Fused Deposition Modeling or FDM is a form of "additive" rapid prototyping developed in the late 1980's and later commercialized in the 1990's by STRATASYS, Inc. Like Stereolithography and other forms of Rapid Prototyping, FDM utilizes the Standard Tessellation Language format - more commonly known as STL as its basis for building prototypes. Unlike Stereolithography, FDM creates 3-dimensional functional prototypes from P400 Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin.
Proprietary software, used by the Dimension machine, dissects the 3-dimensional .STL file into 2-dimensional cross sections. Once dissected, the software fills in the layered areas with a criss-cross pattern representing both build and support materials. This process is repeated for each consecutive vertical layer until the model has been digitally replicated as a 3-dimensional tool-path. This tool-path is used by the FDM machine to fuse semi-molten filament strands of ABS together to form a functional 3-dimensional prototype. FDM prototypes are durable and serve well to evaluate form, fit and function. Other benefits of using the FDM process includes: functioning "snap-fit parts", marketing tools, creation of "proof-of-concept" parts for engineering meetings, short-run manufacturing tooling and fixturing devices, and creating masters for the vacuum forming process for applications in the automotive, consumer, aerospace, and medical industries.
With accuracies of +/- .009" and its ability to print wall thicknesses as little as 0.02 inch FDM is a cost-effective rapid prototyping solution for most applications.
Film Transfer Imaging is a new proprietary 4th generation "additive" rapid prototyping technology developed by 3D Systems Corporation. This technology will allow for the creation of SLA-like accuracy, resolution, and quality ready-to-use prototypes for testing and verification. This technology will be made available to the United States market in mid-summer, 2007.
SRP( Subtractive Rapid Prototyping) technology developed by Roland Corporation creates rapid prototypes, molds, snap fit parts, and "S" models for precision applications from a wide variety of materials, including: woods, resin, ABS, aluminum, brass and copper.