Question

1. One example of the Limits of the material being processed in fused deposition modeling is that the material has to be a Thermoplastics. Provide some other examples of the limits of material in FDM.

2. One example of the Limits of the equipment being used in fused deposition modeling is that the machine can only produce small parts. Provide some other examples of the limits of equipmentin FDM.

Answer 1

1.     A. One of the most important issues is the restricted range of materials you can replicate through FDM. Certainly, it is great to create DIY plastic household or garden products on a 3D printer, but these plastic materials cannot meet industrial and commercial demands for more sturdy materials. The Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) method with powdered filament is usually preferred for 3D printing in metals. The 3D printing of glass and ceramics has also advanced from the experimental to the practical stages with powdered filaments the 3D printing material of choice.

B. It is important to point out that FDM 3D printers remain the most suitable ones for home and office use, not least because of the potentially explosive nature of powdered-filaments. These types of printing materials are definitely designed for the professional 3D printer operator and not for the tinkerer.

2.       FDM cannot deliver the high-quality product you desire. Sometimes we might notice that the filament is extruded in a way that leaves lines between the printed layers. We can often get rid of these lines through sanding or be using special finishing products but this is extra work.

FDM Disadvantages

• Seam line between layers
• The extrusion head must continue moving, or else material bumps up
• Supports may be required
• Part strength is weak perpendicular to build axis
• More area in slices requires longer build times
• Temperature fluctuations during production could lead to delamination