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GPI Prototype - Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) |
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Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology commonly used for modeling, prototyping, and production applications. Classified as a rapid prototype technology, FDM works on an "additive" principle, laying down material in layers. A plastic filament or metal wire is unwound from a coil and supplies material to an extrusion nozzle which can turn on and off the flow. The nozzle is heated to melt the material and can be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions, controlled by a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software package. The model or part is produced by extruding small beads of thermoplastic material to form successive layers, with each material layer hardening immediately after extrusion from the nozzle. FDM's technology advantage is in its ability to produce parts and prototypes using engineering grade plastics. Several materials are available with different trade-offs between strength and temperature properties. As well as ABS polymer, FDM technology can also be used with polycarbonates, polycaprolactone, polyphenylsulfones and waxes.
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