Top 7 Applications of FDM 3D Printing

by Aurum 3D 3D Printing Services

3D printing technologies create opportunities for both individuals and enterprises to create solid three-dimensional objects from digital files. But widely used 3D printing technologies differ from each other in many aspects – popularity, usability, and affordability.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology currently has a larger installation base than other 3D printing technologies.Its ability to reduce additive manufacturing time and costs makes FDM popular with both individuals and enterprises.

Companies and startups from various sectors use industrial-grade FDM 3D printers to create prototypes and end parts. At the same time, students, hobbyists, and engineers use desktop FDM printers to produce a variety of items including toys and home decors.

Every user has the option to choose from a wide range of plastic filaments while using FDM 3D printing technologies. Hence, new use cases of FDM 3D printing are being created regularly. We are highlighting the varying applications of FDM 3D printing based on some of these common and emerging use cases.

7 Common and Emerging Use Cases of FDM 3D Printing Technology

1. Low-Volume Production

Enterprises have to explore ways to reduce 3D printing time and costs while switching from subtractive manufacturing to additive manufacturing. FDM, unlike other 3D printing technologies, helps businesses produce parts at lower costs and time.

Hence, it becomes easier for manufacturers to produce and deliver end parts to customers on demand. Many businesses invest in industrial-grade FDM 3D printers to facilitate low-volume production of functional parts.

At the same time, enterprises can overcome major challenges associated with low-volume production by producing integrated and smart machine tools. FDM 3D printing technology contributes hugely toward the production of next-generation manufacturing tools.

2. Rapid Prototyping

Enterprises these days design and produce new products regularly. They use CAD software to evaluate the design and features of the preliminary version of a product by making rapid prototyping an ongoing process.

FDM 3D printing machines convert the CAD models into solid three-dimensional products. Enterprises leverage FDM 3D printing to create, evaluate, and finetune multiple versions of a product prototype without investing additional resources.

Also, they can make changes to each version of the product prototype and produce the next version in hours. Many organizations these days use FDM 3D printers to create demo versions of products for trade shows and industry events.

3. Idea and Concept Testing

Engineers evaluate concepts and ideas elaborately before converting them into realities. They determine the feasibility of a concept or idea by creating proof-of-concept models. Engineers can decide if a concept or method can be implemented in real-time if they can evaluate the proof-of-concept models physically.

FDM 3D printers make it easier for engineers to convert the proof-of-concept models into solid models using a variety of thermoplastic filaments. Also, engineers have the option to change and refine the model regularly to produce concrete results.

4. Part Customization and Alternations

Major aerospace and automotive companies these days boost the performance of their vehicles by customizing and altering spare parts. For instance, drone manufacturers boost the performance of their unmanned aerial vehicles by reducing the weight of core components.

Likewise, automobile companies finetune automobile spare parts to make their cars stand out from the competitors. FDM 3D printing machines and filaments help engineers customize, alter, and improve various parts without putting in extra time and resources. 

5. Next-Generation Machine Tools Production

Manufacturing companies cannot become a part of Industry 4.0 using conventional machine tools. They need next-generation machine tools that can be integrated with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and data analytics.

Most manufacturing companies invest in research and development (R&D) to outperform competitors by producing integrated and smart machine tools. They leverage 3D printing technologies to evaluate and improve the new-generation machine tools.

FDM 3D printing technology has been driving the designing and production of next-generation machine tools. Many manufacturing companies use industrial-grade FDM 3D printers to produce innovative and specialized machine tools without investing huge resources.

6. Consumer Product Printing

As noted earlier, FDM is an easy-to-use and beginner-friendly 3D printing technology. Students, hobbyists, and engineers find it easier to purchase and use FDM 3D printing machines and filaments. They primarily use these 3D printers to produce consumer products like toys and home decors.

There are many instances when hobbyists and students surprised everyone by using FDM 3D printers differently and innovatively. In addition to producing consumer products, they used the 3D printer to solve many real-world problems and meet emerging needs.

7. Learning Environment Modernization

As highlighted by several studies, 3D printing technologies have been modernizing and transforming learning environments. Many schools, colleges, and universities these days enable and encourage students to use 3D printers.

Likewise, many educational institutions familiarize hobbyists and enthusiasts familiar with 3D printing by organizing workshops and launching training programs. Educational institutions often opt for FDM as a beginner-friendly 3D printing technology.

Instructors find it easier to provide students with access to FDM 3D printers without impacting safety and increasing risks. Hence, FDM 3D printing technology contributes immensely toward the creation of modern learning environments.

Conclusion

Both individuals and enterprises opt for FDM to curtail both 3D printing time and costs. Also, they love the option to choose from a wide range of thermoplastic filaments according to precise project needs. Hence, new use cases of FDM 3D printing are being created regularly across the world.

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Created on Sep 1st 2022 21:59. Viewed 144 times.

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