Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
Overview
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), also known under the trademarked term Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), sometimes also called filament freeform fabrication, is a 3D printing process that uses a continuous filament of a thermoplastic material.
The filament is fed from a large coil through a moving, heated printer extruder head, and is deposited on the growing work. The print head is moved under computer control to define the printed shape. Usually, the head moves in two dimensions to deposit one horizontal plane, or layer, at a time; the work or the print head is then moved vertically by a small amount to begin a new layer.
Application
- Prototypes for checking the geometry of the product, tolerance & fit
- Low volume production of complex objects makes it cost-effective when compared to casting
- Complex parts manufacturing is possible with less effort when compared to casting, injection molding & some other conventional processes.
- Pattern & molds for sand casting can be manufactured with lesser detailing thus saving time & money.
- Direct manufacturing in thermoplastic materials like PLA, ABS, etc.
Materials Properties
FDM materials
| Filament | Special Properties | Uses | Strength | Density (kg/m3) | Flexibility | Durability | Difficulty to print | Print Temp°C) | Bed Temp (°C) | Printing notes |
| PLA |
|
Consumer Products | Medium | 1240 | Low | Medium | Low | 180 – 230 | No heated bed needed | |
| ABS |
|
Functional Parts | Medium | 1010 | Medium | High | Medium | 210 – 250 | 80 -100 | |
| PETG |
|
All | Medium | 1270 | High | High | Medium | 220 – 235 | No heated bed needed | |
| Nylon |
|
All | High | 1020 | High | High | Medium | 220 – 260 | 50 – 100 | Hygroscopic, keep sealed when not in use |
| TPU |
|
Elastic Parts &
Wearables |
Low | High | Medium | High | 225 – 235 | No heated bed needed | Print slowly | |
| POM |
|
Functional Parts | High | Low | Medium | High | 210 – 225 | 130 | ||
| Wood |
|
Home Decor | Medium | 1400 | Medium | Medium | Medium | 195 – 220 | No heated bed needed |
Specifications
Minimum Wall thickness: 0.8 mm
Minimum details size: 2 mm (for text/ hole diameters etc)
Layer thickness: 0.1 mm – 0.3 mm
Max dimensions: 300 x 300 x 300 mm. Very large parts can be created by segmenting and can be joined by either interlocking or gluing.
Standard Accuracy: 0.1mm accuracy
Surface finish: Supports removed and layers with texture
Post-processing: Vapour smoothing (for the shiny surface without visible layers)