3D Printing Terminology Made Easy: The Complete Guide to 3D Printing



Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printers

FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. It is the most common type of 3D printing used today. It works by melting a filament in a heated chamber and using a vacuum to pull the melted filament through a fine nozzle. This forms layers at the bottom of the print head, which are then stopped from flowing all the way through by a waiting layer of filament. This method is how most home 3D printers use it, as well as many low-cost industrial FDM printers. FDM printers are also called FFF (Fused Filament Filament) printers.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) 3D Printers

AM is another type of 3D printing that uses a melting extrusion process to create three-dimensional objects. The AM printer works by depositing a thin layer of material, usually by melting it and extruding it through a nozzle. Generally, AM printers use a combination of mechanical, rather than FDM, printing processes to create parts with complex geometries. The most common material used in AM printers is polyethylene or ABS.

Subtractive Manufacturing (SLS) 3D Printers

SLS is a type of additive manufacturing where the base material is a negative rather than a positive. This means that the SLS printing process starts with a model or object created in some other 3D printing technique. The model is then printed with a soluble material like clay, concrete or sugar and the print is then baked or cured in an oven. This hardens the model, leaving behind only the print material used.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printers

FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. It is the most common type of 3D printing used today. It works by melting a filament in a heated chamber and using a vacuum to pull the melted filament through a fine nozzle. This forms layers at the bottom of the print head, which are then stopped from flowing all the way through by a waiting layer of filament. This method is how most home 3D printers use it, as well as many low-cost industrial FDM printers. FDM printers are also called FFF (Fused Filament Filament) printers.

What is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)?

FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. It is the most common type of 3D printing used today. It works by melting a filament in a heated chamber and using a vacuum to pull the melted filament through a fine nozzle. This forms layers at the bottom of the print head, which are then stopped from flowing all the way through by a waiting layer of filament. This method is how most home 3D printers use it, as well as many low-cost industrial FDM printers. FDM printers are also called FFF (Fused Filament Filament) printers.

How Does Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Work?

FDM works using a melt pool, heated bed and a print head. A heated bed is used to keep the melted filament warm and pliable so that it can be easily pushed through the nozzle by the print head. The print head uses a nozzle to direct the printing process, just as a garage door opener uses a nozzle to propel a stream of water. The 3D printer’s software controls the nozzle’s direction and water pressure to build up layers that are then peeled away and washed away in a post-print cleaning process. These deposits are then heated to a specific temperature to harden them.

Benefits of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printers

Cost effective: FDM printing is much cheaper than other types of manufacturing due to the low cost of materials. The same cost can produce a high-quality model when printed in 3D.

Easy to use: FDM printers are generally easy to use. They just require a bit of setup and then you can start printing. Because these printers use a straightforward process, they’re easy to operate even for beginners.

Versatility: FDM printers can be used to make a wide range of different objects. This means they’re great for prototyping and testing new designs before you invest in more costly equipment.

Scaleable: Since FDM printers use standard thermoplastics, you can print in different materials to create a range of different objects.

Best FDM 3D Printers 2022

With the technology improving at such a rapid pace, it’s hard to know what will be the best FDM printers of 2022. The following are some of the most anticipated FDM printers of the year.

Continuum-M3010 [DM1] - The Continuum-M3010 will use fused deposition modeling technology to create 3D models. The printer will be able to fabricate objects with a resolution of up to 100 microns and an accuracy of 0.1mm.

·       The Continuum-M3010 will use fused deposition modeling technology to create 3D models. The printer will be able to fabricate objects with a resolution of up to 100 microns and an accuracy of 0.1mm. Sculpteo-Sculpt AM - The Sculpteo-Sculpt is one of the most affordable FDM printers on the market. It has the ability to fabricate 3D printed models with a resolution of up to 100 microns and an accuracy of 0.2mm.

·       The Sculpteo-Sculpt is one of the most affordable FDM printers on the market. It has the ability to fabricate 3D printed models with a resolution of up to 100 microns and an accuracy of 0.2mm. Solidoodle- 5th Gen - The Solidoodle- 5th Gen is the most affordable 3D printer on the market. It can fabricate 3D models with a resolution of up to 100 microns and an accuracy of 0.2mm.

·       The Solidoodle- 5th Gen is the most affordable 3D printer on the market. It can fabricate 3D models with a resolution of up to 100 microns and an accuracy of 0.2mm. Formlabs-Form 1 - The Form 1 is one of the most anticipated FDM printers of 2022. It has the ability to fabricate 3D models with a resolution of up to 100 microns and an accuracy of 0.2mm.

Other Types of 3D Printing

While FDM is the most common type of 3D printing, there are a number of other processes used as well. These include:

SLM - Selective Laser Melting is a process where a three-dimensional object is first created as a model in another 3D printing technique, like 3D scanning or printing.

Selective Laser Melting is a process where a three-dimensional object is first created as a model in another 3D printing technique, like 3D scanning or printing. SLA