Industrial Additive Manufacturing
FDM 3D Printing
Functional FDM/FFF parts engineered for fixtures, equipment, and low-volume production. RapidPrintParts runs 18 in-house machines from Shenzhen, China, supporting customers across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Singapore.
Best-Fit Applications for FDM
FDM is a strong fit when you need functional prototypes, engineering validation parts, jigs, fixtures, robot end-of-arm tooling, assembly aids, mechanical parts, housings, ducts, brackets, custom replacements, or low-volume end-use parts before tooling.
FDM is commonly selected for large-format parts that benefit from our typical build envelope, parts requiring engineering-grade thermoplastics, and fixtures or equipment parts where durability, serviceability, and cost balance matter.
Typical Parts We Produce with FDM
- Jigs, fixtures, gauges, and assembly aids
- Robot EOAT, grippers, and sensor brackets
- Machine guards, covers, and functional housings
- Ducts, manifolds, and brackets
- Custom replacements for maintenance and spare parts
- Functional prototypes and low-volume end-use components
Build Size and Part Scale
Typical FDM build envelope: up to approximately 1,000 × 600 × 600 mm. This enables large single-piece fixtures, guards, panels, and housings that may otherwise require assembly from multiple smaller parts.
Geometry, orientation, and material choice affect achievable size and print strategy. Our team reviews large parts for segmentation, bonding strategy, and reinforcement if needed.
Dimensional Performance
Typical tolerance reference: ±0.2 mm or ±0.3%, whichever is greater. Guaranteed tolerance requires engineering review.
Surface finish shows visible layer lines typical of FDM; finish level depends on material, bead size, and orientation.
Materials We Run In-House for FDM
Typical FDM materials supported by RapidPrintParts include ABS, ASA, PETG, PC (polycarbonate), PA6/PA12 and filled grades such as PA-CF/PA-GF, TPU (flexible), and high-performance polymers: PEEK, PEKK, and PEI/ULTEM.
ASA
For outdoor use relative to ABS due to weathering needs.
PC
For strength and heat resistance.
Nylon Blends & Filled Nylons
Carbon/glass-fiber filled nylons for stiffness and wear.
TPU
For impact absorption and flexibility.
PEEK / PEKK / PEI / ULTEM
For elevated temperature and demanding applications.
Engineering Review
Final material recommendations require review of operating temperature, load case, chemical exposure, and part geometry.
Post-Processing and Functional Features
Available post-processing and finishing may include blasting, sanding, polishing, vapor smoothing, dyeing, painting, marking, inserts, tapping, drilling, and CNC secondary machining.
We recommend identifying critical interfaces early so that inserts, tapped holes, or machined surfaces can be planned into the build and finishing route.
Limitations to Review Upfront
- FDM is anisotropic; Z-direction strength is typically lower than in-plane. Reinforcement strategies are reviewed per part.
- Surfaces have visible layer lines; cosmetic requirements may require finishing.
- Overhangs and support interfaces can influence surface quality and post-processing time.
- Tolerances are geometry- and material-dependent; large parts and long unsupported spans are more sensitive.
Selecting FDM vs. SLA, SLS, or MJF
RapidPrintParts also runs SLA, SLS, and MJF in-house. Typical use guidance:
Choose FDM
For large parts, fixtures, equipment components, and when specific thermoplastics such as PC, PA-CF, PEEK, or PEI/ULTEM are required.
Choose SLS or MJF
For complex, durable nylon parts and low-volume production where fine features and uniform mechanical properties are important.
Choose SLA
For high-detail prototypes, smooth surfaces, and fit/appearance validation.
If you are uncertain, we will compare processes against your material, load, temperature, tolerance, finish, and quantity requirements.
Design and Order Inputs We Need
Fast and accurate quoting and DFM require application and operating environment, quantity and any repeat demand, material requirement or target properties, critical dimensions and tolerances, load, temperature, chemical, flame, or ESD requirements, finish and post-processing needs, target lead time or milestone, STEP/STP plus 2D drawing, and NDA requirements if applicable.
Part Orientation
Part orientation drives strength and surface; identify load directions and sealing/fit surfaces.
Threads and Inserts
Identify threads, inserts, or machined features early.
Mating Parts
Call out any mating parts or assembly constraints.
Quality and Documentation
Project-specific quality support may include first article inspection, dimensional inspection reports, material documents, certificates of conformity, and shipment reports.
Start an Engineering Review
Share your STEP/STP and 2D drawing along with what the part is used for, what performance it needs, how many are required, and when it is needed. We will review material, load, temperature, tolerance, finish, quantity, and timeline to recommend FDM or an alternative in-house process that best fits your application.
Engineering Review and Quote
Send your STEP/STP and 2D drawing along with your application details. Our team will evaluate material, load, temperature, tolerance, finish, quantity, and timeline to recommend the best in-house process for your part.
What to Share
- What is the part used for?
- What performance does it need?
- How many are required?
- When is it needed?