FDM 3D printing - the most common 3D printing process

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is also known as the FFF or FLM process and is often referred to as jet fusion or fusion layering. During the 3D printing FDM process, the plastic is melted and then applied layer by layer. The plastic is fed to the extruder in the form of filaments or rods. Here it is first melted. It is then applied to the printing bed, which is usually heated. The printed object adopts a structure defined in the CAD file.

FDM 3D printing is one of the best 3D printing processes to produce robust, dimensionally stable and durable parts. They are manufactured with the greatest possible reproducibility and precision. However, there are different versions of the 3D FDM printer.

What speaks for 3D printing in FDM

As one of the most popular 3D printing technologies, FDM 3D printing offers numerous advantages:

• Excellent value for money
• The number of materials that can be used is constantly growing
• Scalability and parameterizability
• Widespread and therefore constantly being further developed
• Fast additive process, which is also suitable for rapid prototyping
• Precise components thanks to the high accuracy of FDM 3D printing
• Material combinations possible
• Large components can be realized
• Easy material handling because filaments are used

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, the fact that FDM 3D printing is ideal for models that are required as a single piece or in small series speaks in favor of FDM 3D printing. These are primarily used in function sets.

Different types of 3D FDM printers

If you want to buy an FDM 3D printer, you will be confronted with different variants. Different types of industrial 3D printers can produce different results. So not every FDM 3D printer is suitable for everything at the same time. The different types offered by the FDM printer industry differ in the following aspects:

• print quality
• reliability
• speed
• installation size
• volume
• fitness

Here is an overview of the 3 most important 3D FDM printers:

Cartesian FDM 3D printing

Cartesian FDM 3D printing is the most common FDM printer type. Cartesian machines are used 99% of the time in the industrial sector, with other variants being rather rare.

Cartesian printers are typically very inexpensive devices that are also available in kit form. Thanks to the Cartesian coordinate system and the three motors present, the printer can move forwards and backwards, left and right, but also up and down along the axes. The majority of industrial printers have this design. Cartesian 3D printing in FDM is ideal for beginners, but still offers stable results.

Delta FDM 3D printer

Such devices have a high movement speed and a large installation space. The print head can be moved left and right and up and down in three dimensions. Delta printers are also resizable. However, this does not affect their quality.

Polar 3D FDM print

Such printers can be operated with two motors. One motor is required for each axis for Cartesian and Delta printers.

FDM 3D printing with Multec

FDM 3D printing offers many advantages: from the number of materials that can be used to scalability and high precision. FDM 3D printing is particularly suitable for prototypes. We at Multec are experts in this field and can advise you in detail on your project.

If you have any questions about FDM 3D printing, contact us. We are looking forward to your contact.

Tags: Multec reference , FDM 3D printing