What does fused deposition modelling (FDM) utilize for its modeling process?

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a widely used additive manufacturing process that builds objects layer by layer. The key feature of FDM is its use of thermoplastic materials, which are extruded through a heated nozzle. During the process, the material is melted and deposited onto a build platform in a controlled manner. As each layer is completed, the material cools and solidifies, bonding to the layer beneath it, ultimately creating a three-dimensional object.

The method emphasizes the melting of layers of thermoplastic material and then adding them in a specific sequence to form the final product. This defining characteristic of FDM is what separates it from other 3D printing technologies that may involve different materials or methods, such as curing resin with light or assembling pieces together.

It's important to differentiate this process from others like resin printing, which hardens liquid resin using a laser, and traditional fabrication methods that rely on cutting and joining components. FDM’s unique layering and melting process allows for the production of complex geometries and is a key reason for its popularity in prototyping and low-volume manufacturing.