Strong. Reliable. Versatile.

The FDM Process

We create ABS & ASA plastic parts using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). It is a tried and true method that renders your custom parts just the way you want them.

Why FDM?

FDM-printed parts are strong, with about 80% of the strength of injection-molded ABS & ASA parts, depending on the geometry, and they may be used reliably for functional and field tests.

FDM parts are fully machinable. The parts can be milled, drilled, or tapped. You can finish the part with paint, and you can even plate them with nickel, chrome, or copper.

Individual parts can be produced as big as 10” x 10” x 12”. Larger components can be generated by bonding together a number of separate parts into a complete whole.

See Samples

How It Works

The material is loaded

To begin the FDM process, ABS or ASA Plastic filament is fed into the extruder, heated to a paste, and then extruded through the nozzle. Once it is out of the nozzle, it cures almost instantly.

The part is built

The machine reads the CAD drawing file via its software package and creates the part from the bottom up, layer by layer. Each layer is 0.010-inch thick. The layers are built as the extruder follows the external pattern of the part, including all surfaces. A diagonal fill pattern is created for the internal mass.

The supports are removed

Depending on the geometric shape of the design, some parts may need support material that is removed after the part comes out of the machine.

Benefits of 3D Printing

Prove a Design

FDM parts allow engineers and designers to assemble a model of the design quickly, allowing them to check function and aesthetics. This allows engineers and designers the ability to change and improve the design, early on in the design process.

Development Time

Unlike machined parts or casts that have a long lead time, FDM parts can be made in hours. The order process is also much quicker since there is no review required to manufacture the part. We simply give you a price based on the volume of your part.

Low Cost

Machined and cast parts normally have tooling costs and minimum quantities. FDM parts don't have either, making it one of the cheapest methods of manufacturing prototype parts.

Early Design Approval

Most of the time, an engineer or designer has to wait until they have a model built to approve a production run. FDM parts make it easy and quick to demonstrate an Idea, Product, or Function to customers, managers, sales, and vendors.

Interested in a custom 3D printed prototype?

To get started, provide your name and email. If you have drawings or files, you can upload those next.