Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology commonly used for modeling, prototyping, and production applications.  Classified as a rapid prototype technology, FDM works on an "additive" principle, laying down material in layers.  A plastic filament or metal wire is unwound from a coil and supplies material to an extrusion nozzle which can turn on and off the flow. 

The nozzle is heated to melt the material and can be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions, controlled by a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software package.  The model or part is produced by extruding small beads of thermoplastic material to form successive layers, with each material layer hardening immediately after extrusion from the nozzle.

FDM's technology advantage is in its ability to produce parts and prototypes using engineering grade plastics.  Several materials are available with different trade-offs between strength and temperature properties.  As well as ABS polymer, FDM technology can also be used with polycarbonates, polycaprolactone, polyphenylsulfones and waxes.

MARKETS SERVED:

* Aerospace
* Medical & Dental
* Automotive and Antique Automotive
* Jewelry and Art
* Custom Automation
* Architecture
* Pharmaceutical
* Health and Beauty
* Food and Beverage
* Packaging

FEATURES:

* Production Grade ABS & Polypropylene
* Large throughput
* Additives available for modified material properties
* Large build envelopes up to 36” X 24” X 36”

FDM MATERIALS

MACHINES:

FORTUS 400MC	FORTUS 900MC
Build Size: 406 x 356 x 406 mm (16 x 14 x 16 in.)	Build Size: 914 x 610 x 914 mm (36 x 24 x 36 in.)
Layer Thickness: 0.330 mm (0.013 in.) 0.254 mm (0.010 in.) 0.178 mm (0.007 in.) 0.127 mm (0.005 in.)	Layer Thickness: 0.330 mm (0.013 in.) 0.254 mm (0.010 in.) 0.178 mm (0.007 in.)
Accuracy: Parts are produced within an accuracy of +/- .005 inch or +/- .0015 inch per inch, whichever is greater (+/- .127 mm or +/- .0015 mm per mm, whichever is greater).*	Accuracy: Parts are produced within an accuracy of +/- .0035 inch or +/- .0015 inch per inch, whichever is greater (+/- .089 mm or +/- .0015 mm per mm, whichever is greater).*

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