Manufacturing glossary
Essential terms for 3D printing, design files, and cooperative manufacturing.
A
Additive Manufacturing
The process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer, commonly known as 3D printing. The core technology that powers Asmbly Labs' manufacturing network.
API Integration
Application Programming Interface connections that allow e-commerce stores to automatically sync product catalogs and manage orders through Asmbly Labs' platform.
Automated Fulfillment
The process where orders are automatically routed to the nearest qualified maker for 3D printing and shipping, without manual intervention from sellers.
Asset Library
The collection of STL files and design assets uploaded by designers that sellers can access for their print-on-demand product catalogs.
B
Build Platform
The surface where 3D printed objects are built layer by layer. Also refers to Asmbly Labs' cooperative platform that connects designers, makers, and sellers.
Build Volume
The maximum dimensions of objects that can be 3D printed on a specific printer. Makers specify their build volumes to help match appropriate orders.
Bulk Orders
Large quantity orders that can be distributed across multiple makers in the network to ensure fast fulfillment and maintain quality standards.
C
Cooperative Manufacturing
Asmbly Labs' core business model where designers, makers, and sellers work together as one system, sharing value and ownership in product success.
CAD File
Computer-Aided Design files that designers create and convert to STL format for 3D printing through the Asmbly Labs network.
Catalog Sync
Automatic integration that updates seller's e-commerce stores with available 3D printable products from the Asmbly Labs design library.
Customization Engine
Tools that allow customers to modify 3D printable products with personalization options like text, colors, or size variations.
D
Distributed Manufacturing
Asmbly Labs' approach of spreading production across a network of local makers rather than centralized factories, enabling faster delivery and supporting local economies.
Design Files
STL, OBJ, and other 3D model files that designers upload to the platform for sellers to offer as print-on-demand products.
Drop Shipping
A fulfillment model where makers 3D print and ship products directly to customers on behalf of sellers, eliminating inventory requirements.
E
E-commerce Integration
Seamless connection between Asmbly Labs and online stores like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, enabling automatic product catalog updates and order management.
Extruder
The component of a 3D printer that melts and deposits plastic filament to create objects layer by layer. Critical equipment that makers use in the Asmbly Labs network.
Ecosystem Revenue
Fair distribution of profits across all contributors in the Asmbly Labs cooperative - designers earn from STL sales, makers from production, sellers from retail markup.
F
Fulfillment Network
The distributed network of verified makers who 3D print and ship products on behalf of sellers through the Asmbly Labs platform.
Filament
The plastic material used in 3D printing, available in various types like PLA, ABS, and PETG. Makers specify which materials they can work with.
Fair Revenue Sharing
Transparent distribution of profits where designers, makers, and sellers all earn fair compensation based on their contributions to each product sale.
G
G-code
The machine language that tells 3D printers how to move and extrude material. Generated automatically from STL files when makers process orders.
Global Marketplace
Asmbly Labs connects designers, makers, and sellers worldwide while prioritizing local production and fulfillment for faster shipping.
H
Heated Bed
A 3D printer component that heats the build platform to prevent warping and improve adhesion. A quality feature that makers highlight in their capabilities.
Hub Network
Regional clusters of makers that work together to handle larger orders and share resources within the Asmbly Labs ecosystem.
I
Infill Density
The percentage of solid material inside a 3D printed object. Makers adjust infill based on strength requirements and material efficiency.
Inventory-Free Model
Asmbly Labs' approach where sellers can offer thousands of products without holding stock, as items are 3D printed only when ordered.
IP Protection
Intellectual Property safeguards that protect designer's STL files and ensure fair compensation while enabling collaborative manufacturing.
J
Just-in-Time Manufacturing
Production method where products are made only when ordered, reducing waste and inventory costs. The core principle behind Asmbly Labs' print-on-demand model.
K
Knowledge Sharing
Collaborative learning within the Asmbly Labs community where makers, designers, and sellers share best practices, troubleshooting tips, and design improvements.
L
Layer Height
The thickness of each printed layer in 3D printing, affecting print quality and time. Makers can specify their capabilities for different layer resolutions.
Local Manufacturing
Asmbly Labs' priority of matching orders with nearby makers to reduce shipping times, support local economies, and minimize environmental impact.
M
Maker Network
The verified community of 3D printer operators who fulfill orders through Asmbly Labs, ranging from hobbyists to professional manufacturing facilities.
Material Library
Database of available 3D printing materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, etc.) with specifications that help match designs to appropriate makers and materials.
Mesh Optimization
Process of improving STL files for better 3D printing results, including fixing errors, reducing file sizes, and optimizing support structures.
N
Network Effects
The increased value of Asmbly Labs as more designers, makers, and sellers join the platform, creating a stronger ecosystem for all participants.
Nozzle Diameter
The size of the 3D printer's extrusion opening, affecting print speed and detail resolution. Makers specify their nozzle capabilities for order matching.
O
Order Routing
Automated system that matches customer orders with the most suitable makers based on location, capabilities, and availability within the Asmbly Labs network.
On-Demand Production
Manufacturing model where products are created only when ordered, eliminating inventory costs and enabling infinite product catalogs for sellers.
P
Print-on-Demand
Asmbly Labs' core service model where products are 3D printed only after customers place orders, eliminating inventory risk for sellers and reducing waste.
Platform Economy
Economic model where Asmbly Labs creates value by connecting and facilitating transactions between designers, makers, and sellers rather than manufacturing products directly.
Post-Processing
Finishing work after 3D printing, such as removing supports, sanding, or painting. Makers specify their post-processing capabilities for premium orders.
Q
Quality Control
Standards and processes that ensure consistent print quality across the Asmbly Labs maker network, including material verification and dimensional accuracy checks.
Queue Management
System for organizing and prioritizing orders within each maker's production schedule to optimize throughput and meet delivery commitments.
R
Revenue Sharing
Transparent distribution of income from each sale across designers (STL creators), makers (3D printers), and sellers (retailers) in the Asmbly Labs cooperative.
Rapid Prototyping
Fast creation of physical models from digital designs using 3D printing, enabling designers to test and iterate quickly before mass production.
Resin Printing
High-precision 3D printing technology using liquid photopolymers, ideal for detailed miniatures and jewelry. Some makers specialize in resin printing within the network.
S
STL File
Standard file format for 3D printable designs that designers upload to Asmbly Labs. Contains the geometric surface information needed for 3D printing.
Slicing Software
Programs that convert STL files into G-code instructions for 3D printers. Makers use slicers to prepare designs for printing with their specific equipment.
Support Structures
Temporary scaffolding printed alongside objects to support overhanging features. Makers factor support removal time into their pricing and delivery estimates.
Shared Ownership
Asmbly Labs' cooperative principle where all contributors have a stake in the success of products they help create, aligning incentives across the network.
T
Thermal Management
Temperature control systems in 3D printers that ensure consistent material flow and print quality. Critical for makers to maintain professional standards.
Transparency
Core Asmbly Labs value ensuring open communication about pricing, profit sharing, production timelines, and quality standards across the cooperative network.
U
Upload Portal
Designer interface for submitting STL files, setting licensing terms, and managing their product catalog within the Asmbly Labs marketplace.
Uptime
The percentage of time a service or application is operational and available to users.
User journey
The path a user takes from first interaction with a product to achieving their goal.
Usage-based pricing
A pricing model where customers pay based on the amount they use a service.
UX (User experience)
The overall experience and satisfaction a user has while interacting with a product.
V
Version Control
System for tracking changes to design files and STL models, allowing designers to manage iterations and collaborate within the Asmbly Labs platform.
Vendor Network
Asmbly Labs' curated ecosystem of verified manufacturers and 3D printing service providers who fulfill orders from the marketplace.
Voxel
A 3D pixel that represents a value on a regular grid in three-dimensional space, fundamental to 3D modeling and printing calculations.
W
Watermark
Digital marking embedded in design files to protect intellectual property and prevent unauthorized use of STL models in the Asmbly Labs marketplace.
Workflow Management
Systematic organization of manufacturing processes from design upload to final delivery, optimizing efficiency across the Asmbly Labs production network.
White-label Manufacturing
Production services offered by Asmbly Labs partners that can be rebranded by clients for their own product lines and customer bases.
X
X-axis Movement
Horizontal movement coordinate in 3D printing that controls the print head's left-right positioning during the manufacturing process.
XML Export
Structured data format used for exporting design specifications and manufacturing parameters from the Asmbly Labs platform.
XR (eXtended Reality)
Immersive technology combining AR, VR, and MR to visualize 3D designs and prototypes before manufacturing through Asmbly Labs.
Y
Y-axis Movement
Forward-backward movement coordinate in 3D printing that controls the build platform or print head positioning during manufacturing.
Yield Rate
Percentage of successful prints completed without defects across the Asmbly Labs manufacturing network, measuring production efficiency and quality control.
Year-over-year Growth
Annual growth metric tracking designer revenue, marketplace transactions, and manufacturing volume increases within the Asmbly Labs ecosystem.
Z
Z-axis Movement
Vertical movement coordinate in 3D printing that controls layer height and build platform positioning, crucial for print quality and dimensional accuracy.
Zero-Defect Manufacturing
Quality assurance approach implemented across Asmbly Labs' network to eliminate production errors and ensure consistent, high-quality output for all orders.
Zone Management
Strategic organization of manufacturing regions and service areas within the Asmbly Labs network to optimize delivery times, costs, and production capacity.