FDM 3D Printing Services

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) builds parts by extruding thermoplastic filament layer by layer. A heated nozzle melts the material and deposits it along a toolpath, building up the part from bottom to top. It is the most widely used 3D printing technology for functional parts.

We offer PLA (general purpose), ABS (heat and impact resistant), PETG (chemical resistant, FDA compatible), Nylon (high strength, wear resistant), and TPU (flexible, rubber-like). Each material has different mechanical properties suited to specific applications.

Standard FDM tolerances are +/- 0.2mm for well-designed parts. Tighter tolerances may be achievable depending on geometry and orientation. Our engineers review every order and will flag any tolerance concerns before production.

Standard turnaround is 2-5 business days from order confirmation. Rush production (1-2 days) is available for most materials at an additional 50% surcharge. Print time depends on part size, layer height, and quantity.

Our standard FDM build volume is 350 x 350 x 400 mm. Larger parts can be split into sections and bonded, or printed on our large-format machines (up to 600 x 600 x 600 mm) by request. Contact us before uploading oversized files so we can route them to the right printer.

We print at 0.20 mm by default, which balances detail and speed for most functional parts. Finer layer heights (0.12 mm) are available for visible cosmetic surfaces, and 0.30 mm draft mode for fast prototyping. Layer height affects both surface finish and print time.

FDM parts are typically 70-90% as strong as injection-molded parts in the XY plane, and 40-60% as strong along the Z (layer) axis. Strength depends heavily on infill, wall thickness, and orientation. Our engineers will recommend the best print orientation for your load case.

PETG is FDA-compatible for short-term food contact, but layer lines can harbor bacteria so we recommend a food-safe sealant for repeated use. We do not currently offer ISO 10993 biocompatible FDM materials. For medical or implant applications, please request our SLA biocompatible resin instead.

Yes. Sanding, vapor smoothing (ABS/ASA), painting, threaded insert installation, dyeing, and assembly. Post-processing pricing is added at quote time. Standard parts ship as-printed with support material removed.

We accept STL, OBJ, 3MF, STEP, and IGES. STEP is preferred for parametric models since it preserves exact geometry. Our quote engine analyzes the file automatically and flags any non-manifold edges or thin walls before production.

Yes. All uploaded files are encrypted in transit and at rest, stored privately in our S3 bucket, and never shared with third parties. We sign mutual NDAs on request for sensitive projects.