Why FDM?
Affordable from part 1
No tooling costs, short set-up times.
Wide choice of materials
From PLA to polycarbonate and polyamide.
Robust functional parts
Strong enough for holders, gauges and housings.
Fast availability
Quote within 24 h, express delivery in 2–3 days.
FDM at ProtyLabs
Guide values. What is realistic for your part, we clarify in the quote.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Processes | Fused deposition modeling (material extrusion) |
| Larger parts | on request, e.g. split and joined |
| Tolerance | ±0.2 mm up to 100 mm, above that ±0.15 % |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, PC, PA and more |
| Quantity | Single part to small series |
Materials for FDM
PLA
Dimensionally stable and accurate. Good for models, samples and gauges without heat exposure.
PETG
Tough, chemically resistant, slightly flexible. For housings and functional parts.
ABS / ASA
Impact-resistant and more heat-resistant; ASA is also UV-resistant for outdoor use.
PC
Very strong and temperature-resistant for demanding parts.
PA (Nylon)
Tough and abrasion-resistant, good for gears, clips and sliding parts.
What we use it for
How to make your part better
When another process is a better fit
SLA
When visible surfaces must be smooth or details are below one millimetre.
SLS
When the part has internal structures that do not allow supports.
SLM (metal)
When plastic reaches its limits in strength or temperature.
When is FDM the right choice?
In the FDM process, a plastic filament is melted and deposited track by track. It is robust, economical and offers the widest choice of materials – from PLA through PETG, ASA and PC to fibre-reinforced polyamides. Ideal for holders, fixtures, housings, gauges and larger parts.
Orientation matters: across the layers an FDM part is weaker than along them, so we orient the part according to the main load. For smooth visible surfaces or very fine details, SLA or SLS is better; with post-processing, FDM parts in ABS or ASA can also be chemically smoothed.
Design guide values
| Tolerance | ±0.2 mm up to 100 mm, above that ±0.15 % |
|---|---|
| Wall thickness | at least approx. 1.2 mm |
| Overhangs | up to approx. 45° without supports |
| Holes | horizontal up to approx. 9 mm without supports |
| Clearance | from 0.1 mm, safe 0.3 mm |
| Materials | 24 FDM materials in the material finder |
FAQ about FDM
Are the layers visible?
Yes, fine layer lines are typical for FDM. For smooth visible surfaces we recommend SLA or post-processing.
How strong are FDM parts?
Depending on material and orientation, very strong. We orient the part so that the main load does not act across the layers.
What does an FDM part cost?
That depends on size, material and print time. Send us the file and you will receive a specific quote.
Want to turn your idea into a finished part?
Send us CAD data, a photo, a sketch or the original part. We check feasibility, process and material and get back to you with an assessment and a quote.