What is FDM 3D printing?

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology widely acclaimed for its versatility, ease of use, and cost-efficiency. It works by extruding thermoplastic filaments through a heated nozzle, layer by layer, to construct a 3D object. This technology is accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike, making it one of the most popular methods of 3D printing on the market today.

Key Benefits

Material Versatility

Material Options: Enjoy a wide range of materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, each with unique properties suitable for various applications.
Material Availability: FDM materials are readily available and can be swapped easily, making material handling and storage simpler than other 3D printing technologies.

Layer-by-Layer Process

Affordability: FDM printers and materials are among the most cost-effective on the market, ensuring a lower barrier to entry for all users.
Maintenance Costs: The simplicity of FDM machines often leads to lower maintenance costs over time.

Quality and Precision

Layer Resolution: Achieve layer resolutions typically ranging from 0.1mm to 0.3mm, suitable for a variety of applications.
Print Quality: FDM technology has evolved to produce high-quality prints with an excellent balance of strength and detail.

Support Material and Complex Designs

Soluble Supports: Advanced FDM printers can use water-soluble supports to create intricate designs and complex geometries.
Design Freedom: The ability to print with supports expands the design possibilities significantly.

How FDM Works

Designing: Start with a 3D model designed in CAD software.

Slicing: Use slicing software to convert the CAD file into a G-code file the printer can understand.
Printing: The printer heats the filament and extrudes it onto the build platform, where it cools and solidifies to form the 3D object.
Post-Processing: Remove support material if necessary and finish the surface to achieve the desired quality.

Applications

Prototyping: Quickly fabricate prototypes to test form, fit, and function.

Education: Teach students about manufacturing and design principles.
Custom Tools: Create bespoke tools and fixtures for specific tasks.
End-Use Products: Produce finished products or parts on-demand.

Features

Build Volume: From compact desktop models to large-format industrial machines.

Dual Extrusion: Some FDM printers offer dual extrusion capabilities for multi-material or multi-color prints.
Connectivity: Options for connecting to printers include USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.

Prusa Mk3S+

Build Volume: 25-21-21 cm (9.84"-8.3"-8.3")

Layer height: 0.05 - 0.35 mm

Nozzle: 0.4mm default, wide range of other diameters/nozzles supported

Filament diameter: 1.75 mm

Supported materials:

Wide range of thermoplastics, including PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC (Polycarbonate), CPE, PVA/BVOH, PVB, HIPS, PP (Polypropylene), Flex, nGen, Nylon, Carbon filled, Woodfill and other filled materials.

Max travel speed: 200+ mm/s

Max nozzle temperature: 300 °C / 572 °F

Max heatbed temperature: 120 °C / 248 °F

Extruder: Direct Drive, Bondtech gears, V6 hotend

Print surface: Removable magnetic steel sheets(*) with different surface finishes, heatbed with cold corners compensation

Printer dimensions (without spool): 7 kg, 500—550—400 mm; 19.6—21.6—15.7 in (X—Y—Z)

Power consumption - PLA settings: 80W / ABS settings: 120W

Vivedino 3D Printers

Model No.: Troodon 2.0
Build Size: 350*350*330mm
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
Nozzle Temp.: Max 500°C
Layer Thickness: 0.05 - 0.03mm
Printing Technology: FDM
Print Speed: <500mm/s
Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
Beb Temp: Max 120°C
Body Structure:
Fully enclosed metal frame

Model No.: Troodon 1.0
Build Size: 300*300*400MM
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
Nozzle Temp.: Max 500°C
Layer Thickness: 0.05 - 0.03mm
Printing Technology: FDM
Print Speed: <500mm/s
Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
Beb Temp: Max 120°C
Body Structure:
Fully enclosed metal frame