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FDM 3D printing service

Discover professional FDM 3D printing for your next rapid prototyping and production projects.

What is FDM 3D printing technology?

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is an additive manufacturing method that creates parts additively using a filament. The process deposits the filament layer by layer, according to your 3D model.

FDM printers work by the addition of layers using FDM filaments. It is one of the most used additive manufacturing technologies, appearing as a natural alternative to traditional manufacturing processes.

During the FDM 3D printing process, the filament is extruded through a nozzle which melts while being gradually deposited in a structured way on the build platform until the object is finished. The extruder of the 3D printer is attached to a system with three axes: X, Y, and Z directions. When the material is melted and extruded, it is deposited in predetermined locations on the 3D printing bed, where it cools and solidifies. The bed lowers for each new layer, and this process repeats until the object is completed.

There is also particular importance of support structures in filament 3D printing technologies. While 3D printing with FDM technology, support structures are often required. Indeed, some geometries, such as overhangs, can’t be printed without supports.

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Why choose FDM / FFF 3D printing technology?

Fused Deposition Modeling is one of the most popular 3D printing technologies. It is an excellent option for prototyping and the series production of functional parts. It is an affordable 3D printing solution. This technology offers the possibility to print diverse materials, from plastic to metal.

Resistant

The finished parts are reliable and ready to withstand repeated stress.

Customization

Don’t wait any longer to get your custom-made functional 3D printed parts.

Low cost

This FDM technology is one of the most cost-effective options.

On-demand FDM 3D Printing Service

Sculpteo provides you with the best online 3D Printing Services for your metal parts. Thanks to our expertise in FDM technology, you can choose between several options, instantly receive a quote, and let us handle the manufacturing in our ISO 9001-certified factory.

Start using professional FDM technology today by uploading a 3D file.

What is FDM 3D printing used for?

FDM is the most cost-effective way of producing custom thermoplastic parts and prototypes. FDM 3D printers can be used with multiple materials (FDM filaments can be made of ABS, PLA, PETG, ULTEM, or metal). At Sculpteo, we offer three options: PLA, Ultrafuse® 316L, and Ultrafuse® 17-4. While using FDM 3D printing with plastic filament such as PLA appears to be a great process to improve your rapid prototyping process and create reliable, functional prototypes. Our PLA plastic or polylactic acid material uses a Big Rep 3D printer, allowing us to print large parts of 1x1x1m with a good resolution.

But this additive manufacturing technology is not only using plastic materials. Metal is becoming a natural alternative to manufacturing objects with higher performances. Using metal filament, our FDM process is the perfect choice for tooling, jigs and fixtures, molds, and other functional parts, where resistance and durability are needed. Ultrafuse materials are great solutions for medical, automotive, or aerospace industries to create functional prototypes and series production.

The benefits of FDM 3D printing

FDM 3D printing is a perfectly suited technology for your rapid prototyping process. Indeed, this technology makes it easy to iterate. Using our online service, you will access FDM 3D printing for PLA Big Rep, which offers a large build size. This will be a great asset to print bigger projects in just one part. You will also access metal materials from the Ultrafuse line, offering you the perfect opportunity to use metal 3D printing at a lower cost.

Using an FDM 3D printing service

When using an FDM 3D printing service such as Sculpteo, you don’t have to operate 3D printers yourself.

You also benefit from our support when needed, either for your design in order to get a perfectly optimized part for FDM 3D printing, or for the process itself, if you need any advice on our 3D printing material offer, to choose the most adapted material for your project.

If you are looking for industrial 3D printing for your plastic parts, we recommend trying our SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) or MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) 3D printing service. These printing technologies will offer more accuracy, more advanced mechanical properties, as well as a wide variety of materials.

Properties of FDM 3D printing

Material	Maximum size	Tensile strength	Accuracy
PLA	1 x 1 x 1 m	60 MPa (ISO 527)	-
Ultrafuse® 316L Stainless Steel	80x80x80mm or 115x115x40 mm (X – Y – Z)	XY (flat): 561MPa / ZX (upright): 521MPa (DIN EN ISO 6892-1^1)	+/- 1% (min 0,5mm)
Ultrafuse® 17-4 PH Stainless Steel	80x80x80mm or 115x115x40 mm (X – Y – Z)	XY (flat): 760MPa / ZX (upright): 739MPa (DIN EN ISO 6892-1^1)	+/- 1% (min 0,5mm)