The definitive 3D printing glossary
A comprehensive glossary covering terms related to 3D Printing

More resources for engineers


What are countersinking holes and how do you use them?
Read article
Understanding tapped vs. rolled threads
Read article
Rz vs Ra roughness
Read article
Different types of quality documentation and when you need them
Read article
What are the different types of threads for manufacturing? Practical tips for engineers
Read article
Standard blank sizes for CNC machining (sheets & rods)
Read article
Standard drill bit sizes for CNC machining
Read article
The definitive 3D printing glossary
Read article
Understanding material stress vs. strain
“Can you handle the pressure?” That’s the question engineers have to ask of every material they consider when they are designing for manufacturability. Stress and strain are fundamentals of material science, helping engineers assess how materials hold up under different forces. Read on to find out how they are measured.
Read article
What are countersinking holes and how do you use them?
Countersinking holes are conical holes designed to seat the head of a screw, bolt, or fastener so it sits flush with or just below the surface. This keeps the part’s outer layer smooth, which can improve its appearance, safety and performance. In this guide, we’ll drill into the ins and outs of countersinking, covering methods, applications, pros and cons, and tips for getting it just right.
Read article
Understanding tapped vs. rolled threads
What are tapped and rolled threads, and what do engineers need to know about them to manufacture high-performance parts? Find out here.
Read article
Rz vs Ra roughness
Rz and Ra are measurements used to describe and quantify surface roughness in manufacturing and engineering. Find out more about these different ways of measuring roughness as a machining finish for custom parts.
Read article
Different types of quality documentation and when you need them
Learn about the role quality documentation plays in the manufacturing process, how to obtain it, and the types of documentation that apply to parts, materials, and more
Read article
What are the different types of threads for manufacturing? Practical tips for engineers
What are the different types of threads for manufacturing? In this article, learn how to correctly design threads to reduce lead times and cost for your next CNC machining production run.
Read article
Standard blank sizes for CNC machining (sheets & rods)
Tables of the standard blank sizes (sheets & rods) commonly used in CNC machining.
Read article
Standard drill bit sizes for CNC machining
Use these conversion tables of standard drill bit sizes (metric, fractional inch, and wire gauge) common in CNC machining to reduce manufacturing costs from custom tooling.
Read article
The definitive 3D printing glossary
A comprehensive glossary covering terms related to 3D Printing
Read articleShow more
Show less