Fused Deposition Modeling – FDM
FDM is a 3D printing method that makes durable objects out of the same type of plastic one sees in everyday products. With FDM, the 3D printer takes a spool of plastic filament, melts it, and extrudes it onto a tray to build a part layer-by-layer from the bottom-up. FDM material utilizes industrial-grade thermoplastics (ABS, Polycarbonate, and Ultim), which is why the resulting parts are so tough. The technology is supports production-grade thermoplastics, which are mechanically and environmentally stable. Further, FDM can produce complex geometries and cavities that would otherwise be problematic using conventional machining methods.
Applications:
- Aerospace
Solve design challenges before committing to expensive and time-consuming tooling and production. Manufacturing with FDM 3D Printing enables faster iteration, decision-making, and response to market changes. Fixtures and flight-worthy parts go from idea to production in a fraction of the time.
- Automotive
Due in part to FDM’s relative heat resistance; one could go from the design studio to the factory floor in a fraction of the time it takes other development processes. In other words, one could prototype, test, and produce all manners of tools, jigs, fixtures, and street-ready parts with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
- Medical
The medical industry frequently uses FDM materials that are biocompatible and MRI transparent, where people in the medical industry prefer using FDM for its superior strength and heat resistance.
