FDM Rapid Prototyping

FDM 3D Printing

Fused Deposition Modelling or FDM 3D Printing is one of the more common 3D printing technologies and also one of the most versatile. FDM builds parts by extruding plastic filament material through a nozzle and laying it down on the build chamber one layer at a time. FDM can realise complex geometries but due to the restrictions of the process any overhanging features will require support material which needs to be removed post process.

Due to the range of material options FDM is a great choice for quick prototype and low volume production.

Testimonials

I would like to congratulate you and your company with your service and prototyping quality. The communication with our company was very clear and constructive. The prototypes have a very good quality and the delivery speed are fantastic. With your prototypes we can communicate better and faster with our clients and give them a glance of how the product will look and feel like.Ing. Marc E.J. Van Strydonck Industrial designer

Marc E.J. Van Strydonck Industrial designer

Hi HLH, I received the CNC prototypes last week and have spent the past few days assembling them. I would like to thank you and HLH for the work you have done CNC machining these parts and for delivering them to us as quickly as possible. I look forward to working with HLH again as new projects arise in the future.

Jamie Booth

We have always been very impressed by the level of service and quality provided by HLH. HLH gives our company a real competitive advantage in allowing us to provide our clients with quick and cost effective pre-production quality prototypes.

Danny Kane

The prototypes arrived this morning and they look great. Thank you very much for your work on this project and your prompt and thorough communication. We will certainly be in contact again in the future.

Gareth Lauchlan, BDes ID

We have worked with HLH Prototypes on a number of projects over the past year and have always been very satisfied with their services. We have produce with them high quality rapid prototypes for testing before tooling as a means to make sure we have the best design possible.

We will surely be continuing our working relationship with HLH Prototypes in many years to come

Michael Kitchenham

I would like to convey my sincere thanks to your company for all the work you have provided over the past year in helping to create parts for our models and the dedication you brought to our projects.

Not only was the work done to a high standard, and with considerable speed despite the harsh deadlines, but with the kindest and warmest of attitudes. I am delighted to have worked with your company, and would definitely recommend you to others.

Matthew Shaw

Thank you very much again for your teams speed and effectiveness in producing our RP molds. The quality in finish as always was fantastic especially the clear plastic parts.

Our engineers were just commenting on how the quality in the surface and spray finishing are superior to the models that we had received before from other China based RP houses in the past.

Like the previous years, we look forward to displaying your RP models as various international toy trade shows, where they have proven themselves in the past with strength and durability

Chen Kit Li – Chief Designer

HLH Prototypes. What can’t they prototype?

We have had everything from soft rubber to hard plastics, various grades of aluminum to stainless steel parts prototyped via HLH to characterize the performance and gain high level of confidence on design months before actual verification parts and data is available. We have used many of their arsenals of processes from SLA, CNC mill, lathe, forming, wire-cutting, EDM, vacuum cast and my favorite – custom springs. Product development is so much more progressive and easier with HLH as your prototype partner.

Han Hwang, R&D Manager

Advantages of FDM

FDM 3D Printing Advantages

Wide range of materials
Common production materials available
Accurate and fast

What is it used for?

FDM 3D Printing is a good choice for prototypes and low volume production where you need to produce parts from certain materials. FDM can print in a massive range of materials that includes ABS, PC and even performance materials like Ultem and nylon. A great choice for housings and enclosures and functional bits.

Fused deposition modelling has great accuracy, as such, it is an excellent solution for creating end-use parts, especially small parts that demand lots of details.

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FDM 3D Printing Tips

FDM builds parts layer by layer from a filament, the diameter of the filament dictates a lot of what you can and can’t print. Minimum wall thickness for example must be at least as thick as the material and any small features or details must also consider this.

FMD struggles with holes and tends to print them undersize by about 2-4%. Either design your holes slightly larger to accommodate this or post process drill to size. It is also possible to install inserts for any holes needed a thread.

You can download our FDM design tips here

To talk to us about your FDM for prototype or production get in touch with our team here.

For Fused Deposition Modelling parts, make sure to sand circular motions evenly across the surface of the part.