Fused Deposition Modelling - FDM
Fused Deposition Modelling is a extrusion based technique. A heated nozzle to melt plastic is moved over a table in the required geometry. It deposits a thin bead of extruded plastic to form each layer. The plastic hardens immediately after being squirted from the nozzle and bond to the layer below. FDM prints at a very high accuracy.
Are you looking for functional parts? High quality parts with the finest detail or durable parts with great stability? Fused Deposition Modelling is the right choice. The FDM process constructs 3D objects directly from 3D digital drawings. A temperature controlled head extrudes thermoplastic material layer by layer.
Support structures must be designed for any overhanging geometries. The support structure can be removed in secondary operations. Several materials are available for the FDM process. These are nylonlike polymer and both machinable and investment casting waxes. Using ABS plastic, polycarbonate and poly(phenyl)sulfone materials have further extended the capabilities of Fused Deposition Modelling in terms of strenght and temperature range. FDM is fast for small objects.
Fused Deposition Modelling is an excellent solution for:
- prototypes for functional testing
- quality parts with high stability
- durable parts
- prototypes for form and fit testing
Prototype techniques
Sotopia concepts offers various rapid prototype techniques:
Stereolithography (SLA) - Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) - 3D printing - Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)