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Overview
Our FDM 3D Printing Service
What is FDM
The full name of FDM is Fused Deposition Modeling, which is the simplest and most commonly used 3D printing method, mainly used to print thermoplastic polymers.
How Does FDM Work?

The filamentous hot-melt material is heated and melted, and extruded through a nozzle with a fine nozzle. After the hot melt material is melted, it is ejected from the nozzle, deposited on the panel or the previous layer of solidified material, and starts to solidify after cooling, and the final product is formed through the accumulation of layers of materials.

Fused Deposition Modeling
Features of FDM Technology
Advantages
Easy and fast
The prototype is directly made from the CAD digital model, the processing speed is fast, the product production cycle is short, and no cutting tools and molds are required.
Prototype with complex structures
It can process prototypes and molds with complex structures or shapes that are difficult to form using traditional means. Provide samples for experiments, and can verify and check the results of computer simulation calculations.
Remote control
It can be operated online and remotely controlled, which is conducive to the automation of production.
Drawbacks
Time consuming
The nozzle adopts a mechanical structure, and the printing speed is relatively slow, especially when printing large-scale models or printing in batches.
Material defect
The dimensional accuracy is poor, the surface is relatively rough, and there is a clear layer, which is not suitable for printing assemblies with high dimensional accuracy requirements.
Available materials for 3D Printing
Here is a list of our standard 3D printing materials available through our online platform.
3D Printing Plastics
Resin Nylon Other Plastic
Standard white material (UTR 8360) HP-PA-12 PEEK
Somos ® Ledo PA12 ABS
UTR 8100 (transparent) Glass fiber nylon(PA12+35% GF) Stratasys ABS-ESD7
UTR Imagine Black PLA
PWR Dark Black PC (Polycarbonate)
UTR 8220 TPU
Formlabs ESD Resin PETG
Somos ® Taurus ASA
Somos ® PerFORM
UTR Flex
UTR Therm
UTR 3000
UTR-8100 (translucent)
Somos ® EvoLVe 128
TDS EvoDent
3D Printing Metals
Aluminum Stainless steel Titanium Tool steel
Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) Stainless steel 316L Titanium TC4 Tool steel
Custom Material
The materials available on the online system may not be exhaustive of all materials available on the market. If the materials you need are not listed on the order page, please select "custom" under the material menu, and our engineers will review and purchase.
Our standard surface finishes
Our FDM 3D printing capability
Size Metric units
Max part size 1300*1300*1300mm
Min. feature size 1mm
Tolerances
Length(L) Metric units
L≤100mm ±0.2mm
L>100mm ±0.2%*L
3D Printing Design Guidelines
We have summarized recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features encountered in 3D printed parts.
1. Wall thickness
The wall thickness directly determines the strength of the printed object, and also determines whether the model can be printed.
Once the model is printed, it also goes through support removal, grinding and sandblasting, which determine the minimum wall thickness for different materials. The model is printable only when the wall thickness meets the minimum requirement.
Process 5*5mm 10*10mm 50*50mm 100*100mm 200*200mm
SLA 0.5mm 0.8mm 1mm 1.2mm 1.5mm
DLP 0.5mm 0.8mm 1mm 1.2mm 1.5mm
SLS 0.8mm 1mm 1.2mm 1.5mm 2.0mm
MJF 0.8mm 1mm 1.2mm 1.5mm 2.0mm
SLM 1mm 1.2mm 1.5mm 2.0mm 2.5mm
FDM 1mm 1.2mm 1.5mm 2.0mm 2.5mm
2. Embossed and engraved detail
As the height or depth of detail is less than the minimum detail requirements, it will not be able to print accurately, can not be polished, paint and other post-processing. It is recommended that you increase the height/depth, or remove the section.
Process Min embossed detail Min engraved detail
SLA 0.5mm 0.5mm
DLP 0.5mm 0.5mm
SLS 0.8mm 0.8mm
MJF 0.8mm 0.8mm
SLM 1mm 1mm
FDM 1mm 1mm
3. Threads and screws
Pitch refers to the axial distance between the corresponding points of two adjacent teeth on the thread. Profile angle refers to the angle between the two sides of the whorl profile. Your design needs to meet the requirements of minimum pitch:0.6mm and minimum profile angle:20°
4. Hole diameter
The following is the minimum diameter can be achieved.
Process Min diameter
SLA 0.8mm
DLP 0.8mm
SLS 1.5mm
MJF 1.5mm
SLM 1.5mm
FDM 1.5mm
5. Sharp surfaces
When the wall thickness is very small, models with sharp surfaces can be easily damaged during support removal, grinding, packaging, and transportation. If sharp surfaces exist, the angle should be greater than 20 degrees.
6. Clearance
Parts clearance refers to the distance between any two parts, thin wall or column, as shown above. The min clearance is 1mm. When the clearance is small, it will not be able to remove the supporting material. It is recommended that you increase the clearance size or choose other materials required by the clearance. If the independence of the two parts is not important, it is recommended that you merge them into one part.

Assembly clearance refers to the distance between any two parts to be assembled, as shown above. The min clearance is 0.2mm.
FAQ's
What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a manufacturing process that creates three-dimensional objects by adding layers of material on top of each other. The process starts with a digital 3D design file, which is loaded into a 3D printer. The printer then creates the object layer by layer, using a variety of materials to achieve the desired result.

3D printing is popular because it allows for complex geometries and intricate shapes to be produced with relative ease and precision. The process is highly customizable, meaning that parts can be produced with unique features or customized dimensions.

Types of 3D Printing technologies:

1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): FDM is the most common type of 3D printing, where a thermoplastic filament is heated and extruded to create the object.

2. Stereolithography (SLA): SLA uses a UV light to cure a photopolymer resin a layer at a time, creating the object.

3. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS uses a high-powered laser to sinter powdered material together.

4. Selective Laser Melting (SLM): SLM is a specific type of 3D printing technology that utilizes a high-powered laser beam to selectively melt and fuse powdered metal particles layer-by-layer to create a metal part.

5. Digital Light Processing (DLP): DLP uses a digital projector to flash an entire layer of photopolymer resin onto the build plate, curing the resin layer by layer.


Applications of 3D Printing:

1. Rapid prototyping of designs

2. Creating complex geometries

3. Customization of products

4. Producing spare/legacy parts

5. Small-scale production of parts


3D printing has revolutionized the manufacturing process in recent years and offers many advantages over traditional manufacturing processes. It is particularly suited for products that require customization and for short production runs where tooling costs can be prohibitive.


What materials can be used in 3D printing?

3D printing can use various materials, depending on the printing technology and application requirements. Some of the most commonly used materials for 3D printing include:

1. Plastics: 3D printing can use different types of plastics such as ABS, PLA, PET, nylon, and TPE. These materials are low-cost and easy to work with, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

2. Metals: Several metals can be used in 3D printing, such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, gold, and silver. Metal 3D printing techniques like SLM and EBM are used to produce parts with excellent mechanical properties.

3. Ceramics: 3D printing can also use ceramic materials such as porcelain and zirconia. Ceramic parts are used in dental and medical implants, as well as in aerospace and industrial applications.

4. Composites: Composites are 3D printable materials made by combining materials such as carbon fibers, fiberglass, or Kevlar with a plastic or resin. Composite materials can offer greater strength and durability compared to standard plastics.

5. Biological materials: 3D printing can also use biological materials, such as living cells and biological scaffolds. These materials are used in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and other biological applications.

There are many other types of materials that can be used in 3D printing, including food, wax, and even concrete. The choice of material depends on the desired properties of the finished product and the specific requirements of the project.


What is the resolution of 3D printing?

The resolution of 3D printing varies depending on several factors, such as the 3D printing technology, the size and complexity of the object being printed, and the material used. In general, the resolution of 3D printing can be defined by two main parameters:

1. Layer Thickness: This is the thickness of each layer of material that the printer deposits to create the object. The layer thickness often ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm for FDM printers, but can be as low as 0.01 mm for SLA or DLP printers.

2. X-Y Resolution: This is the resolution of the 3D printer in the horizontal plane. It determines the detail and precision of the printed object's surface features. The X-Y resolution may be measured in millimeters or microns and is determined by the precision of the printer's nozzle or laser.

Overall, the resolution of 3D printing has improved significantly in recent years with advancements in technology and materials. Currently, some 3D printers can achieve a resolution of less than 0.1 mm for layer thickness and 0.01 mm for X-Y resolution. However, it's important to note that achieving a high resolution can result in longer printing times and higher costs.


What is the cost of 3D printing?

The cost of 3D printing varies depending on various factors such as the printer technology, the size and complexity of the object, and the material used. Entry-level consumer-grade 3D printers can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while high-end industrial-grade printers can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.