Using an FDM 3D printer is beneficial as the 3D printing industry continues to gain popularity. 3D printers, in general, are versatile - you can use them in a wide range of applications. An FDM 3D printer is the most popular 3D printer among 3D printers.
Reading this article will allow you to understand FDM 3D printers. You will understand:
How does an FDM 3D printer work?
FDM 3D printing applications
Let's dive in!
How does an FDM 3D printer work?
An FDM 3D printer uses additive manufacturing technology to produce high quality 3D models.
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FDM 3D printers use thermoplastics as their primary printing materials. The printer works first by melting thermoplastics. It then extrudes the molten thermoplastic material through a nozzle in a predetermined path. Here's something worth noting:
There are two types of FDM 3D printers:
Single Extruder: Single extruder FDM 3D printers have a single extrusion nozzle. The best part about using this type of FDM 3D printer is that it is stable, accurate, and quickly prints fluid 3D models.
Dual Extruder: Dual extruder FDM 3D printers have two extrusion nozzles. This printer can take two thermoplastic filaments and print two 3D models at the same time. The benefit of using dual extrusion FDM 3D printers, in addition to printing two models at the same time, is that it improves productivity.
How to print a 3D model with an FDM 3D printer?
Now, two main steps are required to print a 3D model using an FDM 3D printer. Look at them:
1. 3D Modeling and Design - The modeling and design phase can be easy or intimidating, depending on your design skills and the complexity of the model you want to print.
Technical design is performed using computer aided design (CAD) software. However, most people download pre-made complex 3D models, such as anime figures, architectural models, etc. Downloading the pre-designed file saves you a lot of time and ensures well-detailed 3D printing. Here's something worth noting:
3D printers generally have minimum and maximum model sizes that they can print. It is essential to make sure that the 3D model you have designed or downloaded is within the minimum or maximum printing capacity of your 3D printer. . After completing the modeling and design phase, you will need to export the file (usually in .stl format) to your cutting software. The cutting software is different from the CAD software.
The Slicing software is responsible for slicing the model: converting a 3D model into a format that the FDM 3D printer (g-code) can understand. A 3D printer's slicing software "cuts" (literally) the paper 3D model into smaller layers and tells the printer how to print each layer of the 3D model. After cutting, you will need to copy the cutting file to the FDM 3D printer. The printer should now be able to print the desired 3D model without any problems.
It would be better for you to use the printer manufacturer's cutting software. Keep in mind that printing 3D models with complex geometries will definitely require the use of support material. The support material must be removed from the main 3D model after the complete printing process. Where is an FDM 3D printer mainly used?
An FDM 3D printer can be used in a wide range of industries. Most industries, e.g. automotive, consumer goods manufacturer, etc. One of the main reasons why FDM 3D printers are the most popular 3D printers is because they are affordable and affordable. They can also be used to print various products, such as children's toys and consumer goods such as bottles, etc. Discover the main categories of applications for an FDM 3D printer:
prototypes
Traditional prototyping, such as injection molding, can be difficult and time-consuming. The introduction of 3D printed prototypes made the process more efficient and economical.
An FDM 3D printer can print functional and non-functional prototypes based on the choice of thermoplastic filament. Prototyping is an essential phase of working product development, which helps to understand the overall design of a component.
Rapid prototyping allows you to design a functional final product with the right proportions. Remember, slight proportional adjustments can alter the performance and functionality of the desired component.
Medical industry
FDM 3D printers are also used in the medical industry to make geometrically basic models that don't require a lot of intricate detail. It is also used to prototype surgical guides and instruments, some of which are sterilizable. Experts have made various attempts to print prostheses with simple geometries. However, the results were not entirely promising because FDM 3D printed prosthetics were not suitable for functional applications.
Automotive industry
An FDM 3D printer is an asset to the automotive industry, allowing automakers to quickly print automotive parts out of plastic.
This is the best part of using FDM 3D printers in the automotive industry:
The molded components are strong and lightweight, which is definitely key as it reduces the overall weight of the car. In addition, cars perform better and consume less energy.
Consumer products
Small consumer products, such as bottles and children's toys like dolls, etc., can be easily printed with FDM 3D printers. Manufacturers can quickly develop a design, print it and put it up for sale in local and international markets.
What are the benefits of using an FDM 3D printer? There are three main benefits of using an FDM 3D printer. Look at them:
Economic
Businesses and enthusiasts alike will find the cost-effective feature of this printer advantageous, as it is essential to keep costs down.
In addition to the fact that the printer is inexpensive, its (thermoplastic) printing materials are also cheaper than the printing materials of other printers. Wide choice of thermoplastics
Using an FDM 3D printer allows you to select a wide range of thermoplastic materials used to print models for different applications. In addition, these materials are inexpensive. Selecting a suitable thermoplastic is critical as it determines the success of your 3D printed models.
Single and dual extrusion FDM 3D printers offer fast 3D model printing. However, single extrusion is faster than dual extrusion printer; the latter prints two models at the same time. Therefore, you can use this FDM 3D printer to quickly print, test and edit 3D models.
There is one major drawback to using an FDM 3D printer? Check it out:
Instability
There is one main drawback associated with using FDM 3D printers: warping. Different thermoplastic parts will cool and solidify at different rates, which can cause 3D printed models to deform. However, you can effectively manage deformation by monitoring the temperature of your FDM 3D printer. Additionally, you can mitigate deformation by increasing the adhesion between the cooling 3D model and the build platform.
Final Thoughts: What Makes FDM 3D Printers Popular? If you are looking for an inexpensive way to 3D print models quickly and easily, consider purchasing an FDM 3D printer. It is ideal for use in industrial and domestic applications.
Economic.
Versatile - can be used in many industries, such as automotive, medical, etc. They can use a wide range of printing materials which are also economical.