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Additive Technology: FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling

FDM utilizes the same thermoplastics that you know and currently build with. It’s used for low-cost prototyping, design checks and everyday applications.

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What Is FDM Technology?

Description

FDM technology precisely extrudes material from a nozzle layer-by-layer to form a part. It’s widely known for it’s print speed, visual impact and competitive cost.

Strengths

Low cost, fast parts, with high detail, good surface quality and a wide range of materials.

Weaknesses

Support marks may be visible, layer lines likely to be visible, limited dimensional accuracy and some materials not dimensionally stable.

Plastic Materials

ABS, HIPS, PLA, PET-G or ULTRAT

Support Material

Soluable or Breakaway Supports

Technical Specifications

Price

$$$$$

Lead Time

1-2 Days

Tolerances

± 0.5 mm

Min Wall Thickness

0.8 mm

Max Build Volume

300 x 300 x 300 mm
( 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 in )

Resolutions Available

100 Micron – 0.1 mm
125 Micron – 0.125 mm
200 Micron – 0.2 mm

Advantages of FDM

Functional Materials

FDM utilizes a wide range of thermoplastic materials used in many commercial applications. This makes it great for functional prototyping, design checks and concept models.

Complex Geometries

Print geometries not possible or too costly for CNC machining. This allows you to increase efficiency within your designs without increasing cost.

Quick Turnaround

Our fleet of FDM machines are ready to print your parts on-demand. We can reduce production lead times from weeks or months to just a few days.

Reduce Upfront Costs

Great for rapid delivery of dimensionally accurate and functional parts. Save time and money with small batch production runs or produce limited quantities with no minimums or upfront tooling.

Great Quality

Go from CAD to great quality, functional, end-use parts in days. FDM is a fast and effective technology for proving and testing your designs.

Large Build Volume

FDM is capable of producing large functional parts on-demand. We currently support build volumes up to 300 x 300 x 300 mm.

Explore FDM Materials

Below is a list of materials we offer for Fused Deposition Modeling.

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ABS

All Purpose Material

ABS is ideal for creative applications, conceptual models, small plastic parts or gadgets and rapid prototypes with moderate functional requirements.

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PLA

Biodegradable Material

PLA comes from natural resources, making it biodegradable and environmentally friendly. It’s a very hard material with a low shrink rate.

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ULTRAT

All Purpose Material

ULTRAT is an all-purpose and all-around great material with exceptional durability. Great for end-use parts that are required to keep their initial shape over time.

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HIPS

Impact Resistant Material

Hard and impact resistant thermoplastic, with a smooth matte surface. Use HIPS to print durable parts without compromising on the quality.

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PET-G

Engineering Grade Material

Industrial material that can defend time, resist most chemicals and weather the elements. Known for exceptional durability and strength.

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Materials Coming Soon

Stay Tuned

We’re constantly testing and adding new additive materials. Here are a few FDM materials that we’re planning to release: ASA, ESD, PC-ABS and PHA

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