> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/3d-printing/3dp-introduction/fundamentals-of-fdm-fabrication.md).

# Other 3D Printing Options

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The NExT Lab is working on better learning resources for you - this page is a work-in-progress article, so please check back soon!
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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**       | <p></p><p>Binder Jetting (Powder)</p><p>Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF)</p><p>Stereolitography (SLA) Resin</p><p></p> |
| **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).&#x20;

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**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <ol><li>FDM is the most cost-effective way of producing custom thermoplastic parts and prototypes.  </li><li>The lead times of FDM are short (as fast as next-day-delivery), due to the high availability of the technology.  </li><li>A wide range of thermoplastic materials are available, suitable for both prototyping and some non-commercial functional applications.  </li></ol> | <ol><li>FDM has the lowest dimensional accuracy and resolution compared to other 3D printing technologies, so it is not suitable for parts with intricate details. </li><li>FDM parts are likely to have visible layer lines, so post processing is required for a smooth finish.  </li><li>The layer adhesion mechanism makes FDM parts inherently anisotropic.  </li></ol> |

## 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)** | **$**       | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | <p><strong>Need to Consider:</strong></p><p>• Support Material</p><p>• Part Orientation</p><p>• Part Thickness</p>          |
| **Powder - Binder Jetting**  | **$ $ $**   | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | <p><strong>Need to Consider:</strong></p><p>• Part Thickness</p><p>• Material Escapement</p>                                |
| **Multi-Jet Fusion**         | **$ $ $ $** | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | <p><strong>Need to Consider:</strong></p><p>• Part Thickness</p><p>• Material Escapement</p>                                |
| **Resin - SLA**              | **$ $**     | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | <p><strong>Need to Consider:</strong></p><p>• Support Material</p><p>• Part Orientation</p><p>• Washing and curing time</p> |

![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="<https://msd-makerspaces.gitbook.io/the-fablab/3d-printing/designing-for-fablab-powder-3d-printing>" %}

{% embed url="<https://msd-makerspaces.gitbook.io/the-fablab/3d-printing/3d-printing-at-the-fablab-hp-fusion>" %}

{% embed url="<https://msd-makerspaces.gitbook.io/the-fablab/3d-printing/3d-resin-printing-at-the-fablab>" %}