FDM
Also known as: Fused Deposition Modeling, FFF
FDM is a 3D printing method that builds objects layer by layer by extruding melted thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling, also called FFF, Fused Filament Fabrication) is the most common consumer 3D printing technology. A spool of plastic filament is fed into a hot nozzle that melts it and lays it down in thin layers, each fusing to the one below.
FDM is popular because the printers and materials are affordable and easy to work with. Its main trade-offs are visible layer lines and lower fine detail compared with resin printing.
Filament
Filament is the spooled thermoplastic material that an FDM 3D printer melts and extrudes to build objects.
Layer height
Layer height is the thickness of each printed layer, which controls the trade-off between surface detail and print time.
Resin printing
Resin printing builds objects by using light to cure liquid photopolymer resin into solid layers, producing fine surface detail.
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