Getting started with 3D printing

First 3D print went wrong? Diagnose and fix the most common beginner problems - adhesion, stringing, gaps, warping - with a simple symptom-to-fix guide.

Which 3D printer to buy first? What to look for - build volume, extruder, enclosure, ecosystem, budget - with honest picks for beginners, schools and pros.

Whether you're just starting your FDM printing journey or looking to expand your knowledge, understanding the terminology is crucial. At Eolas Prints, we believe that knowledge empowers better printing results. This comprehensive dictionary covers everything from basic FDM concepts to the latest 2025 technologies, specifically focused on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing.

3D printing is a manufacturing technique in which material is deposited or added, hence the technical name "Additive Manufacturing". Its opposite is "Subtractive Manufacturing", which is based on removing material using machines such as lathes and milling machines. 3D printing also falls under "Digital Manufacturing", which is the manufacturing of physical objects using computer-controlled tools. Digital manufacturing requires a CAD model of the part to be manufactured and a CNC machine.