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Direkt vom Hersteller
3D-Druck und CNC
Vom Prototyp zur Serie.
Direkt vom Hersteller
3D-Druck und CNC
Vom Prototyp zur Serie.

3D-Druck

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Extruded thermoplastic layers for rapid, economical prototypes.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) extrudes heated thermoplastic filament in thin beads, stacking layers to form a part. FDM is economical for early prototypes, large bulky geometry, and fixtures where surface cosmetics are secondary to speed and cost.

FDM 3D printing on AIHFABS

What is FDM printing?

Fused Deposition Modeling pushes a thermoplastic filament through a hot nozzle and stacks beads into a part. It is the fastest way to get a large, cheap shape on the table when layer lines are acceptable.

AIHFABS quotes FDM for jigs, early form-and-fit, and bulky exhibition models. If you need a smooth show face or nylon-level isotropy, move the same file to SLA or SLS instead of sanding for days.

Industrial FDM printer fleet at AIHFABS

FDM capabilities

Layer height and envelope vary by cell. Large-format jobs are reviewed before a date is promised.

Lead time

From 24–48 hours depending on size

Typical tolerance

±0.5 mm or ±0.5% on FDM-appropriate geometry

Max build envelope

Varies by machine; large-format options on request

Surface finish

Visible layer lines; sanding and coating improve appearance

Supports

Breakaway or soluble supports on overhangs

FDM materials

PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, nylon, and carbon-filled blends. Chamber heat is used when the grade needs it.

FDM surface finishes

Layer lines are part of the process. Sand, fill, or coat only the faces that will be seen.

As-printed FDM parts on industrial printers

As printed

Visible beads. Correct for shop aids, fixtures, and most internal mock-ups.

Large-format FDM / FGF printed form

Sand & fill

Layer lines knocked down and filled on show faces before paint.

FDM parts in a production setting

Coat or tap

Paint, primer, or tapped inserts after support removal.

How FDM compares on AIHFABS

FDM is the cost and size lever. Resin and powder beds take over when finish or isotropy matters more than price.

Verfahren Lieferzeit Toleranz Preis
Selektives Laserschmelzen (SLM)Metal From 5 business days (express options where available) ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% (whichever is greater), tighter after machining Instant quote · typical metal part from $90
Stereolithographie (SLA)Resin Quoted with your CAD upload Instant quote · typical resin part from $18
Digitales Lichtverfahren (DLP)Resin From 48 hours ±0.2 mm on supported geometry Instant quote · typical resin batch from $20
Flüssigkristallanzeige (LCD)Resin From 48 hours ±0.2 mm on supported geometry Instant quote · typical resin part from $16
Selektives Lasersintern (SLS)Plastic powder From 48 hours express; 72 hours / 5 days standard tiers ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% Instant quote · typical nylon part from $28
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)Plastic powder From 48 hours express; standard 72 hours / 5 days ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% Instant quote · typical PA12 part from $25
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)Thermoplastic filament From 24–48 hours depending on size ±0.5 mm or ±0.5% on FDM-appropriate geometry Instant quote · typical prototype from $12

How we run FDM jobs

Industrial FDM printer fleet at AIHFABS
  1. 1

    Step 1

    Filament is fed through a heated nozzle that deposits beads along slice paths.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    The build plate or toolpath strategy supports overhangs with soluble or breakaway structures.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Layers fuse together as they cool; chamber heating improves ABS and nylon performance.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Supports are removed and parts can be sanded, tapped, or bonded.

Orientation, infill, and wall count are set from how the part will be loaded — not from a default slicer profile. Tell us if it is a visual mock or a fixture that will see clamp force.

Supports come off before tap, sand, or coat. Soluble supports are used when the overhang would scar a show face.

Advantages and Trade-offs

Advantages

  • Lowest cost entry for large, simple geometry and proof-of-concept models
  • Wide material choice from PLA to ABS, PETG, PC, and carbon-filled blends
  • Quick iteration cycles for jigs and one-off factory aids
  • Easy to combine with inserts, threads, and adhesive assembly

Trade-offs

  • Anisotropy: Z strength is weaker than X/Y.
  • Layer lines remain unless you pay for finishing.
  • Fine text and tiny bosses are better on resin.

Design guidelines for FDM

Orient for strength and for the faces you refuse to sand.

Feature Recommended practice
Orientation Keep cosmetic faces off support interfaces when you can.
Fillets Add fillets on load-bearing corners; sharp notches crack along layers.
Infill & walls Say if the part is loaded — we will raise walls and infill instead of guessing.
Overhangs Expect breakaway or soluble supports below about 45°.

FDM FAQ

When is FDM the right first quote?

Early form-and-fit, large bulky geometry, and shop aids where layer lines are acceptable and cost matters.

What tolerance should I plan?

About ±0.5 mm or ±0.5% on FDM-appropriate geometry. Fine fits belong on CNC or powder-bed nylon.

Which filaments do you run?

PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, nylon, and carbon-filled blends. Tell us about heat, UV, and outdoors.

Can you print large parts?

Yes — large-format cells are available. Envelope is confirmed after we open the file.

Typical lead time?

Many jobs leave in 24–48 hours depending on size and finish.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) — engineering review before production

Use these process-specific checks when preparing your model, drawing and quote request. The confirmed quotation and approved drawing define the requirements for your part.

Layer direction and service loads

FDM parts are built from deposited roads and layers. Show the direction of load and the environment so orientation, wall strategy and material can be reviewed together. ABS and PETG are different materials; neither should be selected by appearance alone.

Overhangs, joints and inserts

Support-facing surfaces can have a different texture and accuracy from accessible walls. Consider splitting a large part into an assembly when support removal is difficult. Specify inserts and threaded interfaces early, and state whether the part is a visual model or working fixture.

Acceptance checklist

Confirm filament grade, build orientation where function depends on it, visible layer texture and required assembly fit. Discuss heat exposure and sustained load before using a printed fixture in production.

Ähnliche 3D-gedruckte oder CNC-Teile benötigt?

AIHFABS kalkuliert kundenspezifischen 3D-Druck und CNC aus einem CAD-Upload. Vergleichen Sie SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, DLP, Fräsen und Drehen und fügen Sie Dampfglätten, Färben, Eloxieren, Polieren oder Pulverbeschichten derselben Bestellung hinzu.

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