| Word | Description |
| Pattern | An object or part which possesses the mechanical geometry of a final object or part, but which may not possess the desired mechanical, thermal or other attributes of the final parts. Patterns are used in secondary processes to form tools to make parts for end-uses. |
| Photopolymer | Material systems which change from a liquid to a solid state upon application of light (UV radiation). Photopolymers are typically complex mixtures of compounds rather than consisting of a single component. |
| Polyamide | A synthetic polymer of the nylon family |
| Post Processing | Secondary operations necessary to turn an additively fabricated-part into a useable one. Such operations may include cleaning, removal of supports or unused powder, post-curing and surface finishing operations such as sanding. (Also see secondary operations) |
| Prototype | Physical model of a part or product during the product development process. Depending upon the purpose, prototypes may be non-working, functionally working, or both functionally and aesthetically complete. Derived from Latin term for "first form". |
| Prototype tooling | Short life molds and dies used in the fabrication of molded, stamping and dies and other parts. This approach has a low life expectancy compared to hardened production tooling. May yield from one to as many as 50,000 parts depending on methods and materials utilized. |