FDM 3D printing service
Source high-performing parts for rapid prototyping and low-volume industrial production with FDM 3D printing. We offer FDM for quick-turn manufacturing using a variety of robust materials for many use cases and can print parts in 1 day.
Manufacturing with FDM 3D printing
Manufacturing utilizing FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing involves the creation of bespoke components through the sequential extrusion of thermoplastics. Ideal for both prototyping and limited-volume production, FDM offers a diverse range of robust plastic materials. Beyond its cost-effectiveness, FDM serves as a versatile manufacturing solution. By leveraging FDM technology, users gain access to a spectrum of thermoplastics such as PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, and PEI, ensuring dimensional precision within ±0.5% and a minimum tolerance of ±0.5 mm (0.0196”).
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) capabilities
FDM 3D printing has two distinct classes: prototyping (desktop) FDM and industrial FDM. These are the key capabilities of both technologies.
| Maximum build size | Standard lead time | Dimensional accuracy | Layer height | Infill | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prototyping FDM | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68 in x 19.68 in x 19.68 in) | From 2 business days | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.5 mm (0.0196 in) | 100-300 μm | 20-80% |
| Industrial FDM | 406 x 355 x 406 mm* (15.98 x 13.97 x 15.98 in) | 3 business days | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012") | 100-300 μm | Ultra-light, Light, Solid |
Materials available for FDM 3D printing
Prototyping FDM materials
Industrial FDM materials
Comparing FDM to other 3D printing processes
| Materials | Price | Dimensional accuracy | Strengths | Build volume | Layer thickness | Min. feature size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDM | 5 | $ | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.5 mm | Low cost, wide range of materials | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68" x 19.68" x 19.68") | 100-300μm | 2.0 mm (0.0787’') |
| Industrial FDM | 6 | $$$$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012") | High level of repeatability, engineering grade materials | 406 x 355 x 406 mm (15.98” x 13.97” x 15.98") | 100-330μm | 2.0 mm (0.0787’') |
| Prototyping SLA | 8 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012") | Smooth surface finish, fine feature details | 145 × 145 × 175 mm (5.7" x 5.7" x 6.8") | 50-100μm | 0.2 mm (0.00787’') |
| Industrial SLA | 3 | $$$ | ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.13 mm (± 0.005") | Smooth surface finish, fine feature details, big print area | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68" x 19.68" x 19.68") | 50-100μm | 0.2 mm (0.00787’') |
| SLS | 2 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012”) | Design flexibility, supports not required | 395 x 500 x 395 mm (15.53" x 19.68" x 15.53") | 100μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
| MJF | 2 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit on ± 0.3 mm (0.012’') | Design flexibility, supports not required | 380 x 285 x 380 mm (14.9’’ x 11.2’’ x 14.9’') | 80μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
We have high standards for FDM 3D printing
We manufacture your custom parts according to strict manufacturing standards.
- Consistent surface finish with no bumps or delamination. Marks left by retraction and layer changing are acceptable.
- All support material is removed so that the supported surface has a consistent finish.
- All parts are printed with 3 outline / perimeter shells or a wall thickness of 1.2 mm.
Advantages and drawbacks of FDM 3D printing
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing offers several advantages and drawbacks；Understanding these advantages and drawbacks can help in making informed decisions when considering FDM 3D printing for specific applications.
Advantages
- FDM is the most cost-effective way to produce custom thermoplastic parts and prototypes.
- Lead times are short (typically a few days).
- A wide range of materials is available, suitable for prototyping and industrial applications.
Drawbacks
- FDM is not suitable for parts with very small details due to its low resolution.
- Parts are likely to have visible layer lines, so post-processing is required for a smooth finish.
- The layer adhesion mechanism makes parts inherently anisotropic.
Design guidelines for FDM
The table summarizes the recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features encountered in FDM 3D printed parts.
Learn more about how to design parts for FDM 3D printing
| Feature | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| Unsupported walls | 0.8 mm (0.0315 in) |
| Supported walls | 0.8 mm (0.0315 in) |
| Minimum feature size | 2.0 mm (0.0787 in) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 2.0 mm (0.0787 in) |
Our other 3D printing processes
With over 90 3D printing hubs, we deliver high-quality parts at competitive prices. From rapid prototyping with FDM to functional end-use parts using SLS and MJF, we guarantee premium results every time.