Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

Fused Deposition Modelling technology is based on melting the plastics in the form of filaments inside an extrusion head. The head pushes out the molten material to a support, gradually applying a very thin layer in two axes in a plane determined by the horizontal cross-section of the future product. After the application of one complete layer, the extrusion head increases layer thickness in the vertical axis, re-continuing the gradual application process until the completion of the entire product.

Prusa i3 MK3s

The latest model of the FDM printer by Průša can compete with professional printers such as Fortus 450mc. Its low price makes it a popular choice for everybody who needs to prototype and create robust small-sized prints.

Product examples:

Technical parameters

Building space 250 x 210 x 210 mm
Layer thickness 0,05+ mm (adjustable)
Available materials ABS  
  PLA  
  PET  
  HIPS  
  FLEX  
  ASA  
  metal composites such as Bronzefill  
  PP  
  Carbon fibre composites  
  Nylon
  T-Glase
  wood composites such as Bamboofill

Stratasys Fortus 450mc

A production system that enables the printing of high-precision parts from different types of thermoplastic materials. The resulting parts surpass the products of other 3D printing methods mainly by mechanical properties, and thermal and chemical resistance. The great advantage is the possibility to decrease the weight of the model using a honeycomb internal structure.

Product examples:

Technical parameters

Building space 406 x 355 x 406 mm
Layer thickness 0,127/0,178/0,254/0,330 mm ( depends on the type of material)
Available materials ABS-M30 available in 6 colours, excellent mechanical properties
  ABS-M30i biocompatible material
  ABS-ESD7 antistatic material
  ASA UV stable material with  the best viewing properties
  PC-ISO biocompatible material with high strength
  PC excellent mechanical properties and thermal resistance
  FDM Nylon 12 material with maximum toughness
  ULTEM 1010 top chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance
  ULTEM 9085 excellent chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance

Schematic images of 3D printing technologies are used with the permission of Prof. Steffen Ritter.