"Jerk" Doesn't Mean What You Think

In 3D printing, the term "jerk" has a different practical meaning compared to its classical definition in engineering and physics. Traditionally, jerk is defined as the rate of change of acceleration—a third derivative of position with respect to time, measured in units like mm/s³. It describes how quickly acceleration itself changes, which is a highly dynamic, instantaneous measure important in motion control and mechanical systems.

However, in 3D printing firmware and motion control, "jerk" is commonly used as a simplified setting representing the instantaneous allowable speed change of the printer's print head when changing direction, measured in mm/s (velocity units, not acceleration units). It effectively sets a threshold speed—the maximum speed at which the printer can change direction without needing to decelerate to a full stop first. For example, if the jerk is set to 20 mm/s, the printer can instantly reverse or turn at that speed without slowing down completely, enabling smoother and faster cornering movements. This usage is more about limiting abrupt speed changes in the axes at junctions or corners rather than describing physical jerk as acceleration changes. Thus, in 3D printing, jerk controls how quickly the print head can pivot direction, affecting print speed, quality, and mechanical vibrations, rather than representing true "jerk" from physics.