Exceptional Durability, Heat Resistance, and Strength
FDM, also called Fused Deposition Modeling, is the most widely used 3D printing process available today. In fact, most desktop hobby printers use FDM technology. The main difference between lower end printers and industrial grade FDM printers is in repeatability and resolution. FDM printers use a thermoplastic filament, which is heated to its melting point and then extruded onto a build platform to create a printed part. The modeling material is held up by support material that acts as scaffolding. Layer by layer, the part is “drawn” across the build platform. It then cools, hardens, and binds to the layer above it. The build platform lowers at the completion of each layer in order to make room for the part to grow.
The FDM process utilizes engineering-grade thermoplastics which create dimensionally stable parts with high accuracy and repeatability. The materials available for use with FDM have properties such as strength, thermal and chemical resistance, static dissipation, biocompatibility, UV resistance, and durability.
Once printing is completed and the part is removed from the build platform, the finishing is determined by what type of aesthetics are needed for the project. Dinsmore Inc. has an expert FDM finishing department to help accomplish the final look of the printed part.
Due to the composition of the process’ materials, Dinsmore Inc.’s FDM 3D printing services support a wide range of industries, from additive manufacturing for automotive to rapid prototyping for product development of consumer products. Contact Dinsmore to find out how FDM additive manufacturing can add value to your application.
