# Other 3D Printing Options {% hint style="warning" %} The NExT Lab is working on better learning resources for you - this page is a work-in-progress article, so please check back soon! {% endhint %} 3D Printing is actually a large umbrella term describing additive manufacturing methods that work on the principle of adding material together into a solid object. In the Maker Spaces, we host **5** different types of 3D Printing technologies. If the NExT Lab's technologies are not suitable for your projects, another Maker Space may provide your requirements: | | | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **NExT Lab** | **Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)** | | **FabLab** |

Binder Jetting (Powder)

Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF)

Stereolitography (SLA) Resin

| | **Robotics Lab** | Robotic Arm Clay Extrusion | ## Fused Deposition Modelling (NExT Lab) Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a material-extrusion based additive manufacturing process. Objects are built layer by layer, following a software-generated path. It is the primary 3D printing technology employed at the NExT Lab. A solid, thermoplastic filament (most commonly ABS, PETG and **PLA**) is heated to melting point (usually between 180° and 220°, and fed through a **small nozzle** (most commonly 0.4mm in diameter). The **nozzle** follows **paths** that are generated in a **slicing software** (such as [Makerbot Print](https://www.makerbot.com/makerbot-print/), [Ultimaker Cura](https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/) or [Slic3r](https://slic3r.org/)). This software is also used to generate the necessary [**support structure**](https://support.makerbot.com/learn/3d-printing/3d-printing-terms/supports_12712) and [**infill**](https://support.makerbot.com/learn/3d-printing/3d-printing-terms/shells-and-infill_13509) to ensure that the object is printed accurately. This is the primary method of 3D Printing employed at the NExT Lab. ![Figure 0.0 - Fused Deposition Modelling Time Lapse (3d Logics)](/files/-LYPAlEHnpYTNrJX7FVa) | **Advantages of FDM** | **Disadvantages of FDM** | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |
  1. FDM is the most cost-effective way of producing custom thermoplastic parts and prototypes. 
  2. The lead times of FDM are short (as fast as next-day-delivery), due to the high availability of the technology. 
  3. A wide range of thermoplastic materials are available, suitable for both prototyping and some non-commercial functional applications. 
|
  1. FDM has the lowest dimensional accuracy and resolution compared to other 3D printing technologies, so it is not suitable for parts with intricate details. 
  2. FDM parts are likely to have visible layer lines, so post processing is required for a smooth finish. 
  3. The layer adhesion mechanism makes FDM parts inherently anisotropic. 
| ## Additional 3D Printing Technologies Whilst the NExT Lab is home to only FDM machines, the **Fab Lab** has a **Project 660 Pro Powder Printer (Binder Jetting), HP Jet Fusion 4200** and **Formlabs Form 3 (SLA / Resin)**. To help you with your selection of fabrication method, it is important to determine early whether the main design consideration is function or visual appearance. | Fabrication Method | Cost | Quality | Strength | Other Specific Requirements | | ---------------------------- | ----------- | --------- | --------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Plastic - FDM (NExT Lab)** | **$** | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ |

Need to Consider:

• Support Material

• Part Orientation

• Part Thickness

| | **Powder - Binder Jetting** | **$ $ $** | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ |

Need to Consider:

• Part Thickness

• Material Escapement

| | **Multi-Jet Fusion** | **$ $ $ $** | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |

Need to Consider:

• Part Thickness

• Material Escapement

| | **Resin - SLA** | **$ $** | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |

Need to Consider:

• Support Material

• Part Orientation

• Washing and curing time

| ![Binder Jetting (Powder) Printing](/files/-M6Y2h6q1TVpQmMeT_1y) ![Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF)](/files/-M6Y2tJz7FiLvR32Qpud) ![SLA (Resin) Printing](/files/-M6Y38HE6VjAVbKFB3hg) Follow the page links to check out these alternative 3D Printing technologies: {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/3d-printing/3dp-introduction/fundamentals-of-fdm-fabrication.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.