TECH  FDM/Fused deposition modeling 

How it works

FDM technology (Fused deposition modelling) is an additive printing process.
FDM is an additive manufacturing process that deposits material in layers. A plastic filament is unravelled from a coil that feeds the material through an extrusion nozzle, which can stop or release the flow. The nozzle is heated in order to melt the material and can be moved both horizontally and vertically by means of numerically controlled 3D software.

FDM is used to create conceptual models, functional prototypes, finished components with standard thermoplastics and high-performing technical ABS material. Given that it is the only type of 3D printing to use production thermoplastics, the resulting models are unequalled in terms of chemical, thermal and mechanical resistance.

The process

Starting with an STL file (created with CAD software), this process works by depositing successive layers of thermoplastic materials to create prototypes and finished models.
FDM 3D printers build layer upon layer, from bottom to top, using a process of melted plastic filament that is deposited via a heated extruder. The process is simple:
Preliminary operations. The specific software used for preparing the construction process determines the layers and positions on the basis of a 3D CAD file and calculates the travel path for the extrusion of the thermoplastic material as well as for any necessary support material.
Production. The 3D printer heats the thermoplastic until it is in a semi-liquid state, and deposits it in miniscule droplets along the extrusion path. Where necessary, the 3D printer also deposits removable material to act as support structures. The material and the supports – in the form of filaments on reels – are delivered to the extrusion heads which, in turn, are heated to high temperature in order to deposit the material, layer after layer, through two nozzles: one for the material and one for the supports.
Removal of supports: these can be manually removed or dissolved with detergent and water. The printed piece is mechanically and aesthetically ready without requiring additional post-production work or finishing.

Characteristics. 
Maximum construction size XYZ: 400x380x400h mm
Ideal technology and material for creating definitive details
Dust-free production process
Possibility of mechanical interventions to the finished pieces (turning, milling, threading)

Available materials
Materials that can be employed are ABS M30, FORTUS POLYCARBONATE and ULTEM 9085.
Thanks to the possibility of combining materials and technologies it is possible to create pieces that are highly resistant, stable and accurately detailed.

Indeed, contrary to other technologies, it does not use resins which, at most, simulate the behaviour of ABS.
Prototypes created in standard polymers such as ABS, FORTUS PC and ULTEM are characterised by dimensional stability and durability.

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