FDM 3D Printing Essentials： Benefits, Drawbacks, and the Best Feedstock for Your Industries or Projects

FDM (Fused deposition modeling) 3D printing, also known as FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), was introduced in 1989 and is the most common type of 3D printing we see today. It is an extrusion-based additive manufacturing technology, that uses thermoplastic or composite materials, such as ABS, PLA, PETG, and PEI as feedstock.

The manufacturing process of FDM is quite straightforward. Before manufacturing an object, a digital design file is uploaded to the machine and is translated into physical dimensions.

Then, the thermoplastic filament is fed by a spool into an extruder, which melts, heats, and extrudes the plastic through a narrow nozzle, forming the print or extrusion head. This extrusion head is attached to a three-axis system that allows it to move across the X, Y, and Z axes.

Following a set of commands from the digital file, the extrusion head moves and works by depositing melted filament layer by layer on a build platform. Generally, the taller the object, the more slices are required, and the longer the lead time will be.

When the print head deposits the filament, the plastic melts onto the previous layer and hardens with cooling fans. This process is continued repeatedly until the parts are completed.

Among all types of 3D printing, FDM is the most commonly used technology for rapid prototyping. Not only because of its cost-effectiveness but also due to its availability of a wide range of highly resistant materials and colors.

However, FDM is not ideal for producing small or detailed parts due to its low resolution. If a smooth or fine surface finishing is required, post-processing is needed as its finished products are likely to come with rough surfaces, resulting in some extra costs.

- Healthcare or medical industry

- Automotive industry

- Aerospace industry

- Consumer products industry

- Industrial Equipment Industry