Fused Deposition Modelling printing, or FDM printing, is a layer additive manufacturing process So, the same stuff you’d injection mould.
When someone needs an ABS or poly-carbonate or a high temperature ULTEM, we can actually print it directly without creating sample part as opposed to a casting, a part, or having the injected moulded parts done.
Fused Deposition Modelling printing
Fused Deposition Modelling printing, or FDM printing, is a layer additive manufacturing process that uses production-grade thermoplastic materials to produce both prototype and end-use parts.
This fabrication technology is known to accurately produce feature details and has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Fused Deposition Modelling is ideal for concept models, functional prototypes, manufacturing aids and low-volume end-use parts.
How work FdM printers
The Fused Deposition Modelling process begins by “slicing” 3DCAD data into layers. The data is then transferred to a machine which constructs the part layer by layer upon a build platform. Thin thread-like spools of thermoplastic and support material are used to create each cross-section of the part.
Similar to a hot melt glue gun, uncoiled material is slowly extruded through dual heated nozzles. The extrusion nozzles precisely lay down both support and thermoplastic material upon the preceding layers.
The extrusion nozzle continues to move in a horizontal X-Y plane and while the build platform moves down, building the part layer by layer.
The finished part is removed from the build platform and cleaned of its support material. Raw FDM parts have visible layer lines. However, service providers such as Solid Concepts offer multiple finishing options to create smooth, even surfaced parts including hand sanding, assembly and cosmetic paint.
FDM printing materials
material which is used for FDM parts are constructed with production-grade thermoplastics including ABS, Polycarbonate and Ultem, they are both functional and durable.material are available in different colour so user can create full colourful model. FDM technology build in the same basic strong, stable plastic used in CNC machining and other manufacturing process.
FDM Printing Applications
Technology of FDM 3D printing process is utilized in a number of industries including aerospace, automotive, architecture, professional industrial, commercial and medical even metal industries .
Fdm 3D printer price
Fdm 3D printers are cost efficient solution because of low machine price, affordable filament and low maintenance cost however Looking for new 3D printer their price is vary on industry and the buils material like metal or plastic, FDM 3D printer have advanced to become smaller and affordable and you can buy desktop fdm 3D printer around 1,30000 to 1,50,000 as per the indiamart.com website.
Advantage of fdm 3D printing
Reasonable price
3D printers with FDM technology are very reasonable. FDM technology is cheaper than the SLS and SLA 3D printing for example. In 3D printing industry the material which use in the filament, cost is less, for this reason many industries prefer FDM technology.
Material cost
Most of the companies choosing FDM technology for 3D printing, reason is the low-cost filament material, high strength, waterproof and high impact strength or toughness.
Main advantage of FDM technology is additional print head is used for support material such as PVA and HIPS , so the user can use multi material with different color and continues in same model.
Fast printing
In other technology the parts are require more processing for use and more time consume for printing, but in FDM printing takes less time and continues printing, after printing, printed parts are ready to use. This technology is very simple and easy to use.