Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)


Build with many of the same standard, engineering-grade and high-performance thermoplastics you use in traditional manufacturing processes.


model/make Fortus 900mc by Stratasys and A2 by 3ntr
mechanism Heated nozzle extrusion
materials ABS, ASA, PC, PC-ISO, PC-ABS, PPSF, ULTEM-9085, ULTEM-1010, Nylon 12, Elastomers, PETG
applications Common applications are short-run production parts, functional prototypes, and tooling/fixturing for manufacturing.
pros/cons Produce demanding functional prototypes, production parts, jigs, fixtures and factory tooling with high levels of accuracy, repeatability and predictability.

How it Works

FDM technology uses a heated nozzle to extrude thermoplastic material and build parts layer by layer. Removable support material can be added as scaffolding to support the geometry as it builds.

Who Uses It

FDM parts can be made from a wide range of common thermoplastic materials. This results in prototype parts made from production materials. For short-run or custom products, FDM parts may be suitable as production parts. Common applications are short-run production parts, functional prototypes, and tooling/fixturing for manufacturing.

What Materials Does it Use?

The Fortus 900MC can accommodate a wide range of engineering thermoplastics, including ABS, ASA, PC, PC-ISO, PC-ABS, PPSF, ULTEM-9085, ULTEM-1010, and Nylon 12.

The 3ntr A2 is a production grade open platform machine, which allows the use of a wide range of third party materials, ranging from elastomers to specialty filled and high performance filaments.

For Further Questions

Not sure if FDM technology is right for your application? Get in touch.