FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing fabricates customized parts through a process of heating and extruding thermoplastics layer by layer. This versatile technology is ideal for both initial prototyping and functional low-volume production, offering a range of durable plastic materials.
While FDM is cost-effective, it excels beyond mere prototyping, serving as a robust manufacturing solution. With FDM, you gain access to thermoplastics like PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, and PEL, with a dimensional accuracy typically within +0.5% and a lower limit of +0.5 mm (0.0196”).
FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printing creates custom parts by heating and extruding thermoplastics layer-by-layer. You can use FDM for initial and functional prototyping and low volume production in a variety of strong plastic materials.
While FDM is the most affordable 3D printing technology, it’s far more than a small-scale manufacturing solution. 3D printing with FDM means getting access to thermoplastics, including PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG and PEI, and a dimensional accuracy of ±0.5% with a lower limit of ±0.5 mm (0.0196”).
FDM 3D printing spans across two main categories: desktop prototyping and industrial-grade solutions. Each category offers unique capabilities tailored to different needs and applications.
| Capability | Desktop Prototyping FDM | Industrial FDM |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Build Size | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68 x 19.68 x 19.68 in) | 406 x 355 x 406 mm (15.98 x 13.97 x 15.98 in) |
| Standard Lead Time | From 2 business days | 3 business days |
| Dimensional Accuracy | “+0.5% with a lower limit of ±0.5 mm (0.0196 in) | ”+0.3% with a lower limit of ±0.3 mm (±0.012 in) |
| Layer Infill Height | 100-300 µm | 20-80% |
| Available Materials | Ultra-light, Light, Solid | High-strength thermoplastics |
| Materials | Prototyping (Desktop) FDM | Industrial FDM |
|---|---|---|
| Prototyping PLA | Rapid Prototyping | |
| Prototyping PETG | Functional Prototyping | |
| Prototyping ABS | Conceptual Modeling | |
| Prototyping TPU | Product Development | |
| Nylon: Markforged Onyx | Automotive Manufacturing | |
| PEI: ULTEM 9085, ULTEM 1010 | Aerospace Engineering | |
| ASA: Stratasys ASA | Outdoor Applications |
| Process | Materials | Price | Dimensional Accuracy | Strengths | Industry Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDM (Industrial) | Thermoplastics (ABS, PLA, etc) | Medium | "±0.5% with lower limit of ±0.5 mm | Low cost, wide range of materials, high repeatability | Engineering, Prototyping, Automotive |
| FDM (Prototyping) | Thermoplastics (ABS, PLA, etc) | Low | "±0.3% with lower limit of ±0.3 mm (卤 0.012") | Low cost, wide range of materials | Prototyping, Conceptual Modeling |
| SLA | Photopolymer resins | High | "± 0.3% with lower limit of ±0.3 mm (± 0.012") | Smooth surface finish, fine feature details | Jewelry, Dentistry, Prototyping |
| SLS | Nylon, TPU, other powders | High | "+0.2% with lower limit of +0.13 mm (± 0.005") | Design flexibility, supports not required | Aerospace, Automotive, Prototyping |
| MJF | Nylon powder | High | "+0.3% with lower limit of ±0.3 mm ( 0.012") | Smooth surface finish, fine feature details | Aerospace, Automotive, Medical |
| DLP | Photopolymer resins | Medium | "+0.3% with lower limit of 0.3 mm (0.012") | High resolution, smooth surface finish | Dental, Jewelry, Prototyping |
Advantages
Drawbacks
The table outlines the recommended and technically feasible values for typical features found in FDM 3D printed parts.
| Design Feature | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Unsupported walls | 0.8 mm (0.0315 in) |
| Supported walls | 0.8 mm (0.0315 in) |
| Minimum feature size | 2.0 mm (0.0787 in) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 2.0 mm (0.0787 in) |
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D Printing technology widely known for its great material selection, accuracy, possibility to print large parts, and affordability. FDM 3D Printing machines produce one layer at a time by extruding thermoplastic filament onto a build plate.The processing steps mainly include:
Step 1
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Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology that builds parts layer-by-layer using a thermoplastic filament. It is a popular additive manufacturing process known for its versatility and affordability.
Fused Deposition Modeling works by heating and extruding a thermoplastic filament through a nozzle. The melted material is then deposited in a precise pattern layer by layer, solidifying as it cools down, ultimately creating a three-dimensional object.
The accuracy of FDM 3D printed parts depends on various factors, including the printer’s capabilities, the chosen material, and the design complexity. Generally, FDM offers acceptable accuracy for most applications but may not be suitable for highly detailed or intricate parts.
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