3D Printing vs. Traditional Manufacturing
Discover key differences to help with your next project.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Services
Fused Deposition Modeling is an affordable and easy-to-use additive manufacturing technology. Combined with its cost-efficiency and short end-to-end lead times, this is a highly flexible 3D printing process with various materials available.
How FDM Works
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), produces parts from thermoplastics.
The key to the manufacturing process is a heated, movable nozzle and plastic filament. The plastic material is heated inside the nozzle above its melting temperature and then extruded on top of the previous printed layer. After extrusion, the material cools down and fuses with the existing layers. Through the repetition of this process, the plastic part is finally manufactured.
FDM Use Cases
On the MakerVerse platform, FDM is typically used for rapid prototyping and functional prototyping, especially for visual and geometric assessments. In addition, it is also feasible to manufacture end-use parts with low-volume requirements. Specific use cases are jigs, fixtures, and parts for art, architecture, and model making.
FDM by the Numbers
Max Build Size
914 x 610 x 914 mm (standard size)
Lead Times
Starting at 6 days
Minimum Wall Thickness
1.0 mm (depending on material and geometry)
Standard Color
Various
Dimensional Accuracy
+/- 0.4% with a minimum of 0.4 mm
Key Feature: High-Performance Materials
FDM offers high-performance parts with high strength, toughness, impact resistance, and more.
The technology is also capable of printing flame-retardant parts. Parts made with these materials meet the high certification standards for specific industries, such as aerospace, rail, and electronics.
ULTEM 1010 and ULTEM 9085 are high-performance thermoplastics for FDM that are flame retardant.
MakerVerse's know-how and experience in 3D printing was critical to the success and we are very happy that the parts came out perfectly. They helped us save time and effort by taking care of the production
Stephan Beyer
Co-founder and CFO at nFrontier
Source Industrial-Grade FDM parts
MakerVerse gives you the flexibility to source parts however you need. Get instant quotes and quickly order parts with on-demand manufacturing. Our team of experts will work with you for large or complex orders to develop, align, and supervise a manufacturing quality plan from start to finish.
On-Demand Manufacturing
- Instant quoting and DFM checks
- Short lead times
- Fast and intuitive order placement
Production Orders
- Expert support from end-to-end
- Comprehensive manufacturing and quality plan
- Guaranteed quality meeting advanced specifications
Available FDM Finishes
Painted
Painting can be beneficial to enhance the design of your printed part or to better evaluate a printed prototype.
Smoothed
In the smoothing process, the plastic component a chemical reaction reworks the part. The top layer of the component is dissolved by a medium in a solution bath, and the result is a very smooth surface
Sealed
The sealing process is performed with an aqueous solution to close the outer surface and fill in small pores. Depending on the part's geometry, the sealing solution is manually applied or through dipping.
Sanded
Sanding smooths the part and removes any obvious blemishes, such as support marks or blobs. The chosen sandpaper depends on the layer height and print quality of the part.
Color dyed
The plastic component is immersed in a water bath in the dyeing process. The resulting chemical reaction causes the dye to penetrate the part. Characteristics of this are a homogeneous color gradient and an unchanging but more scratch-resistant surface.
Color dyed
The plastic component is immersed in a water bath in the dyeing process. The resulting chemical reaction causes the dye to penetrate the part. Characteristics of this are a homogeneous color gradient and an unchanging but more scratch-resistant surface.
Painted
Painting can be beneficial to enhance the design of your printed part or to better evaluate a printed prototype.
Sanded
Sanding smooths the part and removes any obvious blemishes, such as support marks or blobs. The chosen sandpaper depends on the layer height and print quality of the part.
Sealed
The sealing process is performed with an aqueous solution to close the outer surface and fill in small pores. Depending on the part's geometry, the sealing solution is manually applied or through dipping.
Smoothed
In the smoothing process, the plastic component a chemical reaction reworks the part. The top layer of the component is dissolved by a medium in a solution bath, and the result is a very smooth surface
Popular Materials for FDM
What’s the best material for your project?
Use our interactive technology and material advisor to find out.
ABS-ESD7 
ABS-M30 ABS-M30i ASA Onyx® PC PC-ABS ULTEM® 1010 ULTEM® 9085 ABS-ESD7 ABS-ESD7
Main characteristics
ABS-ESD7 is a blend of ABS with carbon. This results in a robust, durable material with electrostatic discharge properties (ESD). The ESD feature mitigates product damage by preventing the buildup of static electricity. This serves as ABS-ESD7’s main differentiator from other FDM materials.Use cases
With its ESD properties, ABS-ESD7 is often used for components in the electronics industry, such as electronic fixtures, housings, or customized packaging. It’s also an excellent choice in environments with an increased risk of explosions from sparks. That’s why this is the preferred choice for parts involving fuel tanks and the packaging of dangerous goods.Lead time
6 days ABS-M30 ABS-M30
Main characteristics
ABS M30 is a modified acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material combining strength and durability with low weight and a high load capacity. The material provides a good compromise between mechanical properties, cost, and accuracy. It also has better mechanical properties than conventional ABS.Use cases
ABS M30 is often used for loaded functional prototypes, production gears, jigs and fixtures, and manufacturing tools. It’s ideal for form and fit testing. Thanks to its versatility and affordable price, it’s widely used across industries.Lead time
6 days ABS-M30i ABS-M30i
Main characteristics
Main characteristics ABS M30i has properties similar to ABS M30: high strength and durability combined with low weight and a high load capacity. However, according to ISO 10993 and USP Class VI, this material is biocompatible and can be sterilized.Use cases
This material is helpful for parts requiring biocompatibility, high strength, and the possibility of sterilization. For example, some applications include surgical aids, medical devices, and manufacturing tools for the food industry. It’s an attractive option for parts that come into contact with skin.Lead time
6 days ASA ASA
Main characteristics
ASA filament is the ideal general-purpose thermoplastic and is suitable for various applications. It has a chemical structure comparable to ABS but offers improved mechanical properties, surface finish, and UV resistance. ASA is available in 10 different colors.Use cases
With its variety of color options and high aesthetics, ASA is the most popular FDM material for polymer prototypes of industrial-grade quality. Thanks to its high UV resistance, it can be ideally used for outside applications. It is also often used in aesthetic consumer goods prototypes and the automotive industry.Lead time
6 days Onyx® Onyx
Main characteristics
Onyx is a micro carbon fiber filled nylon with excellent mechanical properties (strength, toughness) as well as chemical resistance.
Use cases
Onyx is used in a variety of applications, both consumer and industrial. Its appearance and mechanical properties make it popular for end-use parts.
PC PC
Main characteristics
Polycarbonate (PC) combines good mechanical properties such as impact resistance, strength, rigidity, and hardness with high temperature, dimensional stability, and heat resistance.Use cases
PC is typically used for jigs and fixtures, cases, and visual models.Lead time
6 days PC-ABS PC-ABS
Main characteristics
PC-ABS is an ideal choice when the temperature resistance of polycarbonates (PC) and the flexural strength of ABS are required. This unique blend of both materials stands out with its high-impact strength, especially at low temperatures.Use cases
PC-ABS is applicable for solid tools and functional prototypes. It is frequently used in the automotive and electronics industry.Lead time
6 days ULTEM® 1010 ULTEM® 1010
Main characteristics
ULTEM 1010 is a high-performance thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI). It offers the highest heat resistance, tensile strength, and chemical resistance. It also possesses the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion among all FDM materials. It’s ideal for challenging and highly specialized applications.Use cases
ULTEM 1010 is frequently used across industries for high-strength jigs and lightweight composite tooling. Certified grade ULTEM can also be used for food contact production tools and customized medical applications.Lead time
8 days ULTEM® 9085 ULTEM® 9085
Main characteristics
ULTEM is one of the so-called high-performance thermoplastics. Its outstanding strength makes it an alternative to metallic materials. Together with the property of flame retardancy, the material is prevalent in the aviation and rail industries.Use cases
ULTEM materials are used for flame-retardant parts required in planes or trains. Due to its low toxicity, PEI-based polymers can also be used for medical and food components.Lead time
8 daysDidn't find the material you are looking for?
We are constantly expanding and you can request specific materials going beyond our current standardized offering. Simply select “Other Material” in the order process and provide us your desired specifications in the comment section.
You can also reach out to us with your specific material requests at any time under support@makerverse.com
Additive Manufacturing Resources
Flexible Filaments for 3D Printing Explained
Choose the best-fitting material for your next 3D printing project.
3D Printing in the Automotive Industry
See how automotive companies use 3D printing for success.
The Guide to 3D Printing Aluminum
See why you should use aluminum in your next project.
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