{"id":12504,"date":"2022-01-18T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-18T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/?p=12504"},"modified":"2022-06-06T16:09:28","modified_gmt":"2022-06-06T14:09:28","slug":"the-fused-deposition-modeling-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/the-fused-deposition-modeling-process\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fused Deposition Modeling process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

As explained in our previous article on the FDM technique<\/a>, Fused Deposition Modelling involves melting materials<\/strong> and depositing them in layers<\/strong> to create parts.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This technology has many advantages<\/strong> for manufacturers: reduced costs<\/strong>, increased production rates<\/strong> and greater accuracy<\/strong> than other manufacturing techniques. Because the process is so versatile<\/strong>, it can be used in a wide range of industries<\/strong>, including healthcare, consumer goods and architecture.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

The FDM technology step-by-step<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

FDM technology builds three-dimensional parts by fusing and depositing plastic filaments<\/strong> through a computer-controlled extrusion head.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The process consists of the following steps:<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

1. Design – creating the 3D model and part cutting <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

As with other FA technologies, the process always starts with the design of a three-dimensional model<\/strong> using CAD<\/strong> software. The model will be exported to a laminating program in .STL<\/strong> (Standard Triangle Language) format and this will generate a CMB file according to the selected printing parameters.<\/p>\r\n

2. Loading the spool with thermoplastic filament <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Before printing, the spool must be loaded with thermoplastic filament<\/strong>. This filament is the material<\/strong> used for FDM printing<\/strong> and melts<\/strong> when it passes through the nozzles at working temperature.<\/p>\r\n

3. Start of deposition <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Once the previous steps have been completed, the head movement begins<\/strong> and the deposition<\/strong> starts<\/strong>. Layer after layer of material is deposited to replicate the 3D model<\/strong> that has been fed into the printer. After deposition, each layer adopts the temperature<\/strong> of the working chamber, which is tempered.<\/p>\r\n

4. Repeating the layer deposition proces<\/strong>s<\/p>\r\n

After the completion of one layer, the printing platform<\/strong> moves down<\/strong> to make room for the deposition of the next layer. This layer overlaps the previous one and the process is repeated until the part is complete.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Fused-Deposition-Modeling.jpg” _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Additive manufacturing” title_text=”Fused” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Post-processing<\/h2>\r\n

When it is time to remove the support material, the material used must be taken into account. The Soluble Support Material<\/strong> method uses an automated support removal system whereby the material is removed through an agitated water-based detergent solution. There is another method called Break Away Support Material<\/strong>, which consists of removing the supports manually (usually with a pair of needle nose pliers).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Some aspects to consider<\/h2>\r\n

Deformation<\/h4>\r\n

Elastic instability is caused by the solidification of the<\/strong> thermoplastic material<\/strong> after layer-by-layer deposition. Regardless of the geometry of the material, it will have different cooling rates<\/strong> on different parts of its surface. Thus, in the deformation, the material chosen will play an important role as some plastic materials are more sensitive to deformation<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

Adhesion of the layers<\/h4>\r\n

As a general rule, the greater the adhesion of the layers, the greater the strength of the part<\/strong>. FDM technology is based on layer deposition, so the high temperature of the material would contribute to good layer bonding.<\/p>\r\n

Print size and layer heights<\/h4>\r\n

The height of the layers<\/strong> is decisive<\/strong> in this technology. The lower the layer height<\/strong>, the higher the resolution<\/strong> to reproduce geometries. Also, to produce a smaller layer height, more manufacturing time is spent than to produce a thicker layer (i.e. the thicker the layer, the fewer times the path is made).<\/p>\r\n

Thus, we can say that if a small layer height is maintained, smooth parts with curved geometries can be produced. On the contrary, a higher layer height will allow a higher speed to be produced.<\/p>\r\n

Therefore, whenever it is necessary to produce curved geometries<\/strong> or precise edges, it will be necessary to opt for a small height<\/strong>; when this precision in height is not required, it will be possible to produce faster by maintaining a larger layer height.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

To summarise<\/h2>\r\n

FDM technology is ideal for printing prototypes<\/strong> and functional parts faster. In addition, it allows a wide range of sizes<\/strong> to be printed because it has fewer restrictions on its print area. It also accepts a wide variety of materials<\/strong> which, although they can undergo some modification, produce optimal results<\/strong>. Lead times<\/strong> are short<\/strong> and it is a more cost-effective<\/strong> technology for producing customised thermoplastic parts.<\/p>\r\n

At Mizar we are specialists in this technology, contact us<\/a> and find out more!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As explained in our previous article on the FDM technique, Fused Deposition Modelling involves melting materials and depositing them in layers to create parts. This technology has many advantages for manufacturers: reduced costs, increased production rates and greater accuracy than other manufacturing techniques. Because the process is so versatile, it can be used in a Ver m\u00e1s<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":12506,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[44,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-additive-manufacturing-mizar","category-technologies-processes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12504"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12509,"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12504\/revisions\/12509"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}