FDM technology introduction and case sharing
FDM is the abbreviation of "Fused
Deposition Modeling", which is fused deposition modeling. This 3D printing technology is developed by American scholar Scott Crump successfully developed it in 1988. Generally speaking, FDM uses high temperature to melt the material into a liquid state, extrudes it through the print head and solidifies it, and finally arranges it in a three-dimensional space to form a three-dimensional object.
1. FDM technology principle:
The FDM mechanical system mainly includes 5 parts: nozzle, wire feeding mechanism, motion mechanism, heating studio, and workbench. The materials used in the fused deposition process are divided into two parts: one is the molding material, and the other is the support material.
The low melting point filamentary material is melted into liquid through the extrusion head of the heater, and the molten thermoplastic material filament is extruded through the nozzle. The extrusion head moves accurately along the contour of each section of the part. The extruded semi-fluid thermoplastic material is deposited and solidified into a precise thin layer of the actual part, covering the built part, and solidifies rapidly within 1/10s. After each layer of molding is completed, the workbench lowers one level. The nozzle then scans and spins the next layer of cross-section, and deposits layer by layer repeatedly until the last layer, thus forming a solid model or part layer by layer from bottom to top.
In FDM forming, each layer is stacked on the previous layer, and the previous layer plays a role in positioning and supporting the current layer. As the height increases, the area and shape of the layer profile will change. When the shape changes significantly, the upper profile cannot provide sufficient positioning and support for the current layer, which requires the design of some auxiliary structures - " Support" to ensure the smooth implementation of the forming process. Supports can be made of the same material. Nowadays, dual nozzles are generally used for independent heating. One is used to spray model materials to make parts, and the other is used to spray support materials to make supports. The characteristics of the two materials are different. It is quite easy to remove the supports after the production is completed. . The wire feeding mechanism delivers raw materials to the nozzle, and the wire feeding must be stable and reliable. The wire feeding mechanism and nozzle adopt a push-pull combination method to ensure stable and reliable wire feeding and avoid wire breakage or tumor accumulation.
2. FDM technology application cases to quickly respond to urgent needs
Huamei has introduced more advanced 3D printing technologies into the manufacturing process so that the company can produce what it needs for aerospace industry customers in a timely manner Component. Collin Wilkerson, general manager of Huamei, said: "3D rapid prototyping technology saves working time and allows us to quickly solve customer problems. We can quickly respond to customers' urgent needs."
Utilizing 3D printing technology , Huamei Plastic Mold Company successfully printed an advanced functional prototype using ULTEM 9085 material; ULTEM 9085 is a Fused material that has the advantages of being strong, lightweight, flame retardant and high heat resistance (up to 320°F/160°C)
Deposition Modeling (FDM?) thermoplastic; material more fully meets government regulatory requirements for flame spread speed, smoke and toxicity emissions.
In addition, the 3D manufacturing system also gives Huamei the opportunity to test new products. "We can verify design issues in advance before they are brought into the manufacturing process. This allows us to more closely match the customer's workflow and at the same time add value to the company's services." This new 3D manufacturing system also helps the company evenly distribute large-scale projects workload and reduce the need for urgent additional manpower. Wilkerson pointed out: "In traditional production models, you have to succumb to sudden resource demands; with the introduction of Stratasys 3D printing technology, this demand can be alleviated. Our customers can reorganize resources and streamline manufacturing processes."
Fortus: Guarantee of peace of mind
The emergence of 3D manufacturing system has wiped away all the worries Huamei Plastic Mold Company had about 3D printing technology.
First, the company wants to ensure that it can maintain long-term relationships with its customers. Wilkerson pointed out: "As a member of the repetitive production industry, we want to ensure that 3D printing technology can adapt to a sustainable business development model. We need a manufacturing process that can be integrated into the scope of customer service."
Huamei The plastic mold company's customers are 100% repeat customers; customers choose to use the Fortus 3D manufacturing system to manufacture parts. The introduction of 3D printers has proven to be very popular with customers. Wilkerson said: "Customers know that 3D printing technology can save them money."
Fortus
The superior performance of the 3D manufacturing system also helps Huamei Plastic Mold Company eliminate other concerns - FDM technology Will it reduce its injection molding revenue? The Fortus 3D Manufacturing System brings new revenue streams to the company. “FDM is not reducing mold and injection molding revenue,” Wilkerson noted. “The fact that FDM allows customers to free up more money to invest in tooling later sets us apart from other suppliers. Stratasys 3D printing technology allows us to complete our manufacturing process. With this With this technology, we can provide customers with more value-added services.”