As the leader in the 3D Printing industry, Stratasys has developed a wide range of innovative solutions that enable manufacturers, engineers, designers, inventors, educators, and dreamers to create things more effectively and efficiently.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) was originally invented and patented by Stratasys founder Scott Crump in 1989. Fast forward to the present, FDM is now the most commonly used 3D printing process also known as FFF (fused filament fabrication.)
FDM technology is the process of making physical objects by building up successive layers of material. A thermoplastic filament is pushed through an extruder and deposited where needed in each layer to complete the desired object.
At its core is an additive manufacturing (AM) method or process opposite of traditional manufacturing which is subtractive, involving cutting away at a block of material to produce an object.
3D printing with FDM technology is clean, simple to use, and office friendly. Thanks to production grade materials that are mechanically and environmentally stable. They include many of the same tried-and-tested thermoplastics used in traditional manufacturing processes like injection molding.
With Stratasys FDM technology, making complex geometries and parts with internal cavities becomes possible. For applications that demand precise tolerances, durability, and stability in different environments, FDM thermoplastics deliver the required properties.
There are many benefits and advantages associated with FDM 3D printing technology. To help guide manufacturers interested in leveraging FDM Technology, check out various resources here. You’ll also find validation from world leading brands that took the leap forward into innovating their product development and business operations with this technology.
"3D Printing has been very effective at helping us produce the 'Dream Chaser' vehicle. We largely use Stratasys and their machines to help us develop tooling; specifically locating fixtures." - Bill James
Senior VP & GM
Space Transportation Sierra Space
"We have to produce these chucks for basically every tile, we have thousands of them on this vehicle. In the Analysis we did it very quickly built a case for using 3D printing to do these chucks. We're looking at tens of thousands hours of saved." - Bob Gjestvang
Lead Manufacturing Engineer
Thermal Protection & Propulsion Group Sierra Space
3D printers that run on FDM Technology build parts layer-by-layer from the bottom up by heating and extruding thermoplastic filaments.
View all FDM printersFDM Technology uses the same tried and tested thermoplastics found in traditional manufacturing processes. For applications that demand tight tolerances, toughness and environmental stability - or specialized properties like electrostatic dissipation, translucence, biocompatibility, VO flammability or FST ratings - there's an FDM thermoplastic that can deliver.
View all FDM MaterialsEmpower innovation with manufacturing services and a team of experts from Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.
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