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FDM
Fused Deposition Modeling
Synonyms and working principle
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), often also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is an additive manufacturing technology that produces parts out of thermoplastics. Key to the manufacturing process is a heated and moveable nozzle as well as plastic filament. The plastic material is heated inside the nozzle above its melting temperature and then extruded on top of the previous printed layer. After its extrusion, the material cools down and fuses with the existing layers. Through the repetition of this process the plastic part is finally manufactured.
Advantages of FDM
Fused Deposition Modeling has many great advantages. It represents an affordable and easy-to-use additive manufacturing technology, with the ability to be easily scaled to large parts. Combined with its cost-efficiency and short end-to-end lead times, Fused Deposition Modeling is a highly flexible manufacturing technology with a broad variety of materials available. Another important feature of this AM technology is that it can print industrial-grade thermoplastics.
FDM use cases
FDM can be used for prototyping and functional prototyping, especially for visual and geometric assessments. FDM is also used for modeling concepts. In addition to that, it is also feasible to manufacture end-use-parts with low-volume requirements. Specific use cases are jigs and fixtures and parts for art, architecture and model making.
Our offered materials for FDM
Main characteristics
ABS-ESD7 is a blend of ABS with carbon. This results in a strong and durable material with electrostatic discharge properties (ESD). The ESD feature mitigates product damage by preventing the buildup of static electricity. This serves ABS-ESD7's main differentiator from other FDM materials.
Use cases
With its ESD properties, ABS-ESD7 is often used for components in the electronics industry such as electronic fixtures, housings, or customized packaging. It’s also an excellent choice in environments with an increased risk of explosions from sparks. That’s why this is the preferred choice for parts involving fuel tanks and the packaging of dangerous goods.
Lead time: 6 days
Main characteristics
ABS M30 is a modified acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material combining strength and durability with low weight and a high load capacity. The material provides a good compromise between mechanical properties, cost, and accuracy. It has also better mechanical properties than conventional ABS.
Use cases
ABS M30 is often used for loaded functional prototypes, production gears, jigs and fixtures, and manufacturing tools. It’s ideal for form and fit testing. Thanks to its versatility and affordable price, it’s widely used across industries.
Lead time: 6 days
Main characteristics
ABS M30i has similar properties to ABS M30, which is high strength and durability combined with low weight and a high load capacity. However, this material is biocompatible according to ISO 10993 und USP Class VI and can be sterilized.
Use cases
This material is useful for parts requiring biocompatibility, high strength, and the possibility of sterilization. For example, surgical aids, medical devices, and manufacturing tools for the food industry. It’s an attractive option for parts that come into contact with skin.
Lead time: 6 days
Main characteristics
ASA filament is the ideal general-purpose thermoplastic and is suitable for various applications. It has a comparable chemical structure to ABS, but offers improved mechanical properties, surface finish, and UV resistance. ASA is available in 10 different colors.
Use cases
With its variety of color options and high aesthetics, ASA is the most popular FDM material for polymer prototypes in industrial-grade quality. Thanks to its high UV resistance, it can be perfectly used for outside applications. It is also often used in aesthetic prototypes for consumer goods or in the automotive industry.
Lead time: 6 days
Main characteristics
Polycarbonate (PC) combines good mechanical properties such as impact resistance, strength, rigidity, and hardness with high temperature with high dimensional stability and heat resistance.
Use cases
PC is typically used for jigs and fixtures, cases of any kind and visual models.
Lead time: 6 days
Main characteristics
PC-ABS is an ideal choice when the temperature resistance of polycarbonates (PC) and the flexural strength of ABS are required. This special blend of both materials stands out with its high-impact strength, especially at low temperatures.
Use cases
PC-ABS is applicable for strong tools and functional prototypes. It is frequently used in the automotive and electronics industry.
Lead time: 6 days
Main characteristics
ULTEM 1010 is a high-performance thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI). It offers the highest heat resistance, tensile strength, and chemical resistance. It also possesses the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion among all FDM materials. It’s ideal for challenging and highly specialized applications.
Use cases
ULTEM 1010 is frequently used across industries for high-strength jigs and lightweight composite tooling. Certified grade ULTEM can be also used for food contact production tools and customized medical applications.
Lead time: 8 days
Main characteristics
ULTEM is one of the so-called high-performance thermoplastics. Its outstanding strength makes it an alternative to metallic materials. Together with the property of flame retardancy, the material is very widespread in the aviation and rail industry.
Use cases
ULTEM materials are predestined for flame-retardant parts like they are often required in planes or trains. Due to its low toxicity PEI-based polymers can also be used for components in the medicine and food industry.
Lead time: 8 days
Did not find the material you are looking for?
We are constantly expanding and you can request specific materials going beyond our current standardized offering. Simply select “Other Material” in the order process and provide us your desired specifications in the comment section.
You can also reach out to us with your specific material requests at any time under customersupport@makerverse.ai
