Fused Deposition Modeling

Fused Deposition Modeling is a manufacturing process that creates successive cross-sections of a three-dimensional object from threads of plastic. Similar to a hot glue gun, the FDM first extrudes plastic threads through the support tip to create support structures for any overhanging portions of the part to be built. The support continues to build, providing a base for the part to be created on. Once the appropriate supports are built, plastic is then extruded the desired material through the modeler tip. The FDM modeler head moves in both the x- and y-axis across a foundation and deposits a layer of material. This process continues until all layers of the part have been completed.

The material is heated to a high temperature allowing the material to approach its melting point. The material is extruded through the head at a temperature just prior to the melting temperature. This allows the material to become soft enough to push through the modeler tip, without liquefying the material. Once the material is forced through the tip, the plastic becomes hard again (again, similar to using a hot glue gun). The successive layers fused together as the material hardens or solidifies.

Once the part has finished its successive layers and the build is complete, the part is removed from the FDM. The supports of the part should break away easily from the completed model. After the supports have been removed successfully, the completed model is sanded to enhance surface finish. The envelope build space for the Stratasys Titan is 16"x14"x16".