Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

FDM includes another Additive Manufacturing process oriented involving the use of thermoplastics.  (polymer that changes to a liquid upon the application of heat and solidifies to a solid when cooled) materials injected through indexing nozzles onto a platform. The nozzles trace the cross-section pattern for each particular layer with the thermoplastic material hardening prior to the application of the next layer.

FDM works on an “additive” principle by laying down material in layers; a plastic filament or metal wire is unwound from a coil and supplies material to produce a part. The process repeats until the build or model is complete. Specialized material may need to add support to some model features.

Fused deposition modeling is commonly used for modeling, prototyping, and production applications, it is one of the most common techniques used for 3D printing. The technology is somehow similar to Stereolithography, the models can be machined or used as patterns. Very easy-to-use and cool.