Fused Deposition Modeling

Process

Translation

Materials

Constraints

Costs

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Figure 1: The FDM Process

How the FDM process works

• First, a part model is created in a STL file with AutoCad or another design program.. • The model needs to be imported into Stratasys’ software, Insight. • The software slices the .stl file into horizontal layers mathematically, generating the required supports. • Insight creates tool paths required for the extrusion head. • The system draws cross-sectional layers one at a time in the X, Y, and Z coordinate by using a heated material extrusion process.

How the parts built

• Import the .stl file of part model into Stratasys’ software, Insight, which slices the model into horizontal layers. • The supports are created if they are needed and the tool paths for the extrusion head are planned. • ABS material feeds into the temperature-controlled FDM extrusion head, where it is heated to a semi-liquid state. • The head extrudes and deposits the material in 0.254mm layers onto a fixtureless base, one layer at a time in X and Y coordinates first. • When the layer is finished, the head moves in Z direction to the next layer. • Each layer is extruded with precision, and the layers are bonded and solidified. • The designed object becomes a solid three-dimensional part.