Before we describe the working principle of FDM 3D printer, we can imagine such a scene: first, you hold a heated toothpaste, which is liquid in the toothpaste box, but will solidify immediately as soon as you squeeze it out; then you hold the toothpaste upside down and squeeze it onto the table, moving horizontally while squeezing, just like writing calligraphy; after you finish the work on the first layer of the table, lift the toothpaste up a little bit, and then continue to squeeze the toothpaste onto the second plane. At this time, the squeezed toothpaste will stick to the previous toothpaste, and the first squeezed toothpaste will solidify to form a support for the subsequent squeezed toothpaste; finally, you keep repeating the above process until you squeeze out the shape you want. This is actually the basic idea of ​​FDM, and it is also the working principle of the new 3D printing pen on the market.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), alternatively known as fused deposition or filament deposition, is a 3D printing technique that primarily utilizes filamentary hot-melt materials as its raw material base. This process involves heating and melting these materials to a liquid state, allowing them to be extruded through a fine nozzle. As the liquefied material is sprayed out, it is deposited onto a panel or onto the previously solidified layer.

As the temperature of the deposited material drops below its melting point, it begins to solidify, gradually building up the desired object through the layer-by-layer accumulation of material. This approach allows for high precision and control over the final product, making it suitable for various applications.

FDM thermoplastics exhibit properties that are ideal for applications that require precise tolerances, durability, and stability across different environments. These materials often include thermoplastics that are also used in traditional manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, ensuring compatibility and reliability.

The versatility and precision of FDM make it a popular choice for prototyping, small-batch production, and even certain large-scale manufacturing tasks. Its ability to use a wide range of thermoplastic materials further broadens its application potential, allowing for the creation of complex geometries and structures that may be difficult to achieve through other manufacturing methods.