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FDM · Fused Deposition Modeling

Industrial FDM 3D printing in Brescia, Italy

FDM 3D printing (Fused Deposition Modeling, also called FFF) builds a part by depositing molten thermoplastic filament layer by layer. It is the most versatile process in our printer fleet: it runs everything from low-cost standard materials (PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA) to high-performance polymers (PEEK, Ultem, PPS, PEKK) and carbon-fiber-reinforced nylons. EptaPrint's FDM fleet combines high-temperature VisionMiner 22IDEX V4 industrial printers (chamber >100 °C, bed >200 °C, nozzles up to 500 °C) with printers dedicated to standard materials, for cost-effective prototypes and tooling. Ideal for jigs, fixtures, clamps, masking fixtures, robotic grippers and functional components.

Max build volume

350 × 350 × 450 mm

Dimensional accuracy

±0.6 mm up to 100 mm, ±0.75% above

Minimum wall thickness

3 mm

Layer thickness

0.04–0.5 mm

Chamber temperature

above 100 °C

Bed temperature

above 200 °C

Nozzle temperature

up to 500 °C

Extruder configuration

IDEX (independent dual)

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How FDM 3D printing works

For each layer:

  1. The extruder's drive wheels push the filament from the spool to the print head;
  2. The hot nozzle melts it and lays it down as a bead that traces the outline and infill of the cross-section;
  3. Once the layer is complete, the bed drops by 0.1–0.3 mm and the cycle repeats.

The heated bed keeps the part anchored and limits warping. With two independent extruders (IDEX), the second nozzle prints a different material, soluble supports or a second copy of the part in parallel.

Glass-filled PEEK bevel gear 3D printed with FDM, held in a hand in front of an industrial printer

Key strengths

  • Mixed fleet: VisionMiner 22IDEX V4 for high-performance polymers, dedicated printers for standard materials
  • The widest material range: from PLA to PEEK, balancing price and performance case by case
  • Ideal for jigs, fixtures, clamps, robotic grippers and industrial tooling
  • Build volume up to 350 × 350 × 450 mm with IDEX dual extruders
  • Metal replacement with carbon-fiber nylon (PA-CF) and high-performance polymers as an alternative to aluminum

Typical applications

  • Functional PEEK/Ultem components for aerospace and medical
  • Tooling and jigs that withstand high temperatures
  • Metal replacement brackets and mounts in PA-CF
  • Functional prototypes of parts destined for injection molding
  • On-demand spare parts for industrial machinery

Compatible materials

PEEKPEI ULTEMPPSPPSUPPAPEKKNYLON PA XCFPCASATPUPLA
See the materials catalog →Guide: PEEK vs Ultem vs PPS →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about industrial FDM 3D printing.

Typically ±0.6 mm on dimensions up to 100 mm and ±0.75% above. For critical features (H7 holes, datum faces) we apply targeted CNC post-machining to the printed part.

Both. With high-performance polymers (PEEK, Ultem, PPS) and carbon-fiber nylon, FDM produces end-use parts for aerospace, medical, automotive and industrial applications. The key is designing around the anisotropy of the process.

FDM wins on material range (high-performance polymers) and on the cost of a single part. SLS wins on mechanical isotropy, geometric freedom (no supports) and surface finish. The application drives the choice.

Planning an FDM project? Let's talk.

Upload your CAD: within 24 hours we reply with a quote, a lead time and DfAM recommendations optimized for FDM.

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