The bed usually has some sort of build surface on it such as tempered glass. The heated bed is what the print is first extruded onto. There are typically endstop switches on each axis, the X, Y, and Z. The switches allow the printer to know the positioning of its components and allow the printer to find its home axis. The endstop switches are triggered when they are pressed by a component of the printer. The bowden tube creates a path from the extruder to the hotend and is held in place by couplers on either side. Lever: Releases or applies pressure from the tension springĮxtruder Gear: Digs into filament to extrude it, attached to stepper motorĮxtruder Bearing: Presses filament against extruder gear, helps with smooth extrusion Tension Spring: Creates tension to press the extruder bearing against the filament Stepper Motor: Extrudes or retracts filament through the extruder Hotend Cooling Fan: This Fan cools the heat sink of the hotend Extruder Part Cooling Fan: This fan cools the filament as it is extruded and helps to improve bridging and layer adhesion Thermistor: Reads the temperature of the hotend Heater Cartridge: Heating component of the hotend Heater Block: The part that is heated by the heater cartridge, houses the thermistor as well Heat Sink: The hotend fan blows on here to keep the upper part of the hotend cool The hotendis exactly as it sounds, and is the piece that melts the plastic, and where it is extruded from.īowden Coupler: This component holds the end of the bowden tube inside the hotend

Hotend Assembly: The hotend assembly usually contains three main components the hotend, part cooling fan, and the hotend cooling fan. Below is a diagram of an Ender 3, but most 3D Printers are generally the same. There are many parts to 3D Printers, and it’s important to know the names of those parts when upgrading or replacing components, and for general troubleshooting. The guide below will help you become familiar with the parts and functions of your printer, as well as some common terminology. 3D Printing is very much a world of its own, and new users and community members often find themselves overwhelmed with the unfamiliar science and terminology behind this unique hobby.

3d print slicer simplified model