The Advantages and Disadvantages of FDM


PROS

Speed -- parts produced within minutes to a few hours
Accuracy -- accurate to within .005 in
Cheap -- only a few dollars to produce a small part
Easy to use -- all computer controled
Limited design restrictions -- can produce any thing that can be designed on a CAD application
Automatic scaling -- accurately scales part to fit inside machine production space

CONS

Limited material -- works with only a few pastics and ceramics
Limited size -- can't always produce to as large as size as needed
Cost of actual machine -- initial investment for machinery expensive