Knowledge of filament used in FDM 3D printing

3D printing has been a game-changer for various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, and education. Among different 3D printing technologies, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most widely used technology. It uses a thermoplastic filament, commonly known as wire, which is melted and deposited layer by layer to form a 3D object. In this blog, we will discuss the basic knowledge of filament used in FDM 3D printing and compare the differences and advantages of FDM printing with 3D resin printing.

Basic knowledge of filament used in FDM 3D printing:

Wire or filament is the most crucial material used in FDM 3D printing. It is a thermoplastic material that is fed into the printer's extruder, which then melts and deposits it layer by layer to form the object. The quality of wire used in 3D printing plays a significant role in the final product's quality. Here are some essential factors that need to be considered when selecting a filament for 3D printing:

• Material:

The most commonly used materials for 3D printing wire are PLA, ABS, and PETG. PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable material made from renewable resources like cornstarch, sugarcane, and potato starch. It is easy to print and environmentally friendly. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a thermoplastic material that is tough, impact-resistant, and heat-resistant. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a transparent material that is tough and flexible. The choice of material depends on the application, durability, and flexibility of the final product.

• Diameter:

The diameter of the wire used in 3D printing is crucial. The most common diameters are 1.75mm and 2.85mm. The diameter determines the amount of material that will be extruded, and it affects the final product's quality. The wrong diameter can lead to over or under-extrusion, which can cause problems like clogging, stringing, and warping.

• Quality:

The quality of wire used in 3D printing is crucial to the final product's quality. Low-quality wire can cause problems like clogging, inconsistent extrusion, and poor surface finish. It is recommended to use high-quality wire from reputable brands to ensure consistency and quality.

Advantages of FDM printing over 3D resin printing:

FDM printing has some significant advantages over 3D resin printing. Here are some of them:

• Cost-effective:

FDM printers are more cost-effective than 3D resin printers. The wire used in FDM printing is cheaper than the resin used in 3D resin printing. FDM printers are also more widely available and have a lower entry barrier.

• Material choice:

FDM printing offers a wider range of materials to choose from than 3D resin printing. FDM printers can use materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, and TPU. 3D resin printers can only use resins that are specifically formulated for that printer.

• Strength and Durability:

FDM printed parts are stronger and more durable than 3D resin printed parts. The wire used in FDM printing is a thermoplastic material that is more resistant to impact and heat. The final product is also less brittle and can withstand more stress.

Conclusion:

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most widely used 3D printing technology. Wire or filament is the most crucial material used in FDM printing, and its quality plays a significant role in the final product's quality.