Reader Response Draft 2

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Brooks (2023) informs that Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) uses slicing software which translates the design into instructions for the printer. A filament, usually made of Polylactic Acid (PLA) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is heated, and is placed in layers onto a print bed. The object forms when each layer hardens. A feature is that FDM printers are more affordable compared to other 3D printing technologies, making them widely available to hobbyists and industries. FDM can utilize a variety of thermoplastic materials with many being environmentally friendly. Protolabs Network (n.d.) describes that material versatility allows users to switch their choice of material depending on the properties they would like to achieve. During production, FDM can achieve fast printing speeds and is relatively easy to operate. Finally, FDM technology enables the creation of intricate shapes and designs that would be difficult or impractical to achieve otherwise (Engineering Product Design, 2024).

With its distinct features and functions, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) can replace traditional manufacturing methods in certain areas of today’s industry: rapid prototyping, waste reduction, and production of spare parts. Despite that, the precision and accuracy of a product made by traditional manufacturing methods outperforms its counterpart printed by FDM.

Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, FDM is ideal for rapid prototyping. “Rapid prototyping (RP) quickly creates a physical part directly from its CAD model data using various manufacturing techniques” (Engineering Product Design, 2024, para. 1). Compared with a traditional method: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining, the time to produce a similar prototype is much slower due to a long setup time and numerous machining steps required. Ye (2019) supports that the machining centers suffer increased material costs because of rising material consumption. Since the development cycle and production costs are lower compared to traditional manufacturing methods, FDM’s faster iterations and adjustments make it more suitable for prototyping.

In terms of waste reduction, FDM is able to generate less waste compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Due to Fused Deposition Modelling being an additive process, it builds a product layer to layer, relying only on the amount necessary to construct it. With this, it minimizes waste during 3D printing. 3D printing is reported to cause 70% to 90% less production waste than certain traditional manufacturing techniques (Friedland & Healy, 2023). As FDM 3D printing technology generates less waste as compared to traditional manufacturing methods, FDM is more sustainable for the environment.

Additionally, FDM allows for on-demand production of spare parts that can benefit various industries such as healthcare, aerospace and automation. With this additive manufacturing method, it helps to reduce the necessity for large inventories and shorten lead times. Additive3D Asia (n.d.) states that components made by traditional manufacturing typically need more time because molds are essential to aid this process. These molds are also expensive, meaning that the cost needed for production is increased. Hence, as FDM does not require the need of molds, production costs can be reduced.

However, there are limitations in the surface finishes and tolerances for FDM where traditional manufacturing methods can improve on. Since FDM products tend to have layer lines being perceptible, post-processing is crucial for a smooth finish (Engineering Product Design, 2024). The layer lines also result in variation of the accuracy of the dimensions which may not meet quality requirements. Using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining instead, it can achieve “tight tolerances, repeatability, and a high-quality surface finish” (RallyPrecision, n.d.). This makes traditional manufacturing techniques more suitable in applications where precision and aesthetics are important.

Overall, even though Fused Deposition Modeling can replace traditional manufacturing methods in the industry, the quality of its end products might not meet the requirements for precision and aesthetics. As traditional manufacturing methods may also have its own advantages to Fused Deposition Modeling, both have their pros and cons that weigh in the industry.


References

Additive3D Asia. (n.d.). A Brief Overview of Traditional Manufacturing and 3D Printing.

https://additive3dasia.com/news/traditional-manufacturing-3d-printing/

Daniel. B. (2023, July 6). FDM 3D Printing: Ultimate Guide. Explore3DPrint. 

https://explore3dprint.com/fdm-3d-printing-ultimate-guide/

Efrat. F. & Karoline. H. (2023, April 17). How Sustainable is 3D Printing?

https://www.sustainableplastics.com/news/how-sustainable-3d-printing

Engineering Product Design. (2024, June 21). Material Extrusion – Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).

https://engineeringproductdesign.com/knowledge-base/material-extrusion/#google_vignette

Engineering Product Design. (2024, June 7). Rapid prototyping.

https://engineeringproductdesign.com/knowledge-base/rapid-prototyping-techniques/

Protolabs Network. (n.d.). What is FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printing?

https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/what-is-fdm-3d-printing/#how-does-fdm-3d-printing-work

Ronan. Y. (2019, July 18). What is CNC Prototype Machining and How Does it Work? 3ERP.

https://www.3erp.com/blog/prototype-machining-pros-and-cons-of-cnc-for-prototyping/

RallyPrecision. (n.d.). CNC Machining: Everything You Wanted to Know.

https://www.rallyprecision.com/what-is-cnc-machining/


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