FDM 3D printing
Cost-effective 3D printing for functional plastic parts
FDM builds thermoplastic filament layer by layer. It enables one-offs and small quantities without tooling costs, but the design must account for layer direction, overhangs and material behaviour.
- Standard
- 0.20 mm layer height
- Fine
- 0.12 mm layer height
- Materials
- PLA, PETG, TPU 95A, PLA-CF, PETG-CF
Where FDM works well
FDM is often practical for housings, brackets, adapters, fixtures, visual models and early functional prototypes. Larger parts can usually be produced more economically than with detail-focused resin processes.
Another process may suit extremely smooth surfaces, miniature details, transparent optics or very tight untested fits.
Strength starts with geometry and orientation
FDM parts are directional: loads across layers may be more critical than loads within a layer. More infill alone does not fix poor load paths, sharp notches or walls that are too thin.
- Consider load direction and print orientation together
- Plan sufficient walls and radii
- Design holes and fits with realistic tolerances
- Order a sample first for critical functions
Surface and post-processing
Visible layer lines are part of the process. A finer layer height can reduce stepping but usually increases production time. Support contact can leave traces despite careful orientation.
FAQ
Common questions
Is 0.12 mm always better than 0.20 mm?
No. Finer layers mainly improve sloped and rounded visible surfaces, but take longer. For many functional parts, 0.20 mm is the more economical choice.
Does 100 percent infill automatically make a part stronger?
Not automatically. Walls, radii, orientation and load paths are often more important. High infill also increases weight and production time.
Which material should I choose?
PLA suits stable indoor parts, PETG tougher or moisture-exposed uses. TPU 95A adds flexibility; PLA-CF and PETG-CF mainly increase rigidity. The application decides.
Start with your model
Use the configurator or contact page for the next concrete step.