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2K moulding
Also called two-shot moulding, a process that moulds two materials or colours in sequential stages to create a single prototype or production-intent part.
Rapid Prototyping Glossary
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Definitions for commercial rapid prototyping, production, machining, casting, moulding, finishing and inspection terms.
3-axis machining centre
A CNC machine tool that moves in X, Y and Z to mill features from three linear directions; widely used for prototype housings, plates and simple prismatic parts.
3D printing
A common commercial term for additive manufacturing, in which a part is built layer by layer from digital data.
3MF
The 3D Manufacturing Format file used to exchange printable geometry, colour and build data more robustly than STL.
4D printing
An emerging additive approach that uses smart materials so a printed part changes shape or behaviour over time in response to stimuli such as heat, moisture, light or water.
5-axis machining centre
A CNC machine that combines X, Y and Z travel with two rotary axes, allowing complex parts to be cut with fewer set-ups and better access to difficult geometry.