FDM 3D Printing ServicesÂ
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an extrusion-based process that selectively deposits thermoplastics layer-by-layer to create a physical object.
FDM technology offers valuable efficiencies over conventional manufacturing methods, letting you cut production costs while benefitting from shorter lead times.
FDM is a popular choice for rapid 3D prototyping, batch production and end use parts.
Due to is great material diversity it can also be used to create specialised manufacturing tools, functional production parts, robotic parts, and much much more.
Advantages & Considerations
Cheaper
FDM 3D Printing has proved extremely cost-effective. It is the cheapest method of 3D printing for one-off prototypes, iterative design and low batch production runs.
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Quicker
FDM printers are so efficient that they can eliminate many of the steps necessary with traditional manufacturing. Lead times for prototyping and batch manufacturing are reduced from months to a matter of days.
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Flexible
No tooling or setup costs, go straight to production and keep iterating throughout the process. On demand manufacturing means our customers have the right item in the right quantity at the right time.
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Layer Lines
With the process of FDM printing layer by layer - Layer lines will be visible. Lines may be more visible depending on the material selected. This may need considered when selecting materials for your parts.
Thinner layers will result in a smoother surface finish, but longer print time. Thicker layers will result in a surface finish with more visible layer lines, but faster print time.
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Supports
Depending on your part geometries & design - A support structure may be required. Over hangs or bridges may require a build support to print the feature in mid air. Supports can leave blemishes on the part once removed that may require post processing after printing.
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Z-Seam
The Z-Seam is the starting and endpoint of each layer where the printer's extruder nozzle begins a new layer during the printing process. Usually, you can hide the Z-Seam in corners or other parts of the model but, especially with round models, this will be more noticeable.
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FDM Machine Capabilities
Our FDM printers are capable of producing a number of small sized parts in one set up & run or one medium sized part at a time.
Nevertheless we are not limited to not to printing larger sized parts!
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We can split a large part into to multiple sections individually that can then be assembled after printing.
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Don't forget, 3D printers can print more than an a one off part. We can print in place fully functioning assembled parts, wither it is a hinged part or a gear assembly.
Max part size
259 x 259 x 259mm
Min part size
10 x 10 x 10mm
Layer Height
100μm - 800μm
Infill percent
15% - 100%
Tolerance
±0.5 mm (min ± 0.5 mm)
Lead time
From 3 working days
Min wall thickness
0.8mm
Infill Density options
Compared to other manufacturing techniques, FDM printing allows you to control the infill density
Infill density is the structural patterns that partially fill the space inside the outer printed walls of a part. The higher the infill percentage, the higher the tensile strength of the part.
The greater the percentage of infill, the higher the density of the part.
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In most cases, an infill density between 20% and 50% is ideal. Less than 15% results in flimsy parts whereas more than 50% prints can begin to exaggerate printing time and use excessive material.
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Standard Print infill density
For non functional prints an infill density of 20% - 50% is recommended
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Functional Print infill density
Functional prints it is recommend to use a infill density of 50% - 100% depending on part use
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Flexible Print infill density
Flexible materials like TPU can have a infill density from 10% - 100%. The higher the infill density, the less flexible the part will be.
20% Infill
80% Infill
50% Infill
100% Infill
Standard Print Infill
20% - 50% Density
Functional Print Infill
50% - 100% Density
Flexible Print Infill
10% - 100% Density
Layer Thickness options
FDM printing is an additive manufacturing process of printing a material layer-by-layer. The thickness of each layer determines the resolution of a print.
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Thinner layers will result in a smoother surface finish, but have a longer print time. Thicker layer lines will be more visible. This should be considered with the requirements of your printed parts.
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Layer height will alter the part's smoothness by influencing its vertical resolution. A smoother finish will come from choosing a lower layer height, which is great if looks is your primary concern.
However, selecting a greater layer height is recommended when 3D printing a functioning part because it will save print time and increase mechanical performance. For example, FDM components printed with a layer height of 300 μm are around 20% stronger than components printed at 100 μm.
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At Modzaprint we offer various different layer thicknesses. Our standard print layer thicknesses are 100μm, 160μm, 200μm, 240μm & 300μm but we can print up to 800µm (0.8mm).
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300µm
200µm
100µm
Super Fine Quality Layer Thickness
100μm (0.1mm)
Dynamic Quality Layer Thickness
160μm (0.16mm)
Standard Quality Layer Thickness
200μm (0.2mm)
Draft Quality Layer Thickness
300μm (0.3mm)