Cancelled Orders: Too Complex Geometries (FDM Isn’t It)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) can be a great choice if you’re looking for a quick prototype with a strict budget, or if you’re after a dazzling color range or sparkly finish. Unfortunately, because of the way the technology works – with the molten material being deposited from a nozzle, layer by layer – some geometries simply can’t be reproduced. Sometimes, it’s a matter of fixing the design; others, it’s a matter of reconsidering the technology altogether.
The good news? At Craftcloud®, we are happy to partner with manufacturers who provide additive manufacturing technologies that go beyond FDM.
A design that has extreme overhangs and large bridges, manufactured with FDM, would require supports. This could be especially tricky to 3D print if the overhangs are in a part of the model that make support removal challenging, or if the print is delicate and could be damaged when removing them.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) are ideal alternatives, as the unsintered powder supports the overhangs, no matter where the bridges are located. Additionally, there’s no risk of damaging the surface of the model, given that no supports have to be removed.
In the same line, models that have nested or hollow geometries – parts within parts – would best be printed in SLS and MJF, since inner parts can’t be 3D printed with FDM due to the lack of foundation.
When it comes to models that have ultra-fine details or very sharp features, similar in look to needles, FDM could be a good option for a prototype – but such a design would be even better with a different technology. Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Masked Stereolithography (MSLA/LCD) are the options that can offer high quality while remaining within a friendly budget.
If you are unsure of which of the above technologies has the exact material and finish combination, plus meets your price range, upload your model to Craftcloud® and find the best option for you in a matter of seconds.