https://appliedam.net/research/ Recent content in Research on AppliedAM Hugo en-us https://appliedam.net/research/fdm-complete-guide/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://appliedam.net/research/fdm-complete-guide/ <p>Fused Deposition Modeling â€&quot; better known as FDM â€&quot; is the most widely used additive manufacturing process in the world. From desktop hobbyist printers to industrial machines, the core principle is the same: melt a thermoplastic filament and deposit it layer by layer to build a three-dimensional part.</p> <hr> <h2 id="how-fdm-works">How FDM Works</h2> <p>An FDM printer has four core systems:</p> <ol> <li><strong>The extruder</strong> â€&quot; feeds filament into the hotend</li> <li><strong>The hotend</strong> â€&quot; heats filament above its glass transition temperature</li> <li><strong>The motion system</strong> â€&quot; moves the nozzle in X, Y, and Z axes</li> <li><strong>The build plate</strong> â€&quot; the surface where the part is deposited</li> </ol> <blockquote> <p><strong>Key insight:</strong> Layer adhesion is the weakest point in FDM parts. Parts are typically 20-30% weaker in the Z axis than in X or Y.</p>