3D printing has become more than just a curiosity in recent years – today it is a real tool used in prototyping, small-scale production, and reverse engineering. Among the many available additive manufacturing methods, the clear leader in terms of popularity is the technology FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), also known as FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication).

A Brief History of FDM

The FDM technology was developed in the late 1980s – the first patent was filed in 1989. Initially, 3D printers were very expensive and available only to large companies. Everything changed in 2005 when the RepRap project launched – an open-source initiative aimed at creating a 3D printer capable of self-replication, meaning printing its own parts.

A true revolution came in 2009 when the patent protection for FDM expired. The market exploded – dozens of new manufacturers emerged, and the prices of machines dropped significantly. It is precisely because of this that 3D printing became accessible to a wide range of users, from hobbyists to professional design offices.

How does an FDM/FFF printer work?

The operating principle of the printer in this technology is relatively simple:

• Material – the printer uses filament, which is a strand of thermoplastic material (e.g., PLA, ABS, PETG).
• Feeding – the filament is transported to the print head.
• Extrusion – in the head, the material is melted and pushed through the nozzle in a plasticized form.
• Layer building – the nozzle applies a thin layer of material to the build platform, and subsequent layers are stacked on top of each other until a finished 3D object is created.

The result? A model that just a moment ago was a digital design on the screen becomes a physical object ready for testing, presentation, or even use.

Why is FDM so popular?

• Low entry barrier – FDM printers are relatively inexpensive.
• Ease of use – quick preparation and printing of models.
• Wide selection of materials – from biodegradable PLA to durable engineering plastics.
• Versatility – from prototypes to functional parts and personalized accessories.

Summary

The FDM/FFF technology is the foundation of modern 3D printing. Thanks to it, 3D printing has moved out of laboratories and into workshops, design offices, and even our homes. Although more advanced methods exist, FDM remains the most recognizable and accessible additive technology.

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