Inodus’s unique network of plastic 3D printing includes some of the most advanced and versatile prototyping service providers available. FDM is one of the most mature technologies used and thanks to our direct collaboration with our core partners, we are able to offer you the best possible pricing. This includes both standard and more advanced capabilities with newer printers.
✓ Basic proof-of-concept model
✓ Competitive pricing
FDM capability overview
| FDM | |
|---|---|
| Maximum build size (L x W x H) | 900 x 600 x 900 mm |
| Standard lead time | 4 – 8 days (24hrs service possible upon request) |
| Dimensional accuracy |
± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.5 mm
± 0.15% with a lower limit on ± 0.15 mm
|
| Minimal wall thickness |
0.8 mm
1.0 mm (recommended for structural areas)
|
| Layer height | 100 - 300 μm |
When to use FDM
- Low-cost rapid prototyping
- Basic proof-of-concept models
Although the cheapest, and not as popular as in the old days, FDM has a rich selection of material. There is a plethora of desktop printers aimed at consumers and business for quick prototyping nowadays with affordable price. The surface finish of the traditional FDM part is not great compared to other plastic 3D printing technology, and it cannot achieve any complex shape in small details.
Available materials for FDM
| Types | General considerations | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS-like | ASA | All-purpose, excellent UV stability, suited for outdoor parts. Good solution for sporting goods, tools and automotive components. |
| ABS-M30 | Lowest cost material in the thermoplastics range. Good for making moderate requirement parts such as tools, jigs and fixtures | |
| ABS-M30i | High strength material suited for medial, pharmaceutical and food packaging industries. Biocompatible and can be gamma or EtO sterilized. | |
| ABSi | Good for conceptual modelling, superior strength than standard ABS. Translucent nature allows light transmission. | |
| ABS-ESD7 | Prevents a buildup of static electricity, ideal for electronic parts with circuit boards. Widely used to create jigs and fixtures for assembly of electronic components. | |
| PC | PC | Good accuracy, durability and stability. Strong and heat resistant parts. |
| PC-ABS | Combing superior strength and heat resistance of PC and flexibility of ABS. Ideal for functional prototyping, tooling and low-volume manufacturing. | |
| PC-ISO | Strong, biocompatible, gamma and EtO sterilizable. Good for pharmaceutical, food packaging and medical application | |
| Nylon | PA6 | Durable, clean finish and high break resistance. Consider Jigs, fixtures and other manufacturing aids that require Good tensile and mechanical strength. Prototyping pedals, handles, joints, bears, fasteners etc. |
| PA12 | High fatigue resistance, strong chemical resistance. Good for repetitive snap fits, press fit inserts, and many other vibration-resistant components. | |
| PA12 Carbon Fiber | Contains 35% carbon fibers. High strength-to-weight ratio as well as high tensile strength. Application include aerospace components and tooling, sporting goods, tooling and fixtures. | |
| High performance | TPU 92A | Resilient thermoplastic, good flexibility and stretch with abrasion and tear resistance. Suitable for application like hoses, tubes, air ducts or vibration dampeners. |
| PPSF/PPSU | Excellent mechanical properties, heat and chemical resistance. Ideal for aerospace, automotive and medical prototyping or end-use parts. | |
| ULTEM 1010 | High strength, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. Application including medical tools, temperature-resistant dies or fixtures for food production, aerospace components. | |
| ULTEM 9085 | Well-rounded thermal, mechanical and chemical properties. Ideal for aerospace, automotive and military applications because of its FST (flame, smoke and toxicity) rating. |
General features of 3D printing technologies
| SLA | MJF | FDM | SLS | MJP/PolyJet | DMLS/SLM | LSF | WAAM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy & detail | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Surface finish | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ |
| Complex geometry | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ |
| Mechanical strength | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★★★ | ★★★★★★★ | ★★★★★★★ |
| Relative cost | ■■ | ■■■ | ■ | ■■■ | ■■■■ | ■■■■■■ | ■■■■■■■■ | ■■■■■■ |
*The table assume typical material used in respective technology at comparable sizes (except for LSF and WAAM which are only suitable for very large parts).
Post-processing may be used to improve surface finish significantly.