Craftsman Cribsheet No. 144: FDM Printing for the Shop
FDM is a great method for making larger prints, and it also has the capability to make hollow or honeycomb-formed interiors.
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is typically a spool of plastic fed through a nozzle depositing one layer at a time. FDM is a great method for making larger prints. It also has the capability to make hollow or honeycomb-formed interiors. Printing hollow can reduce weight without compromising strength. Hollow prints can also reduce the amount of material used on large prints. Final print tolerances of around ±0.015-0.030 inch are typical.
All data presented above is for reference and will vary depending on manufacturer’s specifications. Material properties with additives (carbon fiber, metal powder and so on) will greatly change final reported values. Presented as a general guideline to the above materials. Source: PMPA
About the Author
David Wynn
David Wynn, MBA, is the PMPA director of technical services and industry affairs. He has over 20 years of experience in the areas of manufacturing, quality, ownership, IT and economics.
Email: dwynn@pmpa.org — Website: pmpa.org
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Craftsman Cribsheet No. 143: 3D Printing Technology for the Shop
Exploring the various 3D printing technologies and how they relate to work in our shops.
