FDM is a fast and extremely versatile choice
for many applications.
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Home Office: 116 Cardigan Road, Office M2.
Headingley, Leeds UK, LS6 3BJ
Company Number: 12704810
VAT Number: GB393458263
Factory: Building A, Hongfa Industrial District
Houda Road, Daling Shan, Dongguan,
Guangdong, China
Fused Deposition Modelling or FDM is what most people think of when they think 3D printing. It is one of the more common 3D printing technologies and also one of the most versatile, but also most misunderstood. Most people assume FDM is only used for very basic prototypes and models but FDM parts are also used in very intense aerospace and automotive applications as well as a world of other uses.
FDM’s wide range of material options make it a great choice for quick prototype and low volume production.
| Maximum Build Size | 750 x 750 x 750 mm (29.5″ x 29.5″ x 29.5″) |
|---|---|
| Lead Time | 2-3 days |
| Resolution | ± 0.3mm |
| Prototyping Applications | Low-fidelity, proof-of-concept prototyping and visual design verification. |
| End-Use Applications | Low-volume end parts, such as jigs and fixtures. |
| Applicable Materials | Colors | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bead Blasting | All | – | Bead blasting may offer a more comprehensive solution for smoothing, especially for complex parts with hard-to-reach areas. |
| Painting | All | Black, Pantone/RAL colours | Painting is a way to add colour and hide layer lines, overall, a great way to improve the aesthetics of FDM parts. |
| Plating | ABS | Metallic | Plating is method of adding a thin layer of metal of the outer layer of a material. It is used to harden, decorate and improve wearability of parts. |
FDM extrudes a plastic filament material through a nozzle, laying it down one layer at a time. It can make parts with complex geometries as well as simple housings and fixtures.
To take full advantage of the FDM process, it is important that your 3D model closely follows a set of geometric recommendations. Learn actionable design tips here.
Large Build
At HLH, we have industrial FDM printers suitable for producing large parts up to 800 x 800 x 550 mm (31.5″ x 31.5″ x 21.6″).
Complex Geometries
Geometries that are too complex or costly for CNC machining can be printed easily, allowing you to add complexity without additional cost.
Rapid Turnaround
FDM is one of the fastest method to create a quick prototype, reducing the manufacturing lead time from weeks to days. It allows for faster innovation and speed to market.
Strength
FDM printed parts are available in a variety of high-performance plastics for applications that require resistance to the elements.
Fused Deposition Modelling or FDM is an additive manufacturing technology that creates parts by extruding thermoplastics, such as ABS, PLA, through a heated nozzle, melting the material and applying the plastic layer by layer to a build platform. FDM builds strong, durable and dimensionally stable parts.
FDM is often used to create industrial-strength, high-performance parts in the aerospace, automotive, robotics, and electronics industries.
