Fused Deposition Modeling FDM 3D Printing Service
Reduce costs and shorten development timelines by 3D printing your parts out of real thermoplastic materials using fused deposition modeling (FDM).
FDM Additive Manufacturing
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the most widely used 3D printing process because of its ease of use and ability to run real engineered plastics. FDM, also referred to as Fused Filament Fabrication or FFF, works be extruding materials layer by layer.
FDM is a popular method for additive manufacturing but has its own specific benefits. FDM is more widely known and affordable than HP MJF or Carbon DLS due to the availability and low cost of entry with desktop 3D printers. The Elimold has the capabilities to manufacture 3D printed parts with FDM technology for your projects.
Our industrial FDM machines offer more repeatability for industrial, aerospace and medical prototyping and production. Today, there are hundreds of FDM and FFF 3D printers available in all different sizes, for different materials and applications.
Like all our additive manufacturing machines, FDM runs 24/7 but is easier to operate and post-process which allows for low-cost parts and quick turnarounds in as little as 1-2 days.
FDM Design & Build Guideline
Each 3D printing technology is a little different, here are standard guidelines to consider when choosing FDM as your 3D printing process:
- FDM Build Layers
- 0.007” Build Layers = Best part finish, accuracy, detail, and strength but increases cost and build times (Ultem not available)
- 0.010” Build Layers = Best balance of finish, accuracy, detail, and strength with cost and build times
- 0.013” Build Layers = Best for quick low-cost parts but finish, accuracy, detail, and strength are reduced
- Minimum Wall Thickness & Features = .71-1.32mm (0.028”-0.052”) based on layers
- Standard Finish = Level 1 Support Removal Finish
- Standard Lead Time = 1-3 days
- Tolerances = +/- 0.005” for first inch then +/- 0.002” per inch thereafter
- Inserts = Preferred for threads, install in post-processing with heat stake or adhesives
- Holes = Drill, Ream, and Tap (Print threads then chase or ream in finishing)
Our FDM manufacturing standards
We manufacture your parts according to strict manufacturing standards. Verification of these requirements is included in our inspection report shipped with every order.
- Desktop FDM: A dimensional accuracy of ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.5 mm (± 0.020″).
- Industrial FDM: A dimensional accuracy of ± 0.25% with a lower limit: ± 0.25 mm (± 0.010″).
- Consistent surface finish with no bumps or delamination. Marks left by retraction and layer changing are acceptable.
- All support material is removed so the supporting surface has a consistent finish.
- All parts are printed with 3 outline/perimeter shells or a wall thickness of 1.2 mm.
Part manufactured using fused deposition modeling 3D printing technology
Ready to Get Started?
From design to prototype and production, our team of engineers is ready to help bring your idea to life with 3D printing.
Benefits of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Elimold uses the most advanced industrial FDM 3D printers designed to meet tolerances of +/- a single build layer thickness for the first inch and +/- .002” for every inch thereafter.
FDM printed parts are available in a variety of high-performance plastics for applications that require resistance to the elements.
Elimold can produce FDM parts with large build volumes up to 24″ x 36″ x 36″.
FDM parts do not require tooling which reduces the manufacturing lead time from weeks to days.
FDM has the highest variety of real engineered thermoplastics.
FDM is capable of producing end-use parts on-demand, increasing throughput and helping you get to market faster.
The Materials Available By FDM 3D Printing At Elimold
| MATERIALS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| TPU 92A (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) |
|
| Antero™ 800NA (polyetherketoneketone) |
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| ULTEM™ 1010 resin (polyetherimide) |
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| ULTEM™ 9085 resin (polyetherimide) |
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| FDM Nylon 12™ (polyamide 12) |
|
| FDM Nylon 12CF™ (polyamide 12CF) |
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| PC (polycarbonate) |
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| PC-ISO™ (polycarbonate – ISO 10993 USP Class VI biocompatible) |
|
| PC-ABS (polycarbonate – acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) |
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| ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) |
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| ABS-ESD7™ (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene – static dissipative) |
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| ABS-M30™ (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) |
|
0.005 inch (0.127 mm) layer thickness not available for Stratasys F900.
See individual material spec sheets for testing details.
Annealed
Actual surface resistance may range from 109 to 106 ohms, depending upon geometry, build style and finishing techniques.
Available only on the Stratasys F370
Download the FDM Material Specification PDF and consult a Elimold expert for details on different materials.
For additional flexible 3D printing options // TPU 88A for SLS, PolyJet, and Urethane Casting
Order Material Samples // Keychains and Kits
Why do our clients prefer FDM technology?
- FDM fused deposition modeling technology is easy to use.
- It reduces the production cost associated with 3D printing technology.
- The lead times for this manufacturing process are comparatively shorter.
- It is easy to deal with complicated cavities and geometries with FDM technology.
- There are several high-performance options that need element resistances.
- Our professionals can produce on-demand parts.
Why do our clients prefer FDM technology?
| Spray painting | Get painted according to the color pattern provided by the customer (Including matte paint, high-gloss paint, electroplating-imitation paint, varnish, leather paint,etc). |
| Polished | The surface texture is polished in a variety of ways to meet the actual needs of customers. The transparent parts can be polished accordingly to improve transparency and light transmittance. |
| Electroplating | Provide electroplating services, improve the overall strength of the parts, provide metal-like surface texture, and make it have certain metal characteristics. |
| Inlay nut | At the specific bottom hole position that needs to be processed, the internal thread is processed. |
| Glazing assembly | The surface of the part is glazed to better imitate the appearance of handicrafts. Have mature assembly experience to ensure the overall display of the product. |
| Reinforced coating | The unique outer coating processing ability improves the strength of the product structure, reduces external wear, and can better avoid damage caused by normal storage and use. |
| Testing Service | A variety of measuring equipment provides reasonable measure services according to the actual needs of customers. |
Get Your Product to Market
Our integrated approach to design, prototyping, and production allows you to bring your concept to market faster and more cost-effectively than virtually anyone else.