Fused Depostion Modelling (FDM)

Question 1

Fused Deposition Modeling?

Answer 1

Thermoplastic is spool-fed and extruded through a heated die constructing the part layer by layer

Question 2

FDM Category?

Answer 2

Material extrusion

Question 3

FDM Principle/Method?

Answer 3

1- Filaments of heated thermoplastic or was are extruded from the tip of an extruded die that moves in the x-y plane.

2- lowering the platform which is kept at a lower temperature to apply subsequent layers upon the first. Solidification by cooling.

3- Support structures may have to be built along the way, fastened to the part.

Question 4

FDM Characteristics?

Answer 4

1- layer thickness (determined by extruded diameter) (0.13mm-0.33mm)

2 - Extrusion Detail of material (0.08mm- 0.97mm)

3 - Stepped Surface finish or oblique surfaces.

4 - fair to good surface finish.

5 - Dimension accuracy 0.13mm - 0.241mm

Question 5

FDM materials?

Answer 5

1 - Polymers - production grade thermoplastics (polycarbonate, Polyamide).

2 - Wax.

Question 6

FDM Desired Properties?

Answer 6

• Ridged, dimensionally stable
• Good strength and toughness
• High Resistance (chemical, UV, Abrasion)
• Nontoxic (biocompatible, sterilisable)

Question 7

FDM Applications?

Answer 7

• Prototypes for higher temperature applications.
• Trade Show and Marketing Parts and Models.
• Patterns for investment casting
• Fabrication of specialised manufacturing tools

Question 8

FDM Advantages?

Answer 8

• Lower costs (less labour needed)
• Broad range of materials
• Accessibility, People tend to find the use of FDM more easier and is more accessible Thant other 3D printing techniques.
• More accurate than traditional subtractive compressive manufacturing techniques.

Question 9

FDM Limitations?

Answer 9

• Print quality of FDM are not as good as those by SLA or SLS.
• 3D printing with fused Deposition modelling is slow.
• The Layer by layer printing in FDM can sometimes lead to problems with warping and minor shrinking.