FDM
Manufacturing by depositing molten strand
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology allows the rapid manufacturing of functional parts by depositing layers of extruded thermoplastic polymer, such as ABS or polycarbonate. This is an additive fabrication technique, which builds by adding material rather than removing it. This allows the manufacture of functional parts that are not possible with machining or molding, such as nested parts.
The materials used are thermoplastics (ABS and polycarbonate), which allow fast manufacture of parts with characteristics very similar to production parts. This technology is ideal for direct digital manufacturing (DDM) of functional prototypes or small runs of pieces that can be used in finished products.
Parts can be manufactured in two different resolutions: Standard (layers of 0.010 ") or High Resolution (0.005"). Fablab Inc. takes into account the different aspects of strength, aesthetics and functionality in the evaluation of your parts, to guarantee you the best parts at the best price.
- Excellent mechanical strength to make assembly tests under real conditions
- Thermoplastics durable
- Excellent thermal resistance: 95 ° C to 138 ° C
- Very good dimensional accuracy
- Ideal for direct digital manufacturing (DDM) in large quantities Small parts
- Time: 1 working day (minimum)
- The volume of manufacture is 14 "x 10" x 10 "(356 x 254 x 254mm). Larger models are manufactured in pieces and assembled.
- standard layer thickness: 0.010 "
- high-resolution layer thickness: 0005 "
- Accuracy: + / - 0.005 "top 5 inches and + / - 0.0015" per inch extra (ABS) *
- Reproducibility by identical part (ABS) + / - .001 "
- Minimum thickness of wall in standard mode: 0032 ", high-resolution mode: 0020"
- Finish: Building visible strata (height depends on the resolution)
*: Depending on the geometry
ABS : Better resolution, good mechanical and thermal resistance. Available in white (standard) and many colors
Polycarbonate : Thermoplastic durable and very resistant. White satin.
FDM vs. ALS
- The materials used with the FDM are durable thermoplastic used in the industry: they do not deteriorate with time or exposure to UV.
- Better thermal resistance.
- The parts made with FDM are made with greater accuracy dimensional and better reproducibility.
FDM vs. Polyjet
- Parts greater.
- Assembly of parts more resistant: parts made with FDM adhere very well together.
- Better thermal resistance.
- Compatibility with RF signals (the PolyJet is not compatible with the RF signals).
FDM vs. 3D printing
- Parts larger and more robust.
- Assembly of parts more resistant.
- Better thermal resistance.
- The majority of our FDM parts are delivered once the media removed, and the parts washed and dried. If necessary, additional services may be offered.
- Painting: models can be sanded, primed and painted to match the desired color.
- Parts can be assembled to create larger structures: FDM parts adhere well to each other through with different resins and solvents.
- The parts can be sealed to make them smoother surface, which also improves water resistance.