Additive Terminology and Definition Questions

[Eric_Schubert]

I'm still learning a lot about 3D printing and using Fusion 360 as a slicer for my g-code.  Many of the print settings, while containing some information, do not have very clear descriptions in the help documentation.  For example:

"Minimum extrusion speed: Minimum allowed extrusion speed"

Is this the minimum speed the nozzle must be moving for the extruder to push filament?  Or is this the slowest speed the extruder itself is allowed to move when extruding/retracting?

Can anyone clarify this particular setting for me?

Other settings are equally vague or poorly-worded.  They describe something, but not in enough detail to really tell us what they control.  In other cases, Autodesk has different terms than other popular slicing tools out there, causing confusion when reading the descriptions.  Or they use technical terms that the writer assumes that users know and understand.

Other examples where I could use some clarification, just within the descriptions for support settings:

• Seam width: Width of the seam where the support bonds with the part

• Supported anchor Z-bump: How far above the anchored support the actual part floats
• Supported perimeter Z-bump: How far above the support shell the perimeter floats
• Shell outer offset ratio: Distance to offset the outer support wall for an overhang perimeter. Distance is driven as a ratio of the extrusion width.
• Shell inner offset ratio: Distance to offset the inner support wall for an overhang perimeter. Distance is driven as a ratio of the extrusion width.

What is the definition of the seam?  Is this really more a thickness than a width?  Is it more like an outline on top of the supports to minimize bonding to the part?  What's the difference between "anchored support" and "support shell"?  What is the definition of an "overhang perimeter"?  What are we calling an "inner wall" vs and "outer wall"?  Does "inner" mean internal?  Or just within the outer-most boundaries of the print area?

It would be great if Autodesk could clean up and enhance the help documents using this terminology and provide a glossary of standard terms with diagrams to show users what these mean.  Call in some technical writers to help build proper documentation.  Some of us really do need and read this information.