What Is FDM 3D Printing?

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Technology works with specialized 3D printers and production-grade thermoplastics to build strong, durable, and dimensionally stable parts with the best accuracy and repeatability of any 3D printing technology.

A typical FDM 3D printer uses polymer-based filament that is forced through a heated nozzle to melt the material and deposit it on the build platform in 2D layers. These layers combine while they are still hot to eventually form a three-dimensional part.

How Does FDM Printing Works?

Layer by layer melted filament material is deposited onto a build platform by an FDM 3D printer until you have a finished part. FDM converts digital design files into physical dimensions by uploading them to the machine itself.

An initial 3D CAD (computer-aided design) model is used in the procedure. The digital model is divided into several slices (layers) using slicing software, which then produces a G-code file for the 3D printer. To create the 3D model, the solid plastic filament is heated, melted, and extruded from a nozzle onto a build plate in layers. Depending on the desired resolution, each layer can range in thickness from 0.1mm to 0.5mm.

Types of Materials Used in FDM Printing

ABS-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

• Decent strength
• Good resilience to temperature
• Less resistant to warping

PLA-Polylactic acid

• Outstanding visual quality
• Low impact strength
• Simple to print

PETG-Polyethylene terephthalate glycol

• Food safe
• Decent strength
• Easily printable

TPU-Thermoplastic Polyurethane

• Very flexible
• Difficult to print accurately

Nylon (PA)-Polyamide

• High strength
• Excellent wear and chemical resistance
• Low humidity resistance
   

Post-Processing for FDM 3D Printing

Several post-processing techniques, such as sanding and polishing, priming and painting, and vapor smoothing, can be used to finish FDM 3D printed objects to a high quality.

FDM Capabilities 

Design Guidelines for FDM

We manufacture your parts according to strict manufacturing standards. Verification of these requirements is included in our inspection report that is shipped with every order.

UPLOAD your design for an Instant Quote ( Acceptable file types are .stl, .step, .x_T)