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Fused filament fabrication (FFF), commonly referred to as fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, is an additive manufacturing (AM) technique. To create the finished physical items, filaments of thermoplastic polymers are used. The print head is moved under computer control to define the printed shape and selectively deposits melted filament material along a preset route to construct 3D printed parts layer by layer. It uses thermoplastic polymers to create 3D printed objects.
Stratasys co-founder S. Scott Crump developed fused deposition modeling in 1988. People may utilize this form of printing once the technology’s patent expired in 2009 without having to pay Stratasys for the right to do so. This opened up opportunities for commercial, do-it-yourself, and open-source (RepRap) 3D printer applications.
FDM is the most frequently utilized technology across most industries and makes up the largest installed base of 3D printers globally. Mainly used for prototyping this 3D printing technique can be used by all kinds of industries, from jewerly to automotive or medical. Rapid manufacturing and prototyping are frequent uses of FFF / FDM. Iterative testing is made easier by quick prototyping, and rapid manufacturing can be a more affordable option for small batches.
Desktop 3D printers are more convenient to iterate and create your model faster, if you know how to operate one. It can be used to create functional prototypes. However, for more advanced projects or production, industrial FDM might be a better option, as well as other additive manufacturing techniques such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) or Multi Jet Fusion (MJF).
Polylactic acid, also known as PLA plastic, is a type of vegetable-based plastic that typically starts out as cornstarch or sugarcane. Fermented plant starch is typically used to create the monomer. The primary natural raw material utilized in 3D printing is this thermoplastic aliphatic polyester. PLA is one of the most widely used materials for additive manufacturing for the production of filament among all 3D printing materials.
At Sculpteo, PLA material is printed using BigRep 3D printers and mainly used to manufacture big parts up to 1x1x1m.
The most environmentally friendly PETG-based filament on the market is probably the rPET filament. This environmentally friendly PETG filament combines strength and toughness with printability and is available in a variety of colors.
At Sculpteo we are offering Ultrafuse® rPET, only available in blue. This recycled filament enables us to cut down on 60% of CO2 emissions compared to virgin PET*, while being just as performant.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is part of the thermoplastic polymers family, it is actually a common thermoplastic polymer. Just like PLA, ABS is widely used for FDM 3D printing. As its name implies, ABS is created from Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene polymers.
Ultrafuse Stainless Steel 316L is a new industrial-grade metal filament for professional uses. Created by BASF, Ultrafuse 316L filament is composed of 90% stainless steel and 10% polymer binder which allows it to be used in any FDM/FFF printer.
The material is characterized by its impressive mechanical properties and low cost of production, making it one of the most affordable materials for metal 3D printing.
Ultrafuse® 17-4 PH is a metal filament, made for the creation of metal components in 17-4 PH stainless steel. This Ultrafuse® 17-4 PH material is characterized by its impressive strength. It is also one of the most affordable materials for metal 3D printing.
17-4 PH and 316L are among the most used stainless steel materials, however, these two materials present different properties regarding their tensile strength, yield strength, elongation at break, and hardness.
Using an online 3D printing service for your FDM parts can be really convenient. First, you won’t have to invest into a 3D printers, even if FDM 3D printers are cheaper than SLS industrial 3D printer, this might be an advantage for your budget. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about the printing process, our operator will take care of your part and ensure their quality.
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FDM is not recommended for components with small details because of its relatively large layer height (depending on the 3D printer you’re using), and the finished goods are also likely to have rough surfaces and require post-processing to have a smoother finish.
Depending on the kind of result you are looking for, your 3D printed FDM parts might require some post-processing to get a smooth finish.
Both FDM and SLA 3D printing is commonly used. There is no better technology between these two. Your choice will depend on your 3D projects. FDM is better for large and simple parts, while SLA is a better solution for complex and detailed objects.
Yes, FDM is a 3D printing process. FDM deposits melted filament along a preset route to construct an object layer by layer. To create the finished physical items, filaments of thermoplastic polymers are used.
Plastic objects 3D printed using FDM will be stronger and more resistant than resin parts manufactured using SLA (Stereolithography).
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