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If you are new to the world of physical printing, you may wonder what is FDM 3D printing. 3D printers are some of the best printers you can buy. FDM printing, or fused deposition modeling, is a popular sub-type that uses spools of filament to build objects by depositing layers onto a build platform. So how do the best 3D printers work, what exactly is FDM printing, and what are some advantages to this printing method? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Before learning all about FDM printing, it is helpful to learn what 3D printers are used for and how they work. These printers work by heating up building materials and extruding them via a nozzle if you are learning what an extruder does in a 3D printer. There are many types of 3D printers out there if you are learning what FFF 3D printing is. Some modern printers even handle some truly unique tasks if you are wondering what an FEP film 3D printer is.
Insider Tip
Filament spools are available in a wide range of colors, designs, and gradients, with some even having metallic dust as a primary component.
FDM stands for fused deposition modeling, and this is one of the more popular types of 3D printing technologies out there, as it uses standard spools of filament and is not dissimilar to FFF printing and other filament-based sub-types. FDM printing was invented in the late 1980s and has since gone on to become a large segment of the industry, particularly with regard to commercially-available printers.
There is a reason why FDM printers are some of the hottest models in town, they offer some significant benefits.
This is one of the more basic additive manufacturing processes out there. It has been around since 1989, giving the technology plenty of time to simplify and become easier to use. Flash forward 30 years, and this is one of the more common 3D printing methods for just this reason. These printers are easy to use and, more or less, failsafe, though you should still practice some caution when making prints.
Despite being easy to use and leveraging simple filament spools, FDM printers are deceptively powerful. They handle complex geometries and large cavities with ease, making them the perfect choice for building off-the-beaten-path designs. This has made FDM printers extremely popular in the toy and figure-making space.
STAT: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) was originally invented and patented by Stratasys founder Scott Crump in 1989. Fast forward to the present, FDM is now the most commonly used 3D printing process. (source)
These printers are relatively budget-friendly, so have at it and get printing.
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