Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Fused deposition modeling (FDM,) also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF,) creates 3D printed plastic parts by extruding thermoplastic filaments in successive layers. FDM 3D printing provides high dimensional accuracy and consistency on every part. FDM also provides the widest portfolio of thermoplastics of any 3DP technology. Because of the strength and durability of industrial thermoplastics like ABS, PC and Ultem, it is ideal for fixtures, stamping tools, mechanical prototypes, form-fit-function models and small-batch production.
Filament 3D printed plastics are durable, inexpensive and quick to produce. They also eliminate many of the design restrictions of traditional manufacturing.
At RapidMade we offer ABS, Polycarbonate, Ultem and Carbon-filled Nylon 12 for a wide range of industrial applications.
Standard Materials
Filament 3D printing offers the most diverse portfolio of engineering grade thermoplastics. RapidMade is proud to stock the best materials this technology has to offer, listed below:
ABS Technical Data
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of FDM ABS| Category | Measurement | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Density of parts | 1.04 g/cm3 | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength, Max Load - XY | 30.8 MPa/4470 psi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Strength, Max Load - Z | 27.5 MPa/3990 psi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Modulus - XY | 2400 MPa/349 ksi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Modulus - Z | 2300 MPa/334 ksi | ASTM D638 | |
| Elongation at Break - XY | 8.1% | ASTM D638 | |
| Elongation at Break - Z | 1.8% | ASTM D638 | |
| Thermal Properties | Heat Deflection Temperature 0.45 MPa | 96ºC/204 ºF | ASTM D638 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 1.82 MPa | 82 ºC/180 ºF | ASTM D638 | |
| Glass Transition | 105 ºC/221 ºF | ASTM D3418 |
Ultem 9085 Technical Data
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of FDM Ultem 9085| Category | Measurement | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Density of parts | 1.27 g/cm3 | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength, Max Load - XY | 69.2 MPa/10000 psi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Strength, Max Load - Z | No Yield | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Modulus - XY | 2520 MPa/365 ksi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Modulus - Z | 2410 MPa/350 ksi | ASTM D638 | |
| Elongation at Break - XY | 5.4% | ASTM D638 | |
| Elongation at Break - Z | 1.9% | ASTM D638 | |
| Thermal Properties | Heat Deflection Temperature 0.45 MPa | 176.9ºC/350.4 ºF | ASTM D638 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 1.82 MPa | 172.9 ºC/343.2 ºF | ASTM D638 | |
| Glass Transition | 177.3 ºC/351.2 ºF | ASTM D3418 |
Additional Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity Information for Ultem 085
Ultem 9085 has been tested per 14 CFR 25.853, BSS 7238 and 7239, and AITM 2.0007B and 3.0005. The testing done establishes that this material meets requirements for: 60s and 12s Vertical Burn, Toxic Gas Emission, 15s Horizontal Burn, Smoke Density, and Heat Release Rate of Cabin Materials.
Additional information available on outgassing, NFPA 130 & EN-45545-2 (Fire Protection of Railway Vehicles) and UN ECE Regulation 118 (Fire Protection of Buses) available upon request.
Polycarbonate Technical Data
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of FDM Polycarbonate| Category | Measurement | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Density of parts | 1.2 g/cm3 | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength, Max Load - XY | 57 MPa/8300 psi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Strength, Max Load - Z | 42 MPa/6100 psi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Modulus - XY | 1958 MPa/284 ksi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Modulus - Z | 1944 MPa/282 ksi | ASTM D638 | |
| Elongation at Break - XY | 4.8% | ASTM D638 | |
| Elongation at Break - Z | 2.5% | ASTM D638 | |
| Thermal Properties | Heat Deflection Temperature 0.45 MPa | 138ºC/280 ºF | ASTM D638 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 1.82 MPa | 127 ºC/282 ºF | ASTM D638 | |
| Glass Transition | 161 ºC/322 ºF | ASTM D3418 |
Carbon Fill Nylon 12 Technical Data
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of FDM Nylon 12 CF| Category | Measurement | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Density of parts | 1.14 g/cm3 | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength, Max Load - XY | 69.1 MPa/10034psi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Strength, Max Load - Z | 25.4 MPa/3684 psi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Modulus - XY | 4150 MPa/602 ksi | ASTM D638 | |
| Tensile Modulus - Z | 1570 MPa/228 ksi | ASTM D638 | |
| Elongation at Break - XY | 4.74% | ASTM D638 | |
| Elongation at Break - Z | 2.14% | ASTM D638 | |
| Thermal Properties | Heat Deflection Temperature 0.45 MPa | 58ºC/136 ºF | ASTM D638 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 1.82 MPa | 52 ºC/126 ºF | ASTM D638 | |
| Glass Transition | 109 ºC/228 ºF | ASTM D3418 |
Important Note: This data is provided for the convenience of our customers. It does not on its own represent a sufficient basis for any part design, nor does it provide any agreement about or guarantee the specific properties of a product or part or the suitability of a product or part for a specific application. It is the responsibility of the producer or customer of a part to check its properties as well as its suitability for a particular purpose. This also applies to any possible intellectual property rights as well as regional laws and regulations. The data are subject to change without notice. This data is provided by the material manufacturer and has not been independently validated by RapidMade, Inc.
FDM Design Guidelines
When using the data below, please keep in mind that FDM materials are orthotropic, not isotropic. As a result, FDM materials have different material properties for different directions.
Please note that these are are guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. Follow these, and you should be in pretty good shape. We’ll let you know if we see any problems with your design.
| Parameter | Inches | Millimeters |
| Maximum Part Size | 36 x 24 x 36* | 914 x 609 x 914* |
| Expected Tolerance | +/- 0.2%** | +/- 0.2%** |
| Minimum Supported Wall Thickness | 0.040 | 1.00 |
| Minimum Unsupported Wall Thickness | 0.020 | 0.50 |
| Minimum Supported Bosses | 0.040 | 1.00 |
| Minimum Unsupported Bosses | 0.020 | 0.50 |
| Minimum Embossed Detail (Height and Width) | 0.040 | 1.00 |
| Minimum Engraved Detail (Height and Width) | 0.040 | 1.00 |
| Clearance Between Parts/Bodies | 0.020 | 0.50 |
*Build volume is up to 36 x 24 x 36 inches. Larger models can be manufactured in sections and assembled after printing.
**FDM allows for some of the highest 3DP tolerances for large parts due to geometric stability. Minimum tolerance is +/- 0.005 in.