Micro-FDM Process Capability and Comparison with Micro-Injection Moulding

In recent years, fused deposition modelling technology (FDM) has become one of the most important additive manufacturing technology due to its capability to produce functional prototypes with complex shape in a cost effective way. Recently, the trend towards miniaturization invested also this technology, since the request of micro-component is rapidly growing due to the increasing number industrial sectors involved. Mechanical properties are fundamental in some sectors of high-quality micro-parts, so the knowledge of the influence of FDM process parameters on mechanical properties can be useful to extend its application and help the optimization of the parameter selection. In this context, the aim of this study is the analysis of the FDM capability and the room for improvement, through a comparison with a well consolidated industrial process, such as the micro-injection moulding. Although FDM quality cannot compete with the technologies industrially used for final products, its low cost and short time are very attractive for some applications. Moreover, the comparison can be interesting since FDM is often used to manufacture prototypes eventually made with more performing industrial technologies, so that a measure of the quality and functionality of these prototypes can be extremely useful for product developers.