FDM

Introduction of FDM

Fused deposition molding (FDM), also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), is the most popular of many 3D printing technologies. The basic schematic diagram of FDM technology is shown in Fig. 1. Thermoplastic filaments (such as ABS, PLA, etc.) are continuously fed into the heating chamber, where they are melted to become a high-viscosity fluid. After that, the melt is squeezed out through the nozzle and placed on the construction platform layer by layer. Only one layer of material can be placed at once to follow the printer control software pattern until the component is completed.

Fig. 1. Schematic representation of a typical fused deposition modeling setup. (Mazzanti, V; et al., 2019)

Services

CD BioSciences is a technology company specializing in providing 3D printing services with an experienced technical team, providing FDM printing services for global customers to help with your production and production development.

3D printing technology can build 3D entities from digital files, turning virtual into reality. FDM is the most widely used form among consumers.

The principle of FDM is simple. Create a model with 3D modeling software such as CAD and then convert it into a digital file. Under the control of a computer, a new model is formed by layer-by-layer stacking of high-temperature melted materials. Layer-by-layer stacking of materials is the core of FDM technology, which is also the biggest difference between traditional reduction processing. Therefore, FDM has a high material utilization rate.

There are many types of materials suitable for FDM technology.

• Engineering plastics such as PLA, ABS;
• Flexible plastics such as TPE, TPU;
• Wood
• Metal powder mixed with plastics such as PLA
• Carbon fiber, glass fiber and other composite materials
• Nylon and PEEK
• Ceramic materials

Because FDM technology uses a liquefied device and does not require valuable devices such as the laser, the price advantage is very prominent in many 3D printing technologies.

Applications of FDM

Due to the rich types of materials supported by FDM, each material has its own properties, making FDM widely used in parts manufacturing with different characteristics. FDM can adapt to a variety of different application scenarios and plays an important role in multiple fields.

• Automobile industries
• Biomedical science
• Aerospace industries
• Education
• Architecture

Advantages of FDM

• The principle is simple, easy to start
• High precision, repeatable production
• The operating environment is clean, safe, non-toxic, and can be used in multiple spaces
• Cheap
• High material utilization rate
• Large selection of available materials
• The finished products have excellent performance

FDM technology is easy to operate, cost-effective, and compatible with various materials, and is widely used in various industries. CD BioSciences can provide professional FDM technology, from desktop to industrial printing, which can quickly meet your needs in prototype production, product development and production applications.

If you are interested in our services, please contact us. All services are available on a 24/7/365 basis.

Reference

1. Mazzanti, V.; et al. (2019). FDM 3D Printing of Polymers Containing Natural Fillers: A Review of their Mechanical Properties. Polymers. 11, 1094.