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 27.6” X 15” X 22.9”
| Material |
Characteristics |
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ABS-EDS7 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene - static dissipative)
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- Static dissipative with target surface resistance of 107 ohms (typical range (109 - 106 ohms)
- Makes great assembly tools for electronic and static sensitive products
- Widely used for functional prototypes of cases, enclosures and packaging
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ABS-M30 and ABSplus-P430 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
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- Greater tensile, impact and flexural strength than standard ABS
- Environmentally stable - no appreciable warping, shrinkage or moisture absorption
- Layer bonding is 40 percent stronger than standard ABS material
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ABSi (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene - translucent)
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- Translucent material
- Good blend of mechanical and aesthetic properties
- Available in translucent natural, red and amber colors
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ABS-M30i (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
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- Biocompatible (ISO 10993 USP Class VI certified) material
- Sterilizable using gamma radiation or ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization methods
- Best fit for applications requiring strength and sterilization
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|
PC (polycarbonate)
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- Most widely used industrial thermoplastic
- Superior mechanical properties and heat resistant
- High tensile strength and can handle high temperatures
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PC-ABS (polycarbonate - acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
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- Superior mechanical properties and heat resistance of PC
- Excellent feature definition and surface appeal of ABS
- Highest impact strength
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PC-ISO (polycarbonate - ISO 10993 USP Class VI biocompatible)
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- Biocompatible (ISO 10993 USP Class VI) material
- Sterilizable using gamma radiation or ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization methods
- Best fit for applications requiring higher strength and sterilization
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PPSF / PPSU (polyphenylsulfone)
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- Highest heat and chemical resistance of all Fortus materials
- Mechanically superior material, greatest strength
- Ideal for applications in caustic and high heat environments
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ULTEM 9085 (polyetherimide)
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- FST (flame, smoke, toxicity) certified thermoplastic
- High heat and chemical resistance; highest tensile and flexural strength
- Ideal for commercial transportation applications in airplanes, buses, trains, boats, etc.
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