> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/prusa-open-access/hardware-glossary.md).

# Hardware Glossary

Links to various hardware of the printer and what they do.

**The extruder is what pushes and pulls the filament through the hot nozzle. Read more about it here:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MR2gPG62GPlZdpItZDU" %}
[Extruder](/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/prusa-open-access/hardware-glossary/extruder.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

**The hotend is the hardware that generates heat to melt the plastic filament and output it through the nozzle which has a fixed diameter. Read more about it here:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MRIt2ENGd6qPJoULrvl" %}
[Hotend & Nozzle](/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/prusa-open-access/hardware-glossary/hotend-and-nozzle.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

**On the Prusa, the print surface is magnetically coupled to the print bed, which moves along the Y-axis. Read more about it here:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MR3QGrZCsBCHAtoQ8Zj" %}
[Print Surface, Bed & Y Axis](/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/prusa-open-access/hardware-glossary/print-surface-bed-and-y-axis.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

**Prusa's PINDA inductive probe sets the Z minimum coordinates of the printer as well as the z-offset. Read more about it here:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MRIt6WL3Pgca-1UKrLE" %}
[PINDA Inductive Probe](/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/prusa-open-access/hardware-glossary/pinda-inductive-probe.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

**The toolhead that comprises of the extruder and hotend assembly, rides along the X-axis gantry. Read more about it here:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MRItUSKvJDUGbDP6wBA" %}
[X-Axis Gantry](/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/prusa-open-access/hardware-glossary/x-axis-and-gantry.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

**The Z-axis stage is what moves the X-Axis and Gantry up and down. Read more about it here:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MRItAbDyrXc9WP4FAN2" %}
[Z-Axis Stage](/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/prusa-open-access/hardware-glossary/z-axis.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}