Glossary of term

3D: Three-dimensional

3D Design Program: A type of software used to visualise, design, and manipulate 3D products while providing a test environment for strength and dynamic analysis. Also known as a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program or 3D Modelling Software. Free examples for educators include Autodesk Inventor, Fusion360, SketchUp, Onshape, and Tinkercad.

3D Modelling: Creating 3D computer graphic(s). The process consists of placing individual vertices and creating a virtual representation of a physical object in three dimensions.

3D printing: A process for producing a three-dimensional object from a digital model/file. The process consists of laying down many successive thin layers of a plastic-like material.

3D Printer: A machine tool that creates a three-dimensional object from a digital file by stacking thin, two-dimensional layers of material. This machine usually reads g-code files that give it specific instructions on how to print an object. The most common type of 3D printer uses the process of material extrusion, or fused deposition modelling (FDM), to form parts.

Artefact: a simple object (such as a tool or ornament).

Art entrepreneurship: A way artists and artisans make and distribute their creative ideas and works.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the name for both software and the process of digitally designing 3D models. The process consists of using computers to assist in the creation, modification, analysis or optimization of a design (see also CAM).

Computer Aided Manufacturing or CAM is the process of using digital programs and/or CAD to physically manufacture objects through additive or subtractive manufacturing.

Decentralised art: It changes the way people own and experience artworks. They can do it online or inside the gallery. We call these galleries decentralised or “blockchain-based”. This art is more accessible for people with and without disabilities. It also helps novel artists.

Decentralised production: A way to produce works or other objects in decentralised locations. They can be in a specific region or country. This makes the production process more flexible.

The act of dispensing build material onto the build platform through a small nozzle commonly referred to as a “hot end.”

From scratch: This is an expression used to describe that something is done “from the very beginning”.

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM): A 3D printing process of creating objects layer by layer. The process consists in pushing a material called thermoplastic through a heated nozzle to create the layers that make up the object. Another name for this technique is Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF 3D printing).

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF 3D printing): a 3D printing method, which creates objects layer by layer. In this process, a thermoplastic material is forced through a heated nozzle to create the layers that make up the object. Another name for this technique is Fused Deposition Modelling.

G-code: G-code stands for Geometric code. This programming language gives specific commands to the 3D printer. In other words, it tells the 3D printer what to do and how to do it.

Infill percentage: The amount and shape of the material that will form the infill of the object that is to be printed. The infill comes in different patterns: grid, triangles, and hexagons.

OBJ files: OBJ or Wavefront 3D Object File is a Colour 3D Printing File Format. An OBJ file (.obj) also contains information about the geometry of a 3D model but with colour information. It is mostly used as an alternative to STL.

Selective laser sintering (SLS): An additive manufacturing technique that uses a high power laser (for example, a carbon dioxide laser) to fuse small particles of plastic, metal (direct metal laser sintering), ceramic, or glass powders into a mass that has a desired three-dimensional shape.

Slicer or Slicing Software: A computer software that converts 3D object models into specific commands for the 3D printer (in the form of a g-code). Acts as an intermediary between the 3D model and the 3D printer.

Slicing Process: The process of translating a 3D design into a language, which a 3D printer can understand and therefore print.

Stereolithography (SLA):  additive manufacturing process which employs a vat of liquid ultraviolet curable photopolymer “resin” and an ultraviolet laser to build parts’ layers one at a time.

STL files: STL stands for Standard Triangle Language. An STL file (.stl) stores information about a 3D model. “The format represents the raw surface of a model with small triangles”. No colours, textures or other common model attributes are represented.

Wayfinding (signage): A system of signs that guide people through a space. These signs include maps, directional and arrow signs placed strategically throughout the area, and room identification signs or labels.