Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

For functional components made of standard materials

For Fused Deposition Modeling, a filament (usually plastic wire) is melted in a nozzle and applied to a base plate in dots or lines, building up the component layer by layer. Overhanging segments require support structures to anchor the component on the base plate. These are easy to remove after printing is completed.

FDM processes can also be used to manufacture metal parts by using filaments filled with metal powder in the same way. This, however, initially produces a green part, which then has to be compacted in a subsequent sintering process.

Also known as: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Fused Layer Modeling or Fused Layer Manufacturing (FLM)