FDM working principle
How does the FDM technology work?
Fused Deposition Modeling is a 3D printing process in which a workpiece is built up layer by layer from molten plastic or metal. Also known by the abbreviation FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), it is the most widely used 3D printing process.
The technology was developed in the 1980s by Scott Crump, who later founded Stratasys with his wife. Crump got the idea for the process when he wanted to use a hot glue gun to make a toy for his daughter. By extruding (ejecting) the hot glue and laying these ejected webs of material on top of one another, he was able to create three-dimensional parts to the delight of his daughter. The so-called melt layering in 3D printers is still based on this simple basic principle, except that plastic is used instead of the adhesive and the gun is guided over axes. Manageable system prices have meant that 3D printers are now finding their way into many private households.