Design Guide: FDM Technology
Our guide explains the basic considerations to consider when designing and preparing parts made with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. When designing parts to be printed with FDM technology, the specifics of the printing process must also be taken into account.
FDM part design
The FDM process builds thermoplastic plastic layer by layer. Since the range of products and parts that can be created with the FDM process is much wider in terms of both raw materials and special unique properties than other prototype and small-series manufacturing processes, it is increasingly being used to produce products that go directly to the user, a process called Direct Digital Manufacturing.
Size and orientation
With Stratasys FDM manufacturing systems, we can create discrete FDM parts as large as 914x610x914 mm in one piece. Designers should consider that the tensile strength of extruded plastics is highest along the xy plane.
Because the Stratasys FDM system produces models in a closed, heated work space, warping is generally not an issue. The support required for undercuts is provided by either a soluble or breakable, easily separable support material, depending on the model material.
Design considerations for FDM printing
Based on the design of traditional plastic parts, we present the design considerations for quality FDM parts in the downloadable document.
Download our design guide to learn about design considerations for the FDM technology process!
VARINEX Zrt.'s 3D printing business has been providing 3D printing for more than 20 years and offers a profit-oriented approach. Before starting a project, contact our expert engineer colleague 3dp@varinex.hu .
