What FDM printing means
FDM printing melts plastic filament and squeezes it through a hot nozzle, drawing each layer of the part on top of the last. Common filaments include PLA, PETG, ABS and nylon.
Also called FFF, fused deposition modeling, filament printing.
Where it matters on a 3D printing job
It is the cheapest way to make functional parts, jigs and prototypes, and most print shops start with it. Layer lines show and parts are weaker across the layers, so ask how the part will be used and which way it takes load before you pick an orientation.
Work it out
- Free calculator: 3D print cost calculator
- Tools, templates and guides: Free 3D printing resources
For 3D print and laser shopsIf you do this work for a living, Koira handles the office side of it: quotes, invoices, booking, follow ups and your website, in one place.3D printing software