3D printing is an exciting field, but it’s often filled with technical terms! These can be confusing when you're just starting, especially when it comes to downloading and printing the right STL, OBJ, 3MF, or other 3D-printable formats. To help you better understand these concepts, we've compiled a non-exhaustive glossary of the most commonly used terms by designers and makers to describe their creations. This guide will help you choose the right models to print and optimize your 3D printing experience. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, this glossary will provide all the explanations you need to make the right choices and grow your maker knowledge!
3D Printing Technical Glossary
Alphabetically, in English terms
AMS
The AMS (Automatic Material System) allows a 3D printer to automatically switch filaments during printing. It’s often used to print in multiple colors or materials without manual intervention.
Examples of AMS-optimized files on Cults3D and 3D models for AMS
Articulated
An articulated model is a design made up of several integrated moving parts, often printed all at once (see the term "print in place"). This type of design is popular for creating objects like figurines or toys that can move without additional assembly.
View 3D printable articulated models and download articulated 3D files
Chibi
A "chibi" style model features exaggerated proportions, with an oversized head compared to the body. This style is often used for cute figurines and collectibles.
Browse all our chibi 3D models and download the best chibi STL files
Dual Extrusion
Dual extrusion is a technique where two extruders are used to print two different materials or colors simultaneously. This allows for more complex prints, such as adding soluble supports.
Discover designs optimized for dual extrusion printing and see models for dual extrusion
FDM
An FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) optimized file is specifically designed for 3D printers using fused filament deposition. This type of printing often requires specific adjustments for thicker layers or looser tolerances.
Browse FDM-optimized STL files and discover Cults3D models tagged FDM
Flexi
A "flexi" model is designed to be flexible once printed. These models are often used to create soft objects like toys or gadgets that can be bent or compressed without breaking.
Find the best flexi models to print and download flexi STL files
Functional Print
A functional 3D model is an object that has a practical use after being 3D printed, like a tool, a holder, or a repair part. This term contrasts with purely decorative or artistic models.
Browse functional 3D models for printing and discover our best functional 3D print designs
Greeble
Greeble refers to small details added to a 3D model to enrich its appearance, often used in the modeling of spaceships or futuristic objects.
Explore STL models with greebles and download 3D printable greeble files
Hairy Print
A "hairy print" model is a 3D design with many thin, flexible filaments that resemble hair or fur. This style is often used to create unique textures or fun decorative objects.
See examples of hairy print 3D models and download the best hairy print STL files
Hollow
A "hollow" model refers to a hollow object designed to reduce material usage and print time while remaining structurally sound. It is often used for economical prints.
Download hollow models and explore all hollow files for 3D printing
Kitbash
Kitbash refers to combining several existing 3D models to create a new, unique design. Elements from different other models are combined to create a new design. It’s a quick approach to generating complex mockups.
See kitbash 3D models for 3D printing and discover the best kitbash files
Lithophane
A lithophane is a thin 3D print that reveals an image when light passes through it. This technique is often used to create decorative objects such as frames or custom lamps. Lithophanes are frequently created from 2D photos.
Download the best lithophane models to 3D print and discover lithophane files for 3D printing
Low Poly
A low poly model is characterized by a low polygon count, giving it a geometric and angular look. They offer an arty and decorative aspect, widely used in art toys. These models are popular for their simplicity and fast 3D printing.
Access low poly STL files on Cults3D and explore the best low poly 3D models to 3D print
MMU
The MMU (Multi-Material Unit) is a unit that allows printing with multiple materials or different colors in a single print. Often paired with FDM printers, this unit is ideal for complex and detailed prints.
Discover models suited for MMU and download files for MMU
Modular
A modular model is divided into several pieces that can be printed separately and assembled afterward. This allows for printing larger or customizable objects.
Discover all modular designs and explore all modular objects on the platform
No Support / Supportless
A "no support" file is designed not to require support structures during printing, allowing for faster, easier printing and reducing material waste.
Download no support STL files here and browse all our supportless 3D models
Overhang
A model with overhangs has parts that extend without direct support underneath. Overhang-friendly models are designed to minimize the need for supports.
Examples of overhang-friendly 3D models and explore the best overhang-friendly 3D designs
Parametric
A parametric model is a 3D file with dimensions or shapes that can be modified before printing, allowing for easy customization according to needs. This method offers great flexibility in designing and adapting objects.
Download parametric models and explore the best parametric files
Print in Place
A print-in-place model is designed to be printed in a single piece with movable or articulated parts, without requiring assembly after printing. You simply need to position the model correctly in the slicer, and the piece prints all at once.
Download the best print-in-place models and find inspiration with our print-in-place files
Remix
A "remix" model is a modified version of an existing 3D model. Creators can customize or adapt an original design while attributing credit to the original author.
Discover all remixed 3D models on Cults3D and download the best remixed STL files
Resin
A resin print is a 3D printing technique that uses photosensitive resin cured by a UV light source. This process, often called stereolithography (SLA), allows for creating objects with high precision and fine details. 3D models are often focused on sculptures, figurines, and busts.
Discover resin-printed models and download files for resin 3D printing
Scaled
A scalable model is designed to be resized without losing quality, allowing printing at different scales while preserving details. In the slicer, the model resists resizing as long as it remains proportional.
Download scalable STL files and explore the best scalable 3D models
Scan
A "scan" model is a 3D reproduction of a real object obtained using a 3D scanner. Files from scans allow for capturing the shape and details of an object with precision for 3D printing. This technique is commonly used for preserving artworks and sculptures.
Discover scan models for 3D printing and download the best 3D scan files
Snap-fit
A snap-fit model is designed for its parts to fit together perfectly without the need for additional tools like glue. It uses integrated locking elements that allow the parts to snap together by simple pressure, no extra tools required. Ideal for modular or assemble-able objects!
Download snap-fit models and explore the best snap-fit files
Spiralize
The spiralize mode is a continuous printing technique, often used in vase mode, to create thin-walled objects with a single contour line, reducing seam lines.
Print in spiralize for perfect results and download files optimized for spiralize effect
Tessellation
A tessellation model consists of repeated geometric shapes, often used to create complex patterns or unique aesthetic structures. This method is commonly applied to decorative objects and lightweight structures.
Explore all our tessellation models and download the best tessellation files for 3D printing
Textured
A textured model is designed with detailed or raised surfaces, adding additional visual and tactile characteristics to 3D-printed objects.
See textured 3D designs and explore the best textured 3D-printable models
Vase Mode
Vase mode is a 3D printing technique where an object is printed in a single continuous contour, creating a thin, uniform wall, often used for printing vases or decorative objects. It consumes less material, making it more economical and easier to print.
Download vase mode models and explore the best vase mode files
Voronoi
A voronoi model is a geometric design that creates organic and complex patterns, often used for decorative objects or lightweight but sturdy parts. It offers a modern and visually appealing effect!
Discover the best voronoi models and browse all our voronoi files
Voxel
A voxel is the three-dimensional equivalent of a pixel, representing a basic volume in a 3D space. Primarily used in 3D modeling and 3D printing, a voxel defines the internal structure of an object by dividing the space into small cubes or other geometric shapes.
View 3D models using voxels and download voxel-based 3D designs
Watertight
A watertight model is designed to be leakproof, used for objects like vases or containers that need to hold liquids without leaks.
Download watertight models and explore the best watertight STL files
This glossary of 3D printing technical terms is designed to accompany you throughout your journey into the world of digital fabrication. If you come across new terms or have suggestions for words to add, feel free to contact us. Together, we will enrich this glossary to make it even more comprehensive and useful for the entire maker community.