FDM3D printing technology introduction
image source: BCN3D
【FDM 3D Printing Technology】FDM is an acronym for “Fused Deposition Modeling”, and that’s how we describe what is used in a 3D printer. FDM 3D printing uses special plastic wires, which are extruded through the hot end of the nozzle to make the consumables reach a molten state, and then use slicing software to cut the model into layers of data, and then print layer by layer.
FDM3D printing technology introduction
[FDM3D printing technology] FDM is fused lamination molding. This 3D printing technology was successfully developed by American scholar Scott Crump in 1988. Generally speaking, FDM is to use high temperature to melt the material into a liquid state, extrude it through the print head and solidify it, and finally arrange it in a three-dimensional space to form a three-dimensional object.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology heats and melts filamentary hot-melt materials, and at the same time, under the control of the computer, the three-dimensional nozzle selectively coats the materials on the workbench according to the cross-sectional profile information. A layer of cross section is formed after rapid cooling. After one layer of molding is completed, the machine table is lowered to a height (that is, the thickness of the layer) and then the next layer is formed until the entire solid shape is formed. It has many kinds of molding materials, high strength and high precision of molding parts, and is a relatively practical manufacturing technology.
How does an FDM printer work?
image source: 3dprinterchat
The FDM 3D printing technology is as shown in the picture above. In simple terms, the FDM 3D printer pulls the material from the spool into the heated module and the nozzle of the extruder, and heats it into a molten state. After running through the program of the slicing software , to generate layer-by-layer trajectory data, and then run through the XYZ-axis motor to extrude the extruded filament according to the trajectory, which is a bit like squeezing cream and superimposed layer by layer, and finally a complete model is formed. Its principle is actually similar to traditional CNC, but FDM3D printing technology is addition from scratch, and CNC is subtraction of cutting out the model from the whole.
The principles of all FDM 3D printers are similar. They all need 3D printing wire as raw material to manufacture models. Therefore, equipment that is compatible with more wires is undoubtedly more advantageous. There are many types of 3D printing filaments. List the more popular ones. Types, such as PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, PA, etc., so you can consider equipment with a large temperature range when purchasing, and the temperature of some industrial FDM3D printing technology equipment can even reach 360°C.
image source: BCN3D
Structural components of the FDM3D printer
image source: Flashforge
The main structural components of the FDM3D printer, FDM3D printing technology, we briefly describe, the equipment is divided into three parts, FDM3D printing technology mainly controls the main board system, the main movement mechanical system, and the main molding hot end system.
The motherboard system is mainly composed of motherboards, sensors and other components, which are responsible for connecting sensors in various parts and transmitting commands. Similar to the human brain, it is connected with various sensors and is responsible for overall control.
The mechanical system part is mainly composed of motors, transmission components, etc., mainly to control the movement of XYZ to realize an overall operation system.
The hot end system part is mainly composed of a hot bed, extrusion end, heat dissipation fan, etc., forming a complete heating system to print various materials.
Benefits of FDM3D printing technology
image source: BCN3D
The cost of FDM3D printing technology is low. Compared with traditional manufacturing and 3D printer equipment, the cost of equipment is low. In addition, the utilization efficiency of materials used is high, and some materials are environmentally friendly and renewable materials, which greatly reduces the cost of molding. In addition, there is no need to spend money to build and maintain a dedicated site, which is suitable for use in office design environments.
FDM3D printing technology has low pollution, and there is no chemical type change in raw materials during the molding process. In the FDM printing manufacturing process, the noise and pollution will be lower than traditional manufacturing.
Easy handling and replacement, as the raw material is stored in spools, which can be quickly changed and transported.
FDM3D printing technology is compatible with many types of materials, such as various colors of engineering plastics ABS, PC, PP, PA, etc. It can manufacture finished products of various materials, and can realize multi-purpose of one machine, and is convenient for production and functional testing. Materials with different strength and toughness can be selected to meet the needs of various fields.
The use of water-soluble support materials makes it easy to remove the stent structure, and can quickly build complex inner cavities, hollow parts, and one-time-molded assembly structures.
Compared with light-curing 3D printing technology, FDM3D printing technology has a relatively larger printing space, faster speed, more types of materials supported, compatibility with more industries, and more cost-effective materials.
Frequently Asked Questions about FDM 3D Printing Technology
FDM3D printing technology, I believe everyone should know the many advantages of FDM3D printing, let’s talk about the disadvantages, compared with many advantages, I think the disadvantages are what everyone wants to know.
Compared with light-curing 3D printing, FDM 3D printing has a more detailed effect of light-curing on the detailed side of the molding.
Q2: What fields can FDM 3D printing technology be compatible with?
FDM3D technology can be compatible with many fields, including industry, design, biology, food, medical treatment, environmental protection, film and television, hand-made and other fields. Through FDM3D printing technology, people are constantly trying to combine different materials, whether it is industrial composite materials , engineering materials for design, hydrogels for biology, and materials for food. In constant attempts, a series of new technology products that promote the times have been born, so understanding FDM3D printing technology may help you catch up with the new era. trend.
License: The text of “FDM3D printing technology introduction” by 3D Lab Store is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.