Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Agile Manufacturing offers Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) prototyping and low volume production services. with out FDM 3D printing service whole FDM parts can be built up to 36″ x 24″ x 36″. FDM 3D printed parts are used in product development applications as well as additive manufacturing applications because of the robustness of the parts. ABS prototype parts are often used for first off fit and function prototype tests but rarely when smooth surface finish is critical because of the relatively thick build lines.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing is best suited for non visible parts where surface finish is not critical. FDM prototype parts are porous but can be sealed using different processes or chemicals. Sparse build technology can also be used to reduce cost or weight of parts. Agile’s FDM 3D printing service provides FDM parts in ABS, PCABS, PC, PC-ISO, PPSF and Ultem 9085, Ultem 1010.

 

Check out our other FDM/FFF Printing Services 

Parts: 1 to 10+

Shipped in: 2 to 4 days

Excellent for:

  • Robust Prototypes
  • Fit & Function Models
  • UV Resistant Parts

How FDM Printing Works

Fused Deposition Modeling uses an thin extruded filament as the raw material. The spool of material is fed through a heated nozzle and deposited at the bottom of the printer platform, where it solidifies. The machines build the 3D part one layer at a time, fusing each layer together from the bottom up.

Most FDM printers will outline the perimeter of the part first, moving to the interior edges next, and follow with the specified middle fill of the layer. All of this is accomplished in a temperature controlled build chamber with properly dried raw materials.

TOLERANCES

Most parts can be accurately produced within .004″, or +/- .002″ per inch on large models.

BUILD ENVELOPE

FDM parts can be made up to 24 x 36 x 36″ in size, or multiple parts nested in a single build.

BEST APPLICATIONS

FDM is best suited for durable prototypes, making jigs and fixtures, or when UV resistance is required.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Material Summary:

ULTEM™ 1010 resin is a high-performance FDM® thermoplastic that offers excellent strength, thermal stability and the ability to withstand steam autoclaving. ULTEM 1010 resin is available in a general-purpose grade as well as a certified grade (CG) for those customers who want to take advantage of food-contact and bio-compatibility certifications for special applications including food production tools and custom medical applications. ULTEM 1010 resin offers the highest heat resistance, chemical resistance and tensile strength of any FDM thermoplastic and is ideal for aerospace and automotive applications.

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Material Summary:

ULTEM* 9085 is a flame retardant high performance thermoplastic for direct digital manufacturing and rapid prototyping. It is ideal for the transportation industry due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and its FST (flame, smoke, and toxicity) rating. This unique material’s preexisting certifications make it an excellent choice for the commercial transportation industry – especially aerospace, marine and ground vehicles. Combined with a Fortus® 3D Production System, ULTEM 9085 allows design and manufacturing engineers to produce fully functional parts that are ideal for advanced functional prototypes or end use without the cost or lead time of traditional tooling.

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Material Summary:

ABS-M30 is up to 25-70 percent stronger than standard Stratasys ABS and is an ideal material for conceptual modeling, functional prototyping, manufacturing tools, and end-use-parts. ABS-M30 has greater tensile, impact, and flexural strength than standard ABS. Layer bonding is significantly stronger than that of standard ABS, for a more durable part. This results in more realistic functional tests and higher quality parts for end use. When combined with a Fortus 3D Production System, ABS-M30 gives you Real Parts that are stronger, smoother, and with better feature detail.

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Material Summary:

Now you can build consistently high-quality parts, with exceptional UV stability and the best aesthetics of any FDM® thermoplastic. ASA is poised to become the most popular all-purpose prototyping material for users of Fortus 360mc™, 380mc™, 400mc™, 450mc™ and 900mc™ 3D Production Systems. Matching or exceeding the mechanical properties of ABS, ASA may be your new favorite general prototyping material. Its UV-resistance makes it especially suited in end-use parts for outdoor commercial and infrastructure use. And its wide selection of colors and matte finish makes it ideal for attractive prototypes in consumer sporting goods, tools and automotive components and accessories.

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Material Summary:

PC-ABS (polycarbonate-ABS) is one of the most widely used industrial thermoplastics. PC-ABS offers the most desirable properties of both materials – the superior strength and heat resistance of PC and the flexibility of ABS. PC-ABS blends are commonly used in automotive, electronics and telecommunications applications. Additionally, a PC-ABS part manufactured on a Fortus 3D Production System is 5-60 percent stronger than a part made on previous FDM® systems. When combined with a Fortus system, PC-ABS gives you Real Parts conceptual modeling, functional prototyping, manufacturing tools, and end-use-parts.

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Material Summary:

ABS-ESD7 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-electrostatic dissipative) is an ABS thermoplastic with static dissipative properties for applications where a static charge can damage products, impair their performance or cause an explosion. ABS-ESD7 prevents a buildup of static electricity, so it will not produce a static shock or cause other materials like powders, dust and fine particles to stick to it. Ideal for electronic products with circuit boards and for the transportation and industrial equipment industries. Most widely used
to create jigs and fixtures for the assembly of electronic components, but it is also useful for building functional prototypes of fuel storage and delivery products, as well as cases, enclosures and packaging.

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