Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Additive Manufacturing / Solutions / Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

How Fused Deposition Modeling Works

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®)* creates more durable parts for tough industrial environments by building each part in successive layers of materials, such as thermoplastic polymers, directly from a CAD file. The process begins with heated plastic filament which is then pushed through an extruder, allowing it to be deposited and solidified into the desired shape. Markforged® reinforces the FDM process through Continuous Fiber Fabrication (CFF), which increases the strength of parts so they’re as strong as aluminum in 2 axes. This process is a more cost-effective, precise solution for detailed prototyping and manufacturing applications.

Here’s how our FDM solutions can help you:

Achieve a low cost-to-size ratio thanks to the scalability of our FDM printers for specific industry requirements.
Explore more part size options and choices of materials, including a variety of polymers, composites and metals.
Produce complex parts quickly with high-precision for intricate shapes and a variety of rapid prototyping needs.
Ensure high performance with engineering-grade materials for automotive, medical, and aerospace manufacturing.

Our Fused Deposition Modeling Capabilities

Our team of experts can help guide you through the fused deposition modeling process. Our industry-leading portfolio of 3D printers can produce parts with larger build envelopes to accommodate different size requirements for various industries. Also, our FDM printing technology can be programmed to produce multiple parts simultaneously, allowing prototyping and large-scale production in a relatively short period of time. The material properties of the parts created with this process are also highly reliable.

Dual Build Zones

FDM 3D-printer manufacturing spur gears from silver-gray filamen

Printers like the Stratasys F900™ can build dual parts or a combined build for larger parts with a large envelope and accuracy of ±0.09mm.

Markforged Parts

Markforged FDM printed parts are stronger, lightweight, and chemically resistant with excellent dimensional stability and a high heat tolerance.

Superior Control

The turbine parts form metal 3D printer machine.

The Stratasys 450mc™ smaller envelope handles the same engineering grade materials with a high level of control and accuracy.

Better Material Options

3d printing technology for making prototype

Get more material options, including ABS plastics, UV protection, ESD and flame retardant materials, and more available to spec.

More Applications

Using FDM, we can create complex shapes with high strength and flexibility using polycarbonates, ABS plastic or resins in a range of industry applications.

Guiding You to Best-Fit Solutions with Markforged Technology

The Markforged X7 printer can weave fiberglass in one piece to make it as strong as metal. The Mark Two combines continuous carbon fiber reinforcement with workhorse reliability for the strongest, most versatile parts. The Metal X safely prints metal powder bound in a plastic matrix with new features such as close-cell infill for reduced part weight and cost — and it’s significantly less expensive than alternative 3D printing and traditional machining/casting methods.

FDM Materials Comparison

Material	Process	Description	Ideal for	Finishes	Spec Sheet
A2 Tool Steel	MarkForged Metal X Binder Jetting DED PBF	Excellent toughness, wear resistance, and machinability	Blanking dies, forming dies, and gauges	Machining Heat Treatment, Polishing, Surface Coating, Shot Peening	Spec Sheet
ASA	FDM	Weather-resistant material that has good impact resistance and dimensional stability	Automotive components, outdoor equipment, and other components	Painting, Hydrographics, Vacuum Metalizing	Spec Sheet
D2 Tools Steel	MarkForged Metal X Binder Jetting DED PBF	High-carbon, high-chromium tool steel that is known for its excellent wear resistance and toughness	Cutting tools, forming dies, and blanking dies	Machining Heat Treatment, Polishing, Surface Coating, Shot Peening	Spec Sheet
H13 Tool Steel	MarkForged Metal X Binder Jetting DED PBF	Excellent toughness, thermal conductivity, and resistance to thermal fatigue	Die casting dies, forging dies, and extrusion dies	Machining Heat Treatment, Polishing, Surface Coating, Shot Peening	Spec Sheet
Nylon-12 Chopped Carbon-filled	FDM	Nylon material that is reinforced with chopped carbon fiber for improved stiffness and strength	Gears, bearings, and other components	Painting, Coating, Laser Etching, Hydrographics, Anodizing	Spec Sheet
Onyx	MarkForged	Carbon fiber-filled nylon material that is strong and stiff, with good dimensional stability and heat resistance	Tooling fixtures, jigs, and other components	Vapor Smoothing Inserts	Spec Sheet
Onyx FR	MarkForged	Flame-retardant version of Onyx that is suitable for applications where fire safety is a concern	Electrical enclosures, automotive components, and other applications	Vapor Smoothing Inserts	Spec Sheet
PC (Polycarbonate)	FDM	Strong and transparent material that has good impact resistance and heat resistance	Lenses, lighting fixtures, and other components	Painting, Coating, Vacuum Metalizing, Laser Etching	Spec Sheet
PC/ABS	FDM	Blend of polycarbonate and ABS materials that combines the toughness of ABS with the heat resistance of PC	Automotive components, housings, and other components	Painting, Coating, Vacuum Metalizing, Laser Etching	Spec Sheet
PETG	FDM	Clear and impact-resistant material that has good chemical resistance and dimensional stability	Display cases, signage, and other components	Polishing, Coating, Laser Cutting/Engraving, Vacuum Forming	Spec Sheet
Stainless Steel (17-4PH)	MarkForged Metal X SLM EBM	Commonly used additive steel option with excellent strength and corrosion resistance	Aerospace for structural components, medical for surgical instruments and implants, and defense armor components	Electroplating Passivation, Polishing, Powder Coating, Machining	Spec Sheet
Ultem 1010	FDM MarkForged FX20	High-performance material that is known for its excellent heat resistance, strength, and stiffness	Aerospace components, automotive components, and other applications	Sanding, Machining, Coating, Polishing, Painting, Laser Marking	Spec Sheet
Ultem 9085	FDM	High-performance material that is known for its excellent heat resistance, strength, and stiffness, with the added benefit of being FAA-approved for aerospace applications	Aerospace components, automotive components, and other applications	Sanding, Machining, Coating, Polishing, Painting, Laser Marking	Spec Sheet

This is a sampling of FDM and MarkForged materials we work with. See more information on available materials and specs here.

FDM Guide - Best Practices - Cover Image - Uptive

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Design Guide

Learn More

Why Customers Choose UPTIVE

"My customer was ‘wowed’ that we could get it done so quickly. You made us look good. Thanks for your efforts."
Philip, A Manufacturing Company
"UPTIVE (previously Re3dtech) is one of the most honest and reputable companies we have done business with. We decided to look into options for getting parts made in the USA for the retail market. It was awesome to find a local company with humble staff looking to provide their services meeting our criteria, not to mention meeting the Re3tech crew face to face and checking out their operation. Peter was very honest, knowledgable about design. Peter's creative element made working with him a great pleasure. Jim's flexibility was a breath of fresh air and greatly appreciated. CentralSound is proud to scratch the surface with Made in the USA parts in the retail market now, thanks to UPTIVE (previously Re3dtech). Hope to do more business with them in the future. "
Jonathan Diamond, Central Sound