Fused Deposition Modelling is a 3D printing technology. It uses plastic to create its prototypes. This technology is commonly used in commercial 3D printers. Here is a complete guide to learn about fused deposition modelling.
It was developed in 1980s.
Working of FDM
The technology uses thermo plastic filament. The filament is heated to 200 degree Celsius. Through the nozzles in the printer the material is extruded layer by layer. The material then solidifies in the platform to form a solid part.
What are the parameters that can be controlled in FDM?
It is the most versatile printing method. There are many parameters that are used to customize the printing in the FDM process. It includes extrusion speed, nozzle temperature, build speed.
What should one do to get a smoother finish?
If a person uses smaller nozzle, lowers the layer height the prototypes will have a smoother finish. A large nozzle diameter will give a rugged finish.
Raw materials
When a person intends to buy 3D printer, he should first decide on the material. The raw material used in FDM is thermo plastics. The main advantage of using thermo plastic is that it can be repeatedly melted and re – solidified. It is wound as a coil on a mounted spool. The spool is then pushed through the printer nozzle.
A good FDM based printer maintains the temperature of the nozzle close to the glass transition temperature. This is done to allow the material to get extruded in a semi – liquid state. The geometric accuracy of the prototyping increases in this state.
What are the advantages of FDM 3D printers?
- Unlike the carbon fiber 3D printers, the availability of these printers is more. This is mainly because of its ease of use. It reduces the cost of raw material, the plastic as it is reusable.
- They are affordable.
- The time taken by the printer to print a prototype is less. Though it depends on size of the prototype, it is faster as compared to the other printers. This is mainly because the raw material is extruded in semi liquid state. The state is easy to work on. The time taken to work on a solid as that of resin or PLA, the time taken to work on a semi – liquid thermo plastic is less.
- The choice os usage of raw materials is wide
What are the applications of FDM 3D printers?
- It is used to create prototypes for function testing
- It is used to create and test the parts that work under thermal loads
- It is also used in the production of complex end – use parts
- It is ideal to create mould inserts
- FDM 3D printers are widely used in fashion, education, architecture, medical, manufacturing, automotive, industrial, aerospace and research.
Is FDM technology accurate?
Every 3D printer works by depositing the material layer by layer. The accuracy of the printer depends on the distance the nozzle can travel. The accuracy is better if the nozzle moves minimal distance along the Z – axis.
Apart from this the accuracy depends on the type of material as well.
