Technology
Fused Deposition Modeling
Fused deposition modeling couples 3D printing's unparalleled design freedom and fast lead times with production-grade thermoplastics to create durable parts with excellent mechanical properties. This technology is ideal for functional prototypes, durable manufacturing tools, and low-volume end-use parts, and is suitable for aerospace and other industries that rely on certified manufacturing.
Why work with Materialise Manufacturing?
Access to the right material is key when you're creating functional prototypes or end-use parts for demanding environments. With FDM at Materialise you have a wide choice of high-performance thermoplastics, including flame-retardant, electrostatic-dissipative, and biocompatible materials. Fast Lane service is available for selected materials and finishes when you order online, meaning your model can be shipped within 48 hours.
Discover applications of fused deposition modeling
Technical specifications
| Maximum build dimensions | Dimensions are unlimited as components may be composed of several sub-parts. The maximum build envelope is 914 x 610 x 914 mm |
| Standard accuracy | ±0.15% (with a lower limit on ±0.2 mm) |
| Layer thickness | 0.18 – 0.33 mm (material dependent) |
| Minimum wall thickness | 1 mm |
| Surface structure | Unfinished parts typically have a rough surface but various post-production finishes are possible |
Materials
Choose from a broad selection of materials when you come to Materialise for your fused deposition modeling projects.
ABS-M30
Technology
Fused deposition modeling
Description
Stronger than standard ABS, ABS-M30 is a versatile, production-grade thermoplastic that is lightweight and resilient. This material is ideal for prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts.
Key characteristics
- Stronger than standard ABS
- Smoother parts and finer feature details than standard ABS
- Very high dimensional accuracy
- Fast Lane service available for online orders of ABS-M30 White/Black - Normal finish
- Max part dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
- Max part dimensions (Fast Lane orders): 250 x 250 x 300 mm
ABS-M30i
Technology
Fused deposition modeling
Description
Similar to ABS-M30 in strength, durability, and feature detail, ABS-M30i is biocompatible, making it ideal for applications in the food packaging, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries.
Key characteristics
- Biocompatible and ISO 10993 compliant
- High tensile, impact and flexural strength
- Very high dimensional accuracy
- Max part dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
ABS-ESD7
Technology
Fused deposition modeling
Description
ABS-ESD7 combines the strength and durability of ABS with carbon to provide electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties, making it a safer choice for static-sensitive prototypes and tooling.
Key characteristics
- High impact strength and durability
- Electrostatic-dissipative properties
- Very high dimensional accuracy
- Max part dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
Polycarbonate
Technology
Fused deposition modeling
Description
Polycarbonate is a Blue Card-certified flame-retardant thermoplastic with excellent impact strength, dimensional stability, and thermal resistance. It is ideal for prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts.
Key characteristics
- Excellent impact strength and temperature resistance
- Flame retardant — Blue Card-certified, UL 94 HB certified
- High flexural and tensile strength, and very high dimensional accuracy
- Max part dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
PC-ABS
Technology
Fused deposition modeling
Description
PC-ABS combines the strength and heat resistance of polycarbonate with the flexibility of ABS. Offering excellent mechanical properties, it is ideal for prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts.
Key characteristics
- High impact strength and thermal resistance of polycarbonate
- High flexural and tensile strength of ABS
- Very high dimensional accuracy
- Max part dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
PC-ISO
Technology
Fused deposition modeling
Description
This biocompatible polycarbonate material is known for its high strength and stiffness. Its versatility, durability, and dimensional stability make it ideal for everything from heavy-duty prototypes in industries like aerospace and automotive to small series of end-use medtech parts.
Key characteristics
- High strength and stiffness, ideal for parts exposed to constant stress and heavy loads
- Excellent heat resistance, making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments
- Good chemical resistance and dimensional stability
- Max part dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
Ultem 9085
Technology
Fused deposition modeling
Description
Ultem 9085 is a Blue Card-certified flame-retardant thermoplastic. With its superior mechanical performance and strength-to-weight ratio, it is ideal for highly functional prototypes and production-grade end-use parts.
Key characteristics
- Superior mechanical properties, with a high strength-to-weight ratio
- Flame retardant — Blue Card-certified, UL 94 V-0 certified
- Very high dimensional accuracy
- Max part dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
PA-CF
Technology
Fused deposition modeling
Description
PA-CF is a strong, stiff, and lightweight thermoplastic filament, reinforced with chopped carbon fiber. Ideal applications include tooling, functional prototypes, and machine parts that undergo regular stress.
Key characteristics
- High strength and stiffness while remaining lightweight
- Highest flexural strength and stiffness-to-weight ratio of any FDM material
- Twice as strong as regular polyamide
- Max part dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
- Max part dimensions (online orders): 406 x 355 x 406 mm
Work with us: discover our products and services
Want to bring fused deposition modeling into a future project? Discover the services that can help you do it.
Get direct 24/7 access to the technologies and materials you need to bring your designs to life. Instant quotes, short lead-times, and easy checkout.
Innovate and speed up your manufacturing in collaboration with our experts. Rely on our full range of in-house technologies suitable for all industries and applications.
Transform your product development cycle and get the best possible products to market faster. Get unbiased advice and dedicated support from teams committed to your success.
Build your success on a platform of software tools that efficiently manage and control the 3D printing process, allowing you to meet the highest standards of the most demanding industries.
Work with our experts to translate your business challenges into 3D printing opportunities and identify the applications that can help you meet your needs.
Train and learn
Get more from your next project with helpful resources dedicated to fused deposition modeling.
