FDM 3D printing: A Pioneer In 3D Printing Technology

A Story by 3D Printing

3D Printing technology has taken the world by storm, particularly, the printing sector. Many industrial sectors and designers prefer using FDM 3D Printing technology and derive optimal benefits.

3D Printing technology has taken the world by storm, particularly, the printing sector. Year after year, the sector is witnessing innovations and new developments and coming up with a variety of 3D processes. One of the additive manufacturing processes is Fused Deposition Modelling or FDM 3D Printing. This process is a part of a material extrusion family wherein melted material is selectively deposited layer by layer to create an object. Thermoplastic polymers are used for this purpose which is available in a filament form. This 3D printing technology is being extensively used in many applications. Here, we bring you some of its characteristics, functionalities, and advantages that can help a designer immensely.

Let us begin with the characteristics of FDM.

Printer Parameters

Several process parameters can be adjusted in a majority of FDM Systems which includes the temperature of the build platform and the nozzle, the layer height, the build speed and cooling fan speed. An operator can easily adjust these settings as per requirements.

It is important to understand that from the perspective of a designer, the two factors that hold optimal significance are layer height and build size.

Build Size

In a desktop 3D printer, the build size that is available is 200x200x200 mm while it can be up to 1000x1000x1000 mm in industrial machines. In case, a desktop machine is being considered due to cost concerns; a big size model can be broken into smaller parts and then assembled.

Layer Height

As far as layering height is concerned, it is between 50 and 400 microns in FDM and while placing an order, the same can be determined. If a designer is looking for smoother parts and accurate curved geometries, a smaller layer height proves to be an apt choice. Conversely, when going for a larger height, the parts not only get processed at a fast rate but the cost of the same is also reduced. The most commonly used height is 200 microns.

FDM Materials Most Commonly Used

One of the major advantages of using FDM technology is the broad range of materials available for use. Right from ABS and PLA (thermoplastics) to TPU, PA and PETG (engineering materials) and PEI and PEEK (performance thermoplastics, great variety of materials are available. Depending on precise requirements, a suitable material can be chosen for the best results.

Benefits of FDM

The major advantages of FDM that makes it perfect for use are:

With the growing use of 3D Printing in India, it is imperative to find out more about the different techniques used in 3D Printing technology. The benefits of FDM make it a preferred choice.

1. A Cost-effective technique that helps in producing high-accuracy prototypes and custom thermoplastic parts.

2. FDM lead times are short as the technology is widely available.

3. Easy availability of an extensive range of thermoplastic materials.

4. Materials are perfectly suitable for non-commercial functional applications and prototyping.

As a result, many industrial sectors and designers prefer using FDM 3D Printing technology and derive optimal benefits from the same. Look for a reputed company and get the best 3D printing project services.

Article Source URL:

https://medium.com/@3dprintingbangalore/fdm-3d-printing-a-pioneer-in-3d-printing-technology-f1957ef9c1c