support Removal: The process of removing the support structures that were built during the AM process to support overhanging features.
• Break-Away Supports: Support structures designed to be easily broken off by hand.
• Dissolvable Supports: Support structures made from a material that can be dissolved in a solvent (e.g., water or a chemical solution), leaving the main part intact.
• Manual Removal: Using pliers, cutters…
• Chemical Dissolution: Using a solvent to remove the support.

III. Cleaning and Surface Preparation:

• Depowdering: The process of removing loose or partially sintered powder from a part after a powder bed fusion or binder jetting process.
• Cleaning: Removing any remaining residue, support material, or loose powder from the part. This can involve various methods, including brushing, compressed air, ultrasonic cleaning, or washing with solvents.
• Media Blasting / Sandblasting / Shot Peening: A surface treatment where abrasive particles (media, sand, or small shot) are propelled at the part’s surface to remove material, improve surface texture, or induce compressive stresses (shot peening).

IV. Thermal Treatments:

• Curing: A post-processing step, often involving heat or UV light, to fully solidify and strengthen photopolymer parts (e.g., in SLA, DLP, or Material Jetting).
• Sintering: A heat treatment process that strengthens a powder-based part (e.g., from binder jetting or SLS) by bonding the particles together without fully melting them.
• Debinding: Removing the binder from a “green part”.
• Heat Treatment: A broad term encompassing various processes that involve heating and cooling a part to alter its mechanical properties (e.g., strength, hardness, ductility). Common heat treatments include annealing, stress relieving, and solution treatment/aging.
• Annealing: A heat treatment that relieves internal stresses in a part, improving its ductility and reducing brittleness.
• Stress Relieving: A heat treatment specifically designed to reduce residual stresses that can build up during the AM process.
• Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP): A process where a part is subjected to high temperature and isostatic pressure (equal pressure from all directions) to reduce porosity and improve density, particularly in metal parts.

V. Surface Finishing:

• Machining: Using traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques (e.g., milling, turning, drilling) to remove material and achieve precise dimensions and surface finishes on an AM part.
• Grinding: Using an abrasive wheel to remove material and improve surface finish.
• Polishing: Smoothing the surface of a part to achieve a high gloss or mirror finish.
• Coating: Applying a layer of material (e.g., paint, plating, ceramic coating) to the surface of a part to improve its appearance, corrosion resistance, or other properties.
• Painting: Applying paint.
• Plating: Coating the surface with a metal.
• Infiltration: Filling the pores of a material.

VI. Inspection and Quality Control:

• Dimensional Inspection: Quality step to check dimensions.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Techniques used to evaluate the integrity of a part without damaging it (e.g., X-ray, CT scanning, ultrasound).

Material properties and characteristics in AM

In additive manufacturing, the materials you choose don’t just fill the machine—they define what your final part can do, from bending under pressure to standing up to heat. 

The terminology of material properties and characteristics is your roadmap to picking the right stuff for the job, whether you’re a CTO strategizing product durability or an R&D pro testing new designs. 

These terms go beyond buzzwords; they’re the metrics that determine strength, flexibility, and finish. 

Nailing this language ensures your parts perform—and your teams communicate—flawlessly across borders. 

Here’s your intro to the properties and characteristics that shape AM success.

I. Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: The maximum stress a material can withstand before it breaks when pulled. It indicates how strong a material is under tension.
• Yield Strength: The stress at which a material begins to deform permanently (plastically). It’s a measure of the material’s resistance to permanent deformation.
• Elongation at Break: The percentage increase in length of a material before it breaks under tension. It’s a measure of ductility – how much a material can be stretched before it fractures.
• Young’s Modulus (Elastic Modulus): A measure of a material’s stiffness – its resistance to elastic deformation under load. A higher Young’s modulus means the material is stiffer.
• Hardness: A material’s resistance to indentation or scratching. Different hardness scales exist (e.g., Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell).
• Toughness: A material’s ability to absorb energy and deform plastically before fracturing. It’s a combination of strength and ductility.
• Fatigue Strength: A material’s ability to withstand repeated cycles of loading and unloading without failing. Important for parts subjected to cyclic stresses.
• Creep Resistance: A material’s ability to resist deformation under sustained load at elevated temperatures.

II. Thermal Properties:

• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): The temperature at which an amorphous polymer transitions from a hard, glassy state to a softer, rubbery state. Important for thermoplastics.
• Melting Point (Tm): The temperature at which a crystalline solid transitions to a liquid.
• Thermal Conductivity: A material’s ability to conduct heat.
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): The amount a material expands or contracts with changes in temperature. Important to consider when designing parts that will experience temperature variations.

III. Other Important Characteristics:

• Isotropic: Having uniform properties in all directions. Many traditional manufacturing processes produce isotropic materials.
• Anisotropic: Having different properties in different directions. AM parts are often anisotropic due to the layer-by-layer build process, with properties typically weaker in the build direction (Z-axis).
• Porosity: The presence of voids or pores within a material. In AM, porosity can be caused by incomplete melting of powder or trapped gas. It can negatively impact mechanical properties.
• Surface Roughness: The texture of a surface, typically measured as the average height of peaks and valleys. AM parts often have higher surface roughness than traditionally manufactured parts.
• Density: The mass per unit volume of a material. In AM, the density of a part can be affected by factors like porosity and infill density.
• Residual Stress: Internal stresses that remain within a part after manufacturing. In AM, residual stresses can be caused by rapid heating and cooling during the build process. They can lead to distortion or cracking.
• Dimensional Accuracy: The precision to obtain required dimensions.

How to avoid common mistakes in additive manufacturing terminology

Getting a handle on additive manufacturing terminology can feel like learning a new language—and like any language, it’s easy to trip over the nuances if you’re not careful. 

One common mistake I’ve seen, especially among SMEs and startups new to AM, is mixing up “3D printing” with the broader scope of additive manufacturing. 

They’re related, sure, but assuming they’re identical can lead to confusion when discussing advanced processes like Powder Bed Fusion with a supplier. 

Clarity matters here—calling everything “3D printing” might undersell the sophistication of what you’re doing, especially in technical documentation or international pitches.

Another pitfall is overlooking the context of terms like “resolution” or “build volume.” 

Resolution isn’t only about how pretty your part looks—it’s the layer thickness and detail that can affect strength and fit, critical for engineering managers signing off on specs. 

Misjudge “build volume,” and you might promise a client a part your machine can’t even produce. 

I’ve worked with clients who’ve faced delays because a translated manual swapped “build envelope” for something vague—precision in these terms keeps projects on track.

Then there’s the trap of underestimating support structures. 

Beginners often assume AM magically handles overhangs without help, but skipping this concept in planning—or worse, in translation—can leave you with a collapsed print and a frustrated team. 

Over the years running my translation agency, I’ve seen how a quick chat with a specialized translator can catch these oversights early, saving time and budget. 

To dodge these hiccups, start by double-checking your terms against the process you’re using, and don’t hesitate to lean on resources or experts who live and breathe this stuff. 

It’s a small step that pays off big when you’re scaling up or crossing borders.

Further resources for learning AM terminology

Once you’ve got the basics of additive manufacturing terminology under your belt, the next step is knowing where to deepen that knowledge—especially if you’re an SME or startup aiming to compete globally. 

Industry standards like ASTM F2792 and ISO/ASTM 52900 are goldmines for precise definitions, covering everything from “layer thickness” to “vat photopolymerization.” 

They’re dry reads, sure, but they’re the backbone of technical consistency—something I’ve leaned on heavily when translating AM specs for clients across markets.

For a more hands-on approach, online hubs like the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) or forums on sites like Reddit’s r/3Dprinting offer real-world insights from pros who’ve wrestled with terms like “build envelope” in the thick of a project. 

They’re great for picking up practical context you won’t find in a textbook. 

If you prefer structured learning, platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning have courses on AM fundamentals—look for ones that tie terminology to process and design, not just theory.

Don’t sleep on equipment manuals either. 

Whether it’s a Stratasys FDM printer or a Formlabs SLA system, these docs are packed with process-specific terms tailored to your setup. 

Over the years, I’ve seen clients save headaches—and budgets—by cross-referencing these with their teams early on. 

Pair that with a quick consult to a specialized translation partner if you’re going international, and you’ll keep your terms sharp and your communication seamless. 

Wherever you dig in, the key is to keep exploring—AM’s language evolves as fast as the tech itself.

If you’re looking to expand your grasp of additive manufacturing terminology beyond the basics, here’s a curated list of resources to guide you, whether you’re fine-tuning technical know-how or prepping for global markets.

Conclusion

Mastering additive manufacturing terminology is your key to unlocking smoother workflows, sharper technical documentation, and stronger global partnerships. 

This guide has walked you through the essentials: what AM really means, the core terms that define it, and how to sidestep common mix-ups that can stall your progress. 

Here’s a tidbit to chew on: some experts estimate that over 70% of AM project hiccups trace back to communication gaps—proof that words carry as much weight as the machines themselves.

So, what’s your next move—will you let fuzzy terms slow you down, or take control and turn clarity into your competitive edge? 

In an industry racing toward smarter, faster, and more innovative production, understanding this language isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for staying ahead. 

From my perch running a translation agency focused on engineering and manufacturing, I’ve seen firsthand how a firm grip on AM lingo can transform a startup’s pitch or an SME’s supply chain. 

Keep learning, keep refining, and watch how far it takes you.