Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is one of the most commonly known and most widely used 3D printing technologies today. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) or FDM is a manufacturing process that deposits plastic layers of material and fuses them one layer at a time for producing durable parts.
It is an affordable, simple and scalable process, and thus it is well suited for prototyping and also for end use applications. In this blog, we’ll look at the advantages, limitations, common materials, and most popular use cases for FDM, so you can determine if this technology is right for your next project.
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FDM 3D printing involves heating a filament and extruding through a nozzle of material that gets deposited, in successive layers, on a build platform. A digital file tells the nozzle where and how to go, and how to extrude plastic to get the desired shape.
However, this additive manufacturing method is particularly well suited for producing functional prototype and robust parts in a fully economical manner.
Advantages of FDM Technology
Cost-Effective:
FDM is known to be a relatively inexpensive 3D printing technology, and as such it’s something available on a budget to help small businesses and hobbyists alike.
Wide Range of Materials:
FDM is pet friendly and the eMaterial selection is literally for any application from basic PLA to engineering grade materials such as ABS, PETG, carbon fibre types.
Ease of Use:
FDM printers are easy to use and easily usable and ideal for beginners and learning.
Scalability:
FDM is also flexible for most build sizes from desktop units for small parts to large format prints rated for industrial use.
Limitations of FDM 3D Printing
Layer Lines and Surface Finish:
Visible layer lines of FDM parts may require post processing for a smoother surface finish.
Lower Resolution for Fine Details:
While FDM can result in the printing of very small parts and parts with intricate details, it is not the best technology for these if resolution is low relative to SLA or SLS technologies.
Mechanical Anisotropy:
By comparison to isotropic methods like MJF, the mechanical strengths in the Z direction of parts made with FDM are different from each other, and tend to be weaker.
To understand more about the defects FDM printing can pose, check out our blog on Print Defects from FDM.
FDM 3D Printing Applications
FDM technology is very flexible, and can be used in various industry domains from prototyping to production.
Here are some of its common applications:
Prototyping
Produce accurate, low cost prototypes that allow you to test functionality and form prior to mass production.
End-Use Parts
Particularly for low volume production, FDM’s wide material range enables it to create durable end use parts.
Jigs and Fixtures
Using FDM manufacturing aids such as custom jigs, fixtures and tooling components can be quickly produced.
Architectural Models
Shrink down designs of detailed architectures for visualising a complex structures and layouts.
Educational Models
FDM is easy to use, ideal for making educational tools, and visual aids for classrooms.
Is FDM Right for Your Project?
FDM is a versatile and inexpensive process for a hobbyist that wishes to create some custom parts, or a business wanting to develop functional prototypes. It is, however, important to balance its limitations, especially question of surface finish and fine details. If you need high strength, or need a more complex geometries then you could be looking at other 3D printing technologies such as SLS, MJF, etc.
If you’re still wondering if FDM is the right choice for your next project, just don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Additive Inn. If you like, we’ll be glad to give you a consultation helping you through the process and also suggest the most suitable solution to the problem you are facing.
Ready to get started? Additiveinn.com is your one stop to learn more how we can create your ideas with FDM 3D printing.
