FDM System Versatility

Easy, Safe and Fast  
The Stratasys FDM process employs safe, stable thermoplastic materials and requires no special venting, so it is a simple addition to any office or engineering workstation. The FDM process doesn’t require a dedicated breakout room or specialized personnel.FDM enables you to manufacture real parts in just three steps, unlike some competitive processes, that have up to 16 steps. Just load your file, manufacture your part and remove the support material. FDM speed is equal to or faster than most competing prototyping and manufacturing methods because it doesn’t require their numerous pre- and post-processing steps.

Accuracy Second to None
Recent improvements in the gantry and head extrusion technology has greatly increased accuracy, repeatability and predictability of system's performance. In addition, the FDM process employs stable thermoplastics, part dimensions will not change with environmental conditions, which enables FDM accuracy to be among the highest in the industry. FDM parts are dimensionally accurate, stable and durable, and they hold tolerance over time – with no warpage, shrinkage, or moisture absorption like the resins used in some competing processes. In an SME study of parts made by various processes, FDM was shown to be number one in dimensional accuracy.

System Versatility
Reduce time-to-market by streamlining the development process from design through manufacturing using on system. With FDM you can iterate early and often. You’ll enjoy the ability to create as many variations as you can imagine. The only limitation is your own imagination. And there is no need to design your product for manufacturability: What FDM can make as a prototype, it can manufacture as a real part.

Eliminates Tooling Costs and Allows new Designs
Direct digital manufacturing with FDM allows you to manufacture real parts with geometry impossible or prohibitively expensive to produce with traditional methods. When using FDM for direct digital manufacturing for your short-run, custom parts, or bridge- manufacturing operation, you’ll eliminate the high cost of tooling and the wait for tools. With FDM direct digital manufacturing you have the ability to improve your design, optimize for function rather than manufacturability. And feel free to modify design during production with the elimination of tooling there is virtually no penalty in time or cost. 

System comparison