FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling
FDM's exceptional durability and strength attributes have established it as a highly favored technology for manufacturing objects within the aerospace and motorsports industries.
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What is FDM – Fused Deposition Modeling?
FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. It is a 3D printing technology that uses a thermoplastic filament as a material source. The process involves melting the filament and depositing it layer by layer to create a three-dimensional object. FDM is known for its reliability and ability to produce strong and durable parts. It is widely used in various industries for rapid prototyping, product development, and low-volume production.
High level of precision & geometrical accuracy
With FDM, precise and intricate designs can be brought to life with remarkable accuracy. This technology has become the preferred choice for industries that prioritize meticulous detail and reliable performance.
With FDM 3D printing, we can build strong, durable, stable and complex items with an extremely high accuracy. You get a hard-wearing, durable and functional parts in plastic.
FAQs
- Offers high levels of dimensional and geometrical accuracy
- Known for producing strong and durable parts, suitable for both functional prototypes and end-use products
The FDM technology is the preferred choice when an application requires specific thermoplastic properties. It offers a high level of dimensional and geometrical accuracy.
Parts are made with FDM technology by fusing and extruding different thermoplastics over successive layers. The machine first lays out one or more contours, which are then filled with a grid alternating 90° on every second layer. It is worth noting that there will be so-called voids (small holes) where the grid turns towards the contours; the parts are therefore not watertight.
There is a choice of many different thermoplastics, and this is also one of the strengths of this technology. A water-soluble support is used for most materials, so the support for complicated geometries can then be washed off. For parts made from Ultem, however, the support must be removed mechanically, which imposes some limitations on how complex parts can be when printed from this material. FDM technology delivers good dimensional accuracy, but slightly worse resolution than competing technologies. The layer thicknesses we use are 0.17 or 0.25 mm. Some materials can only be printed with 0.25 mm.
The time required for manufacture using FDM technology differs from other technologies; the synergy effects from building many parts simultaneously are not as evident as with SLS technology.
- ABS-ESD7
- ABS-M30
- ABS-M30i
- ASA
- Nylon12
- PC
- PC-ISO
- PC-ABS
- Ultem1010
- Ultem9085
- PEEL
- CARBON PEEK
- CARBON PA
- There is a choice of many different thermoplastics, and this is also one of the strengths of this technology.
- A water-soluble support is used for most materials, so the support for complicated geometries can then be washed off.
- For parts made from Ultem, however,
the support is removed mechanically, which imposes some limitations on how complex parts
can be when printed from this material. - Best strength in X/Y. Weaker in Z
