FDM Printing - How We Make Our Products

Introduction to FDM Printing: FDM printing, also known as Fused Deposition Modeling, is a 3D printing technology that uses thermoplastic polymers to create objects layer by layer. It is a widely used and cost-effective method for rapid prototyping and production.

• Key Characteristics: FDM printing works by extruding melted material through a heated nozzle, which is moved along a predetermined path to deposit the material layer by layer. The material cools and solidifies, forming a solid object.
• Materials: FDM printing uses thermoplastic filaments, such as ABS, PLA, PETG, and TPU, which come in a variety of colors and properties. These materials can be rigid or flexible, and some are even food-safe or chemically resistant.
• Process: The FDM printing process involves loading a spool of thermoplastic filament into the printer, heating the nozzle to the desired temperature, and extruding the melted material through the nozzle to deposit it layer by layer. The build platform descends or the extrusion head moves up to start the next layer, and this process repeats until the part is finished.
• Applications: FDM printing is commonly used for rapid prototyping, production, and tooling. It is widely used in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, medical, and aerospace, among others.
• Advantages: FDM printing offers several advantages, including high accuracy, and a wide range of available materials with different properties which can be selected on a use case basis. It is also a relatively fast process, with layer heights ranging from 50 to 400 microns.