Industrial-Scale Printing
Our industrial machines build large parts in one piece, with no reassembly. That saves time and keeps the part structurally sound where a glued-together model would be weak.
Fused Deposition ModelingServices and Capabilities
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) builds durable thermoplastic parts layer by layer. Our industrial Stratasys Fortus machines take it well past the desktop, printing large, complex parts in production-grade materials with fast turnaround.
About Our FDM Services
FDM is where many hobbyists start, but our fleet of industrial printers works on a different scale. The machines build large, complex parts to tight tolerances, and we turn them around on short timelines.
Because the process needs no tooling, we move from a CAD file to a finished part quickly and revise a design without waiting on new molds or fixtures. That suits prototypes, jigs and fixtures, and end-use production parts alike.
Why FDM Stands Out
Industrial FDM earns its place where parts need to be large, durable, and ready on a tight schedule. Three traits set our process apart from desktop printing.
Precision and Versatility
The Fortus platform holds tighter tolerances than most FDM equipment, so detailed features and fine text come out clean. That holds true whether the part is a one-off or a short run.
Wide Material Range
From ABS to Ultem, we run a deep catalog of thermoplastics. That lets us match the material to the load, temperature, and chemical exposure a part will see in service.
Applications of FDM
FDM handles a wide range of work, from shop-floor tooling to functional plastic parts. Here is where our customers put it to use most often.
Assembly Fixtures
Custom holders and locating fixtures that keep parts consistent and speed up work on the assembly line.
Rapid Tooling
Jigs, guides, and short-run tooling produced in days instead of weeks, with no machining setup.
Brake Press Tooling
Press brake dies that form sheet metal without the cost or lead time of machined steel tooling.
Thermoforming Tools
Form and trim tools for low-volume thermoforming, ready faster than machined aluminum.
Drill Masks
Drill guides that locate holes accurately on complex, contoured, or hard-to-reach surfaces.
Metal Forming Tooling
Durable tooling that holds up under forming loads for prototype and low-volume metal parts.
Functional Plastic Parts
End-use components in production-grade thermoplastics, from brackets and housings to ducts.
Technical Specifications
Our Stratasys Fortus 900 machines give us a 36 in. x 24 in. x 36 in. (914 x 610 x 914 mm) build volume, so we can print large parts in one piece. Typical tolerances run +/- 0.004 to 0.008 in. (0.1–0.2 mm) depending on the material and geometry.
36 x 24 x 36"Maximum build volume (914 x 610 x 914 mm)
+/- 0.004–0.008"Typical achievable tolerance (0.1–0.2 mm)
Fortus 900Stratasys industrial FDM systems
Materials We Print
ESD-safe grades are part of our standard FDM offering. Beyond the materials below, any thermoplastic in the Stratasys FDM catalog is fair game, from engineering ABS and nylons to high-temp ULTEM, PEKK, and PEEK. Tell us the load, temperature, and chemical exposure your part will see and we will match the material.
Standard Offering
- ABS-M30
- ABS-ESD7 (ESD)
- ASA
- PC-ABS
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Nylon 12
- Nylon 12CF
High-Performance & High-Temp
- ULTEM 9085
- ULTEM 1010
- Antero 800NA (PEKK)
- Victrex AM 200 (PEEK)
- PPSU / PPSF
- Nylon-CF10
- Nylon 6
Specialty & Biocompatible
- ABS-M30i
- PC-ISO
- PC-ESD (ESD)
- ABS-CF10
- Diran 410MF07
- TPU 92A
- PA6/66-GF30-FR
Support & Prototyping
- Soluble Support
- Breakaway Support
- ST-130 Sacrificial Tooling
- HIPS
- PLA
Our Experience & Capacity
We run a fleet of industrial Fortus machines, which lets us scale a job up when a deadline is tight and keep printing around the clock. Our FDM parts ship into automotive, aviation, and consumer goods programs.
We use FDM for more than prototypes and models. It produces functional, end-use parts quickly, and it pairs well with the rest of our manufacturing capabilities when a project needs more than one process.
For a sense of scale, see how we used large-format FDM to build full-scale MRI patient tables for a medical equipment trade show, or how we printed carbon fiber layup molds for the EuroWise Cayenne Ultra when a custom build needed tooling fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)?
Fused Deposition Modeling, also called Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), melts a thermoplastic filament through a heated extruder and lays it down layer by layer to build a part. It is widely used for prototyping, functional testing, and small-batch production because it is affordable, works with many materials, and produces durable parts.
Why should I choose FDM for my project?
FDM is one of the most cost-effective 3D printing methods, and it runs a wide range of thermoplastics, from ABS and nylon to polycarbonate, PEEK, and TPU. The parts are durable enough for functional prototypes, tooling, and end-use applications. When you need volume on a deadline, we can put more machines on the job. That mix of cost, material choice, and turnaround fits work in automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.
What types of parts can be made with FDM?
FDM covers functional and aesthetic prototypes, custom tools and jigs for the shop floor, durable end-use parts for small-batch runs, educational models, and replacement parts for older machinery. It adapts to a wide range of designs, which is why it gets used across so many industries.
What materials can be used in FDM?
We print a broad range of thermoplastics, including ABS, ASA, PETG, TPU, polycarbonate, PC-ABS, Nylon 12, carbon-filled nylon, Ultem 9085 and 1010, and Antero (PEK). Each one trades off strength, heat resistance, flexibility, and chemical resistance differently, so we match the material to how the part will be used.
How accurate is FDM?
Accuracy depends on machine calibration, material, and layer height. Most FDM parts hold tolerances within +/- 0.004 to 0.008 in. (0.1 to 0.2 mm), which suits prototypes, functional testing, and parts that need moderate precision. We run Stratasys Fortus systems, which hold that range reliably across a variety of thermoplastics.
How large of a part can Evology produce with FDM?
Our FDM equipment builds parts up to 36 in. x 24 in. x 36 in. (914 x 610 x 914 mm), so we handle everything from small, detailed designs to large industrial components. For oversized work, we can print in sections and assemble them.
How fast is FDM?
Print time depends on layer height, infill, and part complexity. Simple parts can finish in a few hours, while intricate ones may take a day or more. We tune the print settings for each job to balance speed and quality, and more than 90% of our orders ship on or before their projected date.
How are your FDM machines different from a household 3D printer?
Our Stratasys Fortus machines are built for production. They use dual-head extrusion, with one head laying down the model and the other building support material, so they print intricate geometry that desktop machines struggle with. Multiple material bays and automatic switchover let them run continuously without constant monitoring.
Ready to Start Your FDM Project?
Send us your design and one of our estimators will review it for FDM. We will confirm the material, build size, and timeline, then get you a quote.