How Fused Deposition Modeling Works

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®)* creates more durable parts for tough industrial environments by building each part in successive layers of materials, such as thermoplastic polymers, directly from a CAD file. The process begins with heated plastic filament which is then pushed through an extruder, allowing it to be deposited and solidified into the desired shape. Markforged® reinforces the FDM process through Continuous Fiber Fabrication (CFF), which increases the strength of parts so they’re as strong as aluminum in 2 axes. This process is a more cost-effective, precise solution for detailed prototyping and manufacturing applications.

Vestas Prototyping Fitting

Here’s how our FDM solutions can help you:

  • Achieve a low cost-to-size ratio thanks to the scalability of our FDM printers for specific industry requirements.
  • Explore more part size options and choices of materials, including a variety of polymers, composites and metals.
  • Produce complex parts quickly with high-precision for intricate shapes and a variety of rapid prototyping needs.
  • Ensure high performance with engineering-grade materials for automotive, medical, and aerospace manufacturing.

Our Fused Deposition Modeling Capabilities

Our team of experts can help guide you through the fused deposition modeling process. Our industry-leading portfolio of 3D printers can produce parts with larger build envelopes to accommodate different size requirements for various industries. Also, our FDM printing technology can be programmed to produce multiple parts simultaneously, allowing prototyping and large-scale production in a relatively short period of time. The material properties of the parts created with this process are also highly reliable.

Dual Build Zones

FDM 3D-printer manufacturing spur gears from silver-gray filamen
Printers like the Stratasys F900™ can build dual parts or a combined build for larger parts with a large envelope and accuracy of ±0.09mm.

Markforged Parts

Markforged The Mark One 3D Printer
Markforged FDM printed parts are stronger, lightweight, and chemically resistant with excellent dimensional stability and a high heat tolerance.

Superior Control

The turbine parts form metal 3D printer machine.
The Stratasys 450mc™ smaller envelope handles the same engineering grade materials with a high level of control and accuracy.

Better Material Options

3d printing technology for making prototype
Get more material options, including ABS plastics, UV protection, ESD and flame retardant materials, and more available to spec.

More Applications

Stereolithography
Using FDM, we can create complex shapes with high strength and flexibility using polycarbonates, ABS plastic or resins in a range of industry applications.

Guiding You to Best-Fit Solutions with Markforged Technology

The Markforged X7 printer can weave fiberglass in one piece to make it as strong as metal. The Mark Two combines continuous carbon fiber reinforcement with workhorse reliability for the strongest, most versatile parts. The Metal X safely prints metal powder bound in a plastic matrix with new features such as close-cell infill for reduced part weight and cost — and it’s significantly less expensive than alternative 3D printing and traditional machining/casting methods.

FDM Materials Comparison

MaterialProcessDescriptionIdeal forFinishesSpec Sheet
A2 Tool SteelMarkForged Metal X Binder Jetting DED PBFExcellent toughness, wear resistance, and machinabilityBlanking dies, forming dies, and gaugesMachining Heat Treatment, Polishing, Surface Coating, Shot PeeningSpec Sheet
ASAFDMWeather-resistant material that has good impact resistance and dimensional stabilityAutomotive components, outdoor equipment, and other componentsPainting, Hydrographics, Vacuum MetalizingSpec Sheet
D2 Tools SteelMarkForged Metal X Binder Jetting DED PBFHigh-carbon, high-chromium tool steel that is known for its excellent wear resistance and toughnessCutting tools, forming dies, and blanking diesMachining Heat Treatment, Polishing, Surface Coating, Shot PeeningSpec Sheet
H13 Tool SteelMarkForged Metal X Binder Jetting DED PBFExcellent toughness, thermal conductivity, and resistance to thermal fatigueDie casting dies, forging dies, and extrusion diesMachining Heat Treatment, Polishing, Surface Coating, Shot PeeningSpec Sheet
Nylon-12 Chopped Carbon-filledFDMNylon material that is reinforced with chopped carbon fiber for improved stiffness and strengthGears, bearings, and other componentsPainting, Coating, Laser Etching, Hydrographics, AnodizingSpec Sheet
OnyxMarkForgedCarbon fiber-filled nylon material that is strong and stiff, with good dimensional stability and heat resistanceTooling fixtures, jigs, and other componentsVapor Smoothing InsertsSpec Sheet
Onyx FRMarkForgedFlame-retardant version of Onyx that is suitable for applications where fire safety is a concernElectrical enclosures, automotive components, and other applicationsVapor Smoothing InsertsSpec Sheet
PC (Polycarbonate)FDMStrong and transparent material that has good impact resistance and heat resistanceLenses, lighting fixtures, and other componentsPainting, Coating, Vacuum Metalizing, Laser EtchingSpec Sheet
PC/ABSFDMBlend of polycarbonate and ABS materials that combines the toughness of ABS with the heat resistance of PCAutomotive components, housings, and other componentsPainting, Coating, Vacuum Metalizing, Laser EtchingSpec Sheet
PETGFDMClear and impact-resistant material that has good chemical resistance and dimensional stabilityDisplay cases, signage, and other componentsPolishing, Coating, Laser Cutting/Engraving, Vacuum FormingSpec Sheet
Stainless Steel (17-4PH)MarkForged Metal X SLM EBMCommonly used additive steel option with excellent strength and corrosion resistanceAerospace for structural components, medical for surgical instruments and implants, and defense armor componentsElectroplating Passivation, Polishing, Powder Coating, MachiningSpec Sheet
Ultem 1010FDM MarkForged FX20High-performance material that is known for its excellent heat resistance, strength, and stiffnessAerospace components, automotive components, and other applicationsSanding, Machining, Coating, Polishing, Painting, Laser MarkingSpec Sheet
Ultem 9085FDMHigh-performance material that is known for its excellent heat resistance, strength, and stiffness, with the added benefit of being FAA-approved for aerospace applicationsAerospace components, automotive components, and other applicationsSanding, Machining, Coating, Polishing, Painting, Laser MarkingSpec Sheet

This is a sampling of FDM and MarkForged materials we work with. See more information on available materials and specs here.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Design Guide

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®)* creates more durable parts for tough industrial environments by building each part in successive layers of materials, such as thermoplastic polymers, directly from a CAD file.  Download this design guide to learn more about best practices for using Fused Deposition Modeling.

Learn More

Why Customers Choose UPTIVE

  • "My customer was ‘wowed’ that we could get it done so quickly. You made us look good. Thanks for your efforts."
    Philip, A Manufacturing Company
  • "UPTIVE (previously Re3dtech) is one of the most honest and reputable companies we have done business with. We decided to look into options for getting parts made in the USA for the retail market. It was awesome to find a local company with humble staff looking to provide their services meeting our criteria, not to mention meeting the Re3tech crew face to face and checking out their operation. Peter was very honest, knowledgable about design. Peter's creative element made working with him a great pleasure. Jim's flexibility was a breath of fresh air and greatly appreciated. CentralSound is proud to scratch the surface with Made in the USA parts in the retail market now, thanks to UPTIVE (previously Re3dtech). Hope to do more business with them in the future. "
    Jonathan Diamond, Central Sound

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*FDM® is a registered trademark of Stratasys Ltd.