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FFF/FDM - 3D Printing Technologies

Material Choice
High

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Wide range of plastic filaments from PLA through to Composite and High performance polymers.

Ease of Use
High

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Load filament | Orientate part | Press print
Very easy to use, but we recommend training for new users.

  • Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)/Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printers function by heating a nozzle which extrudes melted thermoplastic material, constructing a three-dimensional object layer by layer.
  • The movement of the nozzle is meticulously managed by the 3D printer’s software, tracing a pre-defined path to shape the object.
  • As the most frequently employed technology in the 3D printing sphere, FFF/FDM is often chosen by beginners due to its simple, intuitive operation and more affordable costs.
  • The scope of objects that FFF/FDM technology can print is largely dictated by the specific model of printer, its associated software, the chosen material, and the desired resolution.
  • Additive-X offers a variety of FFF/FDM printers, ranging from professional desktop models to large-format and industrial printers capable of using high-performance polymers.

What can Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) print?

symbol representing metal fused filament fabrication 3d printing
Prototypes
symbol representing metal fused filament fabrication 3d printing
Concept models
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Manufacturing aids
symbol representing metal fused filament fabrication 3d printing
Breakaway supports
symbol representing metal fused filament fabrication 3d printing
Soluble supports

Want to know if FFF printing is suitable for your application?

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What can Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) print?

If you haven’t got an FFF 3D printer then, chances are you need one. Whether you are just starting your in-house additive manufacturing journey, or you want to step-up and increase volumes and materials, FFF or FDM printers could definitely be helpful. Different FFF printers will give you access to materials across Standard, Manufacturing, Speciality and Metal. For cheapest printing, choose a PLA filament and don’t forget you can find filaments in a real rainbow of colours.

Lowest cost

Many good quality, value for money filaments.

Material range

Print in standard, manufacturing, speciality materials + metal.

No finishing

Generally durable and dimensionally stable without post-processing.

Colour

Rainbow of different filament colours.

Easy to use

Prepare your design file, load the filament and print.

Office/classroom

Desktop FFF printers work well in classroom and office environments.

Need help choosing the right 3D printer?

Talk to us about what you need to be able to do.

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Printing Examples

an extreme 3000 pro by builder having its 3d printed part removed by an employee
a wind turbine model created with fused filament fabrication 3d printing
a set of different 3d printed parts created with fused filament fabrication

FFF Printers

AMT PostPro SFX

The World's First Bench-Top Chemical Vapour Smoothing System!
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3DGENCE F421

3DGence INDUSTRY F421 pushes the boundaries of the printing speed of industrial 3D printers.
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Markforged X7

Industrial 3D printer for every type of functional part.
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Builder 3000 PRO

The Extreme 3000 PRO is made to deliver 24/7. With an extremely large build volume.
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Additive-X | Your experienced additive manufacturing partner

Impartial Advice & Support • Printing service • Stock for next-day delivery

Whether you need answers, benchmark prints or a quote with the latest special offer, Additive-X are here to help you.

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FAQ’S

Commonly asked questions about FFF 3D printing

Think of FFF as a process of extruding melted plastic. A spool of plastic filament feeds through a tube to the print head which travels around the print surface depositing the melted material, layer by layer. The FFF printing workflow is simple – Design – Prepare the file for printing – Print.
Unlike SLA and SLS, FFF parts don’t need to be post-processed in chemicals or cured. That said, after the part is printed it is possible to sand your part to achieve a smoother finish or you have the option to post-process using the AMT PostPro Vapour Smoothing unit .
PLA, ABS, ABA can be stored in a warm, dry environment away from direct sun but other filaments need better storage. Filaments like Nylon, Onyx, PEEK, PVA, BVOH and ESM10 are ideally stored in their own airtight boxes with large desiccant pouches to reduce moisture. Note that old pouches should be thrown away, not left in the box. Ideal storage is the Markforged Dry Box – our print farm manager swears by them “Markforged dry boxes are ace, and will easily hold a couple of spools each if not using the spool holder inside the box”.