Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing process that uses a continuous filament of a thermoplastic material. It is also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). FDM builds parts layer by layer by selectively depositing melted material in a predetermined path. The process was developed by S. Scott Crump, co-founder of Stratasys, in 1988. FDM is the most popular 3D printing technology and is widely used in industries such as automotive, manufacturing of consumer goods, food and drug packaging, and the medical industry.

Some key features of FDM include:

• Materials: Filaments used for printing with FDM printers are cost-effective compared to other 3D printing technologies. FDM thermoplastics deliver the necessary properties for applications that demand precise tolerances, durability, and stability in different environments. Several material classes can be extruded and 3D printed, including thermoplastic polymers.

• Process: FDM’s additive nature and soluble support material simplify the creation of parts with complex geometries and internal cavities. FDM technology is clean and office-friendly, thanks to production-grade materials that are mechanically and environmentally stable.

• Advantages: FDM technology is trusted for its precision, reliability, and repeatability. It is one of the easiest 3D printing technologies to learn and operate. The versatility, ease of use, and sizeable material selection of FDM technology make it a go-to resource for all major industries that need time and cost-efficient alternatives to traditional manufacturing.

FDM 3D printers work by extruding thermoplastic filaments, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PLA (Polylactic Acid), through a heated nozzle, melting the material and applying the plastic layer by layer to a build platform. The resolution of the part is defined by the size of the extrusion nozzle, and layers may not fully adhere to one another, resulting in visible layers on the surface. FDM parts do not require cleaning and are ready for use or further post-processing once the printing process is complete[[5]](https://formlabs.co...