FDM Technology

3D print durable parts with real thermoplastic

FDM Technology is a powerful Stratasys-patented additive manufacturing method.
FDM builds concept models, functional prototypes and end-use parts in standard, engineeringgrade and high-performance thermoplastics. Its the only professional 3D printing technology that
uses production-grade thermoplastics, so parts are unrivaled in mechanical, thermal and
chemical strength.

The Invention of FDM Technology

Stratasys founder Scott Crump invented FDM Technology more than 20 years ago, and Stratasys has continued
to lead the 3D printing revolution ever since, developing a range of systems that appeal to large manufacturers,
designers, engineers, educators and other professionals.

How FDM Works

3D printers that run on FDM Technology build parts layer-by-layer from the bottom up by heating and extruding
thermoplastic filament. The process is simple:
1.

Pre-processing: Build-preparation software slices and positions a 3D CAD file and calculates a path to
extrude thermoplastic and any necessary support material.

2.

Production: The 3D printer heats the thermoplastic to a semi-liquid state and deposits it in ultra-fine
beads along the extrusion path. Where support or buffering is needed, the 3D printer deposits a removable
material that acts as scaffolding.

3.

Post-processing: The user breaks away support material away or dissolves it in detergent and water,
and the part is ready to use.

Learn more from our FDM FAQs and 3D Printing With FDM white paper.

FDM Benefits

The technology is clean, simple-to-use and office-friendly

Supported production-grade thermoplastics are mechanically and environmentally stable

Complex geometries and cavities that would otherwise be problematic become practical with FDM
technology

FDM Thermoplastics
FDM Technology uses the same tried and tested thermoplastics found in traditional manufacturing processes. For
applications that demand tight tolerances, toughness and environmental stability or specialized properties like
electrostatic dissipation, translucence, biocompatibility, VO flammability or FST ratings theres an FDM
thermoplastic that can deliver.

FDM 3D Printers and Thermoplastics

Learn more about 3D printers powered by FDM Technology and their compatible production-grade
thermoplastics.

3D Printer

Compatible FDM Thermoplastics

Mojo

ABSplus-P430

uPrint SE

ABSplus-P430

uPrint SE Plus ABSplus-P430

Dimension
1200es

ABSplus-P430

Dimension
Elite

ABSplus-P430

Fortus 250mc

ABSplus-P430

Fortus 360mc

ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, ASA, PC-ABS, PC, Nylon 12

Fortus 400mc

ABSi, ABS-ESD7, ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, ASA, PC-ABS, PCISO, PC, Nylon 12,ULTEM-9085, PPSF PPSU

Fortus 380mc

ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, ABS-ESD7, ASA, PC-ISO, PC, FDM

Nylon 12

Fortus 450mc

ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, ABS-ESD7, ASA, PC-ISO, PC, FDM

Nylon 12, ULTEM 9085

Fortus 900mc

ABSi, ABS-ESD7, ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, ASA, PC-ABS, PCISO, PC, Nylon 12,ULTEM-9085, PPSF PPSU