Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Large-format FDM 3D printing in engineering thermoplastics. Parts up to 24" x 36" x 36" with 1-day expedites available.
Free shipping on all US and international orders. International pricing includes duties.
What is FDM 3D Printing?
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology that builds parts by extruding thermoplastic material through a heated nozzle, depositing it layer by layer onto a build platform. FDM is known for its speed, accuracy, and ability to use real engineering thermoplastics.
Our FDM service offers large build volumes up to 24" x 36" x 36" on industrial-grade platforms. We offer both economical general-purpose materials like ABS and PLA, as well as high-performance options including polycarbonate, nylon, and aerospace-grade ULTEM.
FDM provides the widest variety of production-grade thermoplastics of any 3D printing process, with materials ranging from UV-resistant ASA for outdoor applications to flame-retardant ULTEM for aerospace components.
General Purpose Materials
Cost-effective thermoplastics for prototyping, concept models, and general applications.
| Material | Colors | Tensile Strength | HDT | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Black, White, Red, Blue, Grey, Ivory | 28-33 MPa | 87-105°C | Versatile thermoplastic with good impact resistance and machinability |
| PLA | Black, White, Red, Blue, Green | 37-50 MPa | 52-55°C | Biodegradable material ideal for concept models and visual prototypes |
| ASA | Black, White, Grey, Ivory, Orange, Red, Yellow | 31-37 MPa | 98-102°C | UV-resistant alternative to ABS for outdoor applications |
| PETG | Black, White, Grey, Blue, Red, Yellow | 47-50 MPa | 68-70°C | Chemical resistant with good layer adhesion and clarity options |
High Performance Engineering Materials
Advanced thermoplastics for demanding applications requiring high strength, heat resistance, or specialized properties.
| Material | Colors | Tensile Strength | HDT | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon 12 | Black, Natural | 42-49 MPa | 90-92°C | Excellent fatigue resistance for functional prototypes and end-use parts |
| Nylon CF (Carbon Filled) | Black | 48-102 MPa | 180-186°C | High stiffness and strength with carbon fiber reinforcement |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | White, Black | 53-94 MPa | 140-145°C | High impact strength and temperature resistance |
| PC-ABS | Black | 34-37 MPa | 115-118°C | Combines PC strength with ABS ease of processing |
| ULTEM 9085 | Black, Tan | 69-72 MPa | 175-178°C | FST-rated aerospace-grade material with flame retardancy |
| ULTEM 1010 | Amber (Natural) | 64-81 MPa | 213-216°C | Highest heat resistance of FDM materials, food-contact safe options |
| PEEK-Based (Antero) | Amber, Black | 56-95 MPa | 149-158°C | Chemical resistant high-performance polymer for demanding applications |
Specialty Materials
Materials with specialized properties for electronics, medical, and other regulated applications.
ABS-ESD7 (Static Dissipative)
Colors: Black
Tensile: 35 MPa
HDT: 104°C
Electronics manufacturing, ESD-sensitive environments
ABS-M30i (Biocompatible)
Colors: Ivory
Tensile: 36 MPa
HDT: 96°C
Medical devices, food handling equipment
PC-ISO (Biocompatible)
Colors: Translucent, White
Tensile: 57 MPa
HDT: 133°C
Medical and pharmaceutical applications
Available Finishes
Standard Finish
Parts are built with soluble or breakaway support material that is removed during post-processing. Surfaces retain visible layer lines characteristic of the FDM process.
Custom Finishes
Additional finishing options including sanding, vapor smoothing, painting, and other surface treatments are available to meet cosmetic requirements.
Ready to Start Your FDM Project?
Upload your CAD files for instant pricing. Free shipping on all orders.
Get Your Instant QuoteFDM Applications
From concept to production, FDM delivers value across the product development lifecycle.
Concept Models
Quickly transform CAD designs into physical models for design reviews, stakeholder presentations, and early validation.
Functional Prototypes
Create durable prototypes that withstand thermal, chemical, and mechanical stress for real-world testing.
Manufacturing Tools
Produce custom jigs, fixtures, assembly aids, and production tooling with high-performance materials.
Benefits of FDM 3D Printing
Precision
Industrial FDM printers deliver consistent tolerances of ±0.25mm for the first inch with excellent repeatability.
Large Build Volume
Print parts up to 24" x 36" x 36" without splitting or bonding for truly large-scale prototypes.
Engineering Thermoplastics
Access real production materials from ABS to ULTEM, including carbon-filled and biocompatible options.
Rapid Turnaround
No tooling required means parts can ship in as fast as 1-2 business days with expedited options.
Material Strength
FDM parts in engineering plastics offer excellent mechanical properties for functional applications.
Production Capability
Scale from single prototypes to production runs of hundreds of parts with consistent quality.
FDM General Tolerances
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| General Tolerance | ±0.25mm (±0.010") or ±0.002" per inch |
| Maximum Build Size | Up to 610 x 914 x 914 mm (24" x 36" x 36") |
| Layer Height (Standard) | 0.178-0.254 mm (0.007"-0.010") |
| Layer Height (Large Parts) | 0.330 mm (0.013") |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 1.2 mm (0.047") standard, 1.5 mm (0.060") for large parts |
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.5 mm (0.020") |
Tolerances apply before secondary finishing. Large parts (>16") may use different layer heights.
Understanding Infill
Infill is the internal structure printed inside FDM parts. Adjusting infill percentage allows optimization for weight, strength, and material usage.
100% infill for maximum strength and stiffness
~25% infill balancing strength and weight
~15% infill for reduced weight and material
Why Choose Artemis 3D for FDM?
Extensive Options
Choose from dozens of materials, colors, and finishes to match your exact requirements. From ABS to ULTEM, we have the right material for your application.
Simple Process
Upload your CAD files, configure your order, and receive quality parts at your door. No sourcing headaches, no project management complexity.
Verified Network
ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS9100D certified manufacturing partners ensure consistent quality on every order.
Start Your FDM 3D Printing Project
Upload your CAD files and get instant pricing on FDM parts in engineering thermoplastics.