Extrusion USA - 3D Printing Terms & Glossary

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [1]

Extrusion Extrusion is the process of pushing a thermoplastic filament through the heated nozzle of a 3D printer to create a precise shape or layer of material. This process is fundamental to Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), one of the most common 3D printing technologies. During extrusion, the filament is first melted in the hot end and then deposited in a controlled manner onto the build platform. The extruded material cools and solidifies, bonding with the layer below it. Extrusion parameters such as flow rate, temperature, and speed are critical to achieving high-quality prints. Mismanagement of extrusion can lead to issues like stringing, gaps, or poor adhesion between layers. Advanced printers may use direct drive or Bowden-style extrusion systems, each with unique advantages for different printing needs. Understanding and optimizing extrusion settings is key to mastering the 3D printing process.