# FDM

## Fused Deposition Modelling 

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 Fab Lab.

A solid, thermoplastic filament (most commonly ABS, **PETG**, and **PLA**) is heated to a 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 **slicing software** (such as [Bambu Studio](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/3d-printing/fdm/bambu-studio-quick-start)). 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.

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This is the primary method of 3D Printing employed at the FabLab.

| **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> |

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="172"></th><th width="152"></th><th width="155"></th><th>Use</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Service</strong></td><td></td><td><strong>Machine</strong></td><td><strong>Use</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>3D Print Farm</strong></td><td>Submit your prepared files for printing.</td><td><p>BambuX1C</p><p>Bambu H2S</p></td><td>-Fast + High Quality 3D Printing with limited material choice.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Open Access</strong></td><td>Hands on access to the machines and workflow.</td><td>Prusa Family</td><td><br>-Experimental Materials<br>-Experimental Workflows</td></tr></tbody></table>