3D printing of polymers by fused deposition modeling (FDM): filament ink to composite materials

Abstract

3D printing technology has gained significant attention for its rapid manufacturing of on-demand customized objects from digital computer-aided design (CAD) model without need molds or machining. Polymers are the most utilize a class of commercial materials in additive manufacturing (AM) because of excellent physico-mechanical properties with desired objects. Fused deposition modeling is the filament based printing process which most widely popular for commercial thermoplastics polymer than other manufacturing techniques because of its extremely low cost, facile manipulation and possible to use from industry to public sector. This short review focuses on the only FDM printing process for engineering polymers and its composite. The physical states of the polymer such as melted filament play an important role in this printing process and also the properties of desired objects. The major challenges for the further extent of this FDM technology are accurate prototyping, multi-material parts, robust and real end-use products.
Keywords: FDM Printing; Thermoplastic polymer; Polymer composites; Potential risks and challenges