Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printing Service

Rapid Prototyping
3D Printing
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Overview: How FDM 3D printing works?

The Basics Of FDM 3D Printing

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology widely known for its speed, accuracy, and competitive cost. An FDM machine precisely extrudes melted plastic filament to create a part. FDM parts can be made in as fast as one day.

Benefits Of FDM 3D Printing

Fused deposition modeling can build fully functional parts in standard plastics. However, they have anisotropy in the z-direction (vertical direction) and a step-structure on the surface. Fused deposition modeling works with standard materials, for instance, ABS/PA/PC. Therefore, parts have good mechanical properties and are durable over time. Parts can be post-processed as any plastic part produced with conventional manufacturing.

Features of FDM 3D Printing

Advantages

Precision

We use the most advanced industrial FDM 3D printers designed to meet tolerances of +/- 0.004” or +/- 0.002” per inch, whichever is greater.

Strength

FDM printed parts are available in a variety of high-performance plastics for applications that require resistance to the elements.

Large Build

FDM can produce FDM parts with large build volumes up to 600 x 500 x 500 mm

Rapid Turnaround

FDM parts do not require tooling which reduces the manufacturing lead time from weeks to days.

Real Thermoplastics

FDM has the highest variety of real engineered thermoplastics.

Part Production

FDM is capable of producing end-use parts on-demand, increasing throughput and helping you get to market faster.

Drawbacks

Surface Quality

Extruding material layer-by-layer,the surface has layer lines and fine details cannot be realized

Scale Effect

The unit cost and lead time will not be reduced as much as casted or molded parts.

Layer Adhesion

Parts have an anisotropy in the z-direction (vertical direction), and properties are weaker than base materials.

Our FDM 3D printing service

Requirement	Specification
Maximum build size	600 x 500 x 500 mm
Minimum wall thickness	1.5mm
Dimensional accuracy	L<100mm,±0.2mm. L>100mm,±0.2%*L(mm)
Layer height	100-300 μm
Infill	20-100%

The table below depicts the general tolerances for industrial-grade Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) services. Stresses during the build, support strategy and other geometry considerations may cause deviation in tolerances and flatness. Improved tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, after successful completion of a prototype build, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Materials

Fortus FDM Materials Available at PCBWay:

PLA

Accuracy ±0.2mm

PLA (FDM) is used for low-cost, non-functional prototyping. Offers greater detail than ABS, but is more brittle. Unsuitable for high temperature applications.

ABS

Accuracy ±0.2mm

ABS is a common thermoplastic with good mechanical properties and excellent impact strength, superior to PLA but with less defined details.

PEEK

Accuracy ±0.2mm

PEEK is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Can be used to replace metal parts.

ASA

Accuracy ±0.2mm

ASA is a production-grade thermoplastic that can be combined with FDM technology to achieve perfect performance.

PETG

Accuracy ±0.2mm

PTEG is a very tough, durable and easy to use material. The strength of PETG makes it the material of choice for food packaging.

PC (Polycarbonate)

Accuracy ±0.2mm

PC offers accuracy, durability and stability, creating strong parts that withstand functional testing.

Our standard surface finishes

Here is a list of standard surface finishes. For custom surface finishes such as electroplating or polishing, please contact 3dcnc@pcbway.com.

Spray painting

Get painted according to the color pattern provided by the customer (Including matte paint, high-gloss paint, electroplating-imitation paint, varnish, leather paint,etc).

Polished

The surface texture is polished in a variety of ways to meet the actual needs of customers. The transparent parts can be polished accordingly to improve transparency and light transmittance.

Electroplating

Provide electroplating services, improve the overall strength of the parts, provide metal-like surface texture, and make it have certain metal characteristics.

Inlay nut

At the specific bottom hole position that needs to be processed, the internal thread is processed.

Glazing assembly

The surface of the part is glazed to better imitate the appearance of handicrafts. Have mature assembly experience to ensure the overall display of the product.

Reinforced coating

The unique outer coating processing ability improves the strength of the product structure, reduces external wear, and can better avoid damage caused by normal storage and use.