Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
3D Printing for Fast, Cost-Efficient Parts
Fast, cost-effective production of functional parts and prototypes
FDM is a versatile 3D printing technology that enables fast, cost-efficient production of functional parts across a wide range of thermoplastics. With strong material performance and flexible design options, FDM is well suited for prototypes, tooling, fixtures, and low-volume components where durability and speed matter.
Max Build Volume
256 × 256 × 256 mm
Layer Resolution
100 – 300 µm (typical)
Tolerance
±0.3–0.5%
What is Fused Deposition Modeling?
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a thermoplastic 3D printing process that builds parts layer by layer by extruding heated material through a nozzle. Known for its material versatility, speed, and cost efficiency, FDM is widely used for producing functional prototypes, tooling, and durable parts across a broad range of applications.
FDM 3D printing is ideal for:
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Functional prototypes requiring strength and real-world material behavior
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Jigs, fixtures, and tooling used in manufacturing and assembly
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Cost-efficient parts for low-volume production and iteration
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Larger components where speed and material choice are priorities
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Industrial applications that benefit from durable thermoplastics like PLA, PETG, and ABS
Technical Specifications
Build Volume
256 × 256 × 256 mm
(10.1 × 10.1 × 10.1 in)
Well-suited for functional prototypes, fixtures, enclosures, and small-to-medium parts with consistent accuracy across the build area.
Layer Thickness
25 – 300 μm
(0.025 – 0.30 mm)
Optimized for a balance of part accuracy, surface consistency, and production speed, making FDM ideal for fast-turn functional components.
XY Resolution
25 Microns
(0.025 mm)
Delivers reliable dimensional accuracy for fit checks, functional testing, and production-ready tooling, supported by automated calibration and process control.
FDM thermoplastics offer a versatile and cost-efficient solution for producing functional parts, prototypes, and tooling.
With a focused selection of in-stock materials, Tempus 3D supports fast turnaround for common applications while maintaining consistent mechanical performance and dimensional reliability.
Choose from our standard FDM materials for rapid production, or contact us to discuss material requirements for specialized or repeat projects.
ABS
Engineering Thermoplastic for Functional and Load-Bearing Parts
ABS is a widely used engineering thermoplastic valued for its strength, impact resistance, and thermal stability. It is well suited for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and parts that need to perform reliably in real-world conditions.
Ideal for
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Jigs, fixtures, and functional tooling
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Durable housings, brackets, mounts, and assemblies
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Parts exposed to moderate heat and wear
Color Options
PETG HF
Durable Material for Functional Parts, Prototypes and Enclosures
PETG HF offers improved toughness and chemical resistance with a consistent surface finish. It is ideal for housings, enclosures, and functional parts requiring greater durability than PLA.
Ideal for
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Functional prototypes requiring toughness (better impact performance than basic PLA use-cases)
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Enclosures, housings, covers, brackets
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Parts needing improved durability for handling and light service use
Color Options
PLA
Cost-Effective Material for Fast Prototyping, fit checks and Iteration
PLA is an economical thermoplastic suited for early-stage prototypes, form and fit testing, and general-purpose parts. It offers good stiffness and dimensional stability, making it ideal for fast iteration where speed and cost efficiency are priorities.
Ideal for
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Early-stage prototypes and concept models
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Form/fit checks and iterative design cycles
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General-purpose parts where high heat resistance is not required
Color Options
FDM Design Guidelines
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) enables fast, cost-efficient production of functional parts using thermoplastics. Following these guidelines will help ensure optimal print quality, dimensional accuracy, and structural performance.
Minimum Wall Thickness
Recommended: 1.0 mm
Walls thinner than 1.0 mm may lack sufficient strength or consistency due to layer bonding and extrusion width. Thicker walls improve durability and dimensional stability, especially for functional parts and tooling.
Unsupported Overhang Angle
Recommended: ≤ 45° from horizontal
Overhangs exceeding 45° may require support structures to prevent sagging or poor surface quality. Designing with self-supporting angles improves print reliability and reduces post-processing.
Unsupported Bridge Length
Recommended: ≤ 10 mm
Preferred: ≤ 5 mm for consistent results
Bridges span gaps without support material. Shorter bridge lengths improve surface quality and dimensional accuracy, particularly for functional features.
Minimum Feature Size (Pins, Ribs, Bosses)
Recommended: ≥ 1.0 mm
Small features below 1.0 mm may not print reliably due to nozzle diameter and extrusion limits. Increasing feature size improves strength and repeatability.
Minimum Hole Diameter
Recommended: ≥ 1.5 mm (printed)
Preferred: Drill to final size post-print for precision fits
Small holes tend to print undersized due to material flow and cooling behavior. For tight tolerances, design holes slightly undersized and machine to final dimension.
Clearance Between Moving Parts
Recommended: ≥ 0.5 mm
Adequate clearance is required for assemblies with moving components (e.g., hinges, gears). Smaller clearances may fuse during printing.
Embossed and Engraved Text
Embossed: ≥ 0.6 mm height
Engraved: ≥ 0.4 mm depth
Minimum line width: 0.5 mm
Larger text and deeper features ensure readability and consistent definition after printing.
Part Orientation
Design for load along the X-Y plane where possible
FDM parts are anisotropic, meaning strength is highest along the layer plane. Orient parts so critical loads act parallel to layers rather than across them to maximize strength and durability.
Tolerances
General tolerance: ±0.3 – 0.5%
FDM is well suited for functional tolerances but is not intended for ultra-precision fits without post-processing. Critical mating surfaces should be reviewed during quoting.
Support Considerations
Supports may be required for:
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Overhangs greater than 45°
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Complex internal geometries
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Underside cosmetic surfaces
Designing to minimize supports reduces post-processing time and cost.
Post-Processing Options
FDM parts may be:
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Lightly sanded for improved surface finish
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Drilled or tapped for fasteners
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Bonded or assembled after printing.
Discuss post-processing requirements during quoting for best results.
