3D Systems, Inc.
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GLOSSARY
Beam profile
A pattern of circles or numbers representing the spatial distribution of Laser beam power. This power distribution automatically
calculates drawing speeds to determine whether the Laser should be adjusted or replaced, and to indicate whether the optics
should be adjusted, replaced, or cleaned.
Beam profiler
A UV-sensitive detector over which the Laser beam is moved to generate beam profiles.
Border
A vector that defines the perimeter of a layer. Hatch and fill vectors are drawn between borders to make the layer solid.
Print file(s)
The data file(s) produced by the Print3D Pro software which are used by the printer to print parts.
CDRH
Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations.
Control computer
The computer located inside the electrical cabinet of the system which interfaces directly with the hardware used to print parts.
Cure
The process of turning liquid material into a solid by exposure to UV light.
Cure depth
The thickness or depth of cured material. The cure depth of any line is determined by the laser beam power and distribution,
Laser draw speed, and material characteristics.
Curl
A characteristic type of part deformation.
Draining
Enabling material to drip from the finished part into the MDM when the elevator is at its top position to minimize material
waste.
Drawing speed
The speed at which the Laser traces over the surface of the material to form solid plastic lines and surfaces. The drawing speed
varies depending on the depth of solidification requested (“cure depth”), laser beam power and distribution, and material
characteristics.
Dynamic mirrors
Motor driven scanning mirrors with encoder feedback that direct the Laser beam to any point on the surface of the material.
Elevator
The hardware components that raise and lower the print pad and part in the vertical (Z) axis. Also called Z-stage.
Exposure
The total light energy absorbed by a point on the material surface. Exposure increases with higher Laser power and decreases
with higher drawing speed.
Fill vectors (skin fill)
Overlapping parallel vectors that comprise the horizontal surfaces (skins) of stereolithographic parts.
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