3D PRINTING GLOSSARY
This glossary is designed to help beginners and experienced users alike understand common terminology in resin-based 3D printing, including SLA, DLP, and MSLA technologies.
| Term | Definition |
| ACF (Advanced Composite Film) | An alternative to FEP used in some resin printers to reduce suction and improve peel performance. |
| Adhesion | The ability of the first layer of a print to stick to the build surface. Critical for successful printing. |
| Brittle |
A material property describing how easily something breaks under stress without deformation. Common in some types of resin. |
| Build Plate | The flat surface on which the print is built. Can be adjusted for level and adhesion. |
| Calibration | The process of adjusting a printer's settings to improve accuracy and quality. Includes levelling, exposure times, and motor movements. |
| Curing | A post-printing process where UV light further hardens the print after it's washed. |
| DLP (Digital Light Processing) | A resin printing technology that uses a projector to cure entire layers at once. |
| Exposure Time | The time each layer is exposed to UV light to cure. Needs fine-tuning for good results. |
| FEP Film (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) | A transparent release film at the bottom of a resin tank that allows UV light to pass through. Can wear out over time. |
| Face Mask | Worn to protect against resin fumes. Ideally should be rated for organic vapours (e.g. A2 or ABEK filters). |
| Flex Plate | A removable metal sheet on some build platforms that can be flexed to pop prints off easily. |
| Gloves | Essential for handling uncured resin. Nitrile gloves are preferred due to chemical resistance. |
| Hollowing | A printing technique where the model is printed hollow to save material and reduce suction forces. |
| LCD Screen | Used in MSLA printers to mask UV light in specific shapes for curing layers. Functions like a stencil between the light source and the resin. |
| Layer Height | The thickness of each printed layer. Smaller values = finer detail, longer print time. |
| Lid | The cover of a resin printer, usually UV-blocking to protect against accidental curing from ambient light. |
| MSLA (Masked Stereolithography Apparatus) | A resin technology that uses an LCD screen to mask UV light and cure resin layer-by-layer. |
| Overhang | Part of the print that extends outward without support beneath it. Can be challenging in resin printing. |
| PFA Film (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) | A premium release film alternative to FEP, offering improved durability and lower adhesion. |
| Pigments | Colour additives mixed into resin to change or enhance colour. Must be mixed thoroughly and used in correct ratios. |
| Plastic Scraper | A soft-edged scraper used to avoid damaging the FEP or resin tank when removing prints or checking for residue. |
| Post-Processing | Steps taken after printing: washing, curing, sanding, or painting. |
| Release Film | A general term for films like FEP, ACF, and PFA used at the bottom of the resin tank to allow light transmission and print separation. |
| Release Film Frame | The clamping frame that holds the release film in place at the bottom of the resin tank. Often secured with screws. |
| Resin | A liquid photopolymer that hardens under UV light. Used in SLA, DLP, and MSLA printers. |
| Resin Tank | Also known as the vat, this is the container that holds liquid resin during printing. Includes a FEP bottom to allow UV light through. |
| Resin Wash Solution | A fluid—typically a dedicated wash chemical—used to clean uncured resin off prints after printing. |
| SLA (Stereolithography) | A resin 3D printing method using a laser to cure resin point by point. |
| Scraper | A tool used to remove prints from the build plate or check the resin tank. Available in plastic (gentle) and metal (sturdy) variants. |
| Screen Protector | A clear film applied to the printer's LCD screen to protect it from leaks and scratches. |
| Silicone Mat | A protective surface used under the printer or work area to contain resin spills and make clean up easier. |
| Slicer |
Software used to convert a 3D model into printable layers, generating the instructions (typically in .ctb, .photon, .lys, etc.) a resin printer needs to build the object layer-by-layer. |
| Support Structures | Temporary structures printed to hold overhangs and complex geometry during printing. |
| Thumb Screws | Tool-free screws used to secure the resin tank to the printer for easy removal and installation. |
| Touch Screen | The user interface for most resin printers, allowing control of settings, print jobs, and calibration. |
| USB Stick | A portable drive used to transfer sliced print files from a computer to the printer. Most resin printers read files directly from USB. |
| Vat | See Resin Tank. The container that holds liquid resin during printing. |
| Z-Axis | The vertical axis of the printer. The build plate moves up along this axis during printing. |
If you're new to resin 3D printing, bookmarking this glossary or printing it out can be a helpful reference as you learn. We'll continue to add more terms over time.