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3D Printing FDM: technical parts and functional prototypes.
Professional service of FDM 3D printing with in-house production in Valencia. More than 30 thermoplastic materials, PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, NYLON, TPU, PC and many more. Shipping throughout Spain and Europe.
Fused deposition modelling, layer by layer.
The FDM 3D printing (Fused Deposition Modeling, also known as FFF / Fused Filament Fabrication) is the most widespread additive manufacturing technology in the world. It works by melting a thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle, between 180 °C and 320 °C depending on the material, depositing it layer by layer onto a heated print bed until the complete part is formed.
It is the technology that has popularised 3D printing because it combines low cost, wide variety of materials and large print volumes. That is why it is the default option for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, tooling, supports, enclosures and short runs that do not require a perfect surface finish.
At Imprimakers we work with industrial-grade FDM printers and we maintain a fleet of more than 12 machines running in parallel to guarantee lead times of 24 to 72 h even for large orders.
QUICK TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
The FDM 3D printing process, step by step.
From the CAD file to the finished part in your hands. A fully traceable process that we control in our workshop to guarantee consistent tolerances and finishes.
CAD file preparation
Your STL/STEP is processed in a slicer. We define orientation, infill, supports and print profile according to the final use of the part.
Filament loading and preheating
The hot-end reaches the melting temperature of the material (200 °C for PLA, 250 °C for ABS, up to 320 °C for PC and nylon). The heated print bed prevents warping on large parts.
Layer-by-layer deposition
The nozzle moves in XY while the platform descends in Z. Each layer adheres to the previous one by thermal fusion, forming the part from the bottom up.
Support removal, QA and shipping
We remove supports by hand or by dissolution (PVA/HIPS), inspect critical tolerances with callipers and ship throughout Spain and Europe in 24 to 72 h.
Why choose FDM... and when it is not the best option.
Like any technology, FDM has clear strengths and real limitations. Knowing them helps you decide if it is the right technology for your project.
Advantages Pros
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The lowest cost per partThe most economical option on the market, especially for large volumes and simple geometries.
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Greater variety of materialsFrom decorative PLA to carbon fibre composites or technical flame-retardant, ESD and high-temperature materials.
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Large print volumesParts up to 500×500×500 mm in a single run, or much larger modular assemblies.
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Rapid productionAn average of 3 working days from order confirmation. No moulds, no minimums.
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Robust and functional partsSufficient mechanical resistance for tooling, prototypes subjected to stress and end-use parts.
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Safe and clean materialsPLA and PETG are harmless in use. No liquid resins, no fine powders in suspension.
Limitations Cons
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Lower surface finishThe staircase effect between layers is visible. For mirror surfaces you need sanding or acetone vapour (ABS).
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Limited fine detailsBelow 0.8 mm wall or details < 0.4 mm quality drops. For jewellery or miniatures, SLA is better.
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Mechanical anisotropyParts are weaker on the Z axis (between layers). They must be oriented correctly so the load does not separate the layers.
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Requires supportsFor overhangs > 45° support material is needed, which leaves a mark when removed.
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Wide tolerances±0.3 mm or 0.3 % typical. For h7/H7 mechanical fits, SLS or post-machining is better.
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Very complex geometriesClosed interiors with complicated cavities are inaccessible. For those, SLS needs no supports.
Capabilities of our FDM service.
Manufacturing parameters we apply by default at Imprimakers. On request we can adjust special configurations for your project.
+30 technical filaments for 3D printing FDM.
PLA
The most popular and economical. Easy to print, great surface quality, low warping. Ideal for visual prototypes, decoration, scale models and parts not subjected to heat.
ABS / ASA
Technical thermoplastic resistant to impact and temperatures up to 95 °C. ASA also resists UV and outdoor exposure. Machinable, sandable and paintable. Professional finish with acetone vapour.
PETG
The balance between PLA and ABS: resistant, slightly flexible, food-contact safe and easy to print. Perfect for functional parts, containers and enclosures.
NYLON (PA)
High mechanical, chemical and wear resistance. For parts that rub, gears, bushings, joints. Available reinforced with carbon or glass fibre.
PA-CF / PETG-CF
Carbon fibre reinforced filaments. Extreme rigidity, low thermal deformation, technical matte appearance. For industrial tooling and lightweight structural parts.
TPU 95A
Thermoplastic elastomer, rubber-like feel. Resistance to repeated bending, anti-vibration, grip. Phone cases, gaskets, soles, plugs, overmoulds and soft prototypes.
PC · POLYCARBONATE
Resistance to high temperatures (115 °C), great toughness and transparency. For engine parts, electrical enclosures, prototypes subjected to heat or impact.
PLA WOOD
PLA with real wood particles (30 %). Organic feel and appearance, can be sanded and varnished like real wood. For architecture, scale models, premium decoration.
OTHERS · ON REQUEST
Soluble PVA, HIPS, PP (polypropylene), PEEK, PEI / Ultem, ESD (dissipative), magnetic, conductive, phosphorescent, transparent. Request it in the first message of the order.
What is printing used for FDM.
More than 1,200 projects in these sectors back us up. From the one-off prototype to runs of 500 units, FDM covers most rapid manufacturing needs.
Engineering and prototyping
Rapid validation of mechanical designs, electronic enclosures, functional brackets. Test 5 versions of a part in a week instead of a month.
- Functional prototypes
- Presentation scale models
- Rapid CAD iteration
Industry and tooling
Assembly templates, jigs, fixtures, gauges, custom supports for production lines. Replace obsolete machine parts without waiting for the manufacturer.
- Custom tooling
- On-demand spare parts
- Inspection jigs
Automotive
Restoration parts for classic cars, wiring brackets, interior accessories, dashboard prototypes. Temperature-resistant materials (ASA, PC).
- Classic car restoration
- Trim panels
- Technical supports
Architecture and scale models
Large-scale building and urban development scale models with Wood PLA or white matte PLA. Sufficient detail, contained cost and short lead times for competitions.
- Urban scale models
- Presentation models
- Architecture competitions
Product and consumer goods
Short runs of custom products, displays, shop supports, technical packaging. More cost-effective than injection moulding below 200 to 500 units.
- Short runs
- Custom product
- Displays and stands
Education and research
Teaching material, anatomical models, laboratory prototypes, equipment for fab labs and maker spaces. Technical support for institutions.
- Teaching material
- Scientific models
- Laboratory equipment
Is FDM the right technology for your project?
Compare the three main 3D printing technologies in plastic. Each has its optimal context: at Imprimakers we offer all three and help you choose.
| Parameter | FDM | SLA | SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Thermoplastic filament PLA, ABS, PETG, NYLON, PC, TPU… | Photopolymer liquid resin Standard, Tough, Castable, Flexible | Nylon powder (PA12, PA11) + TPU, glass, carbon fibre |
| Relative cost | € · More economical | €€ · Intermediate | €€€ · More expensive |
| Surface finish | Visible layers Staircase effect 0.1 to 0.3 mm | Smooth, almost polished surface Layers 25 to 100 µm | Matte finish, slightly porous Uniform feel |
| Minimum detail | 0,4 mm | 0,025 mm (better) | 0,3 mm |
| Mechanical resistance | Good, anisotropic Weaker on Z axis | Medium · more fragile parts Improved with Tough resins | Excellent, isotropic Like injection moulding |
| Typical max. volume | 500×500×500 mm | 145×145×185 mm | 340×340×600 mm |
| Complex geometries | Limited (requires supports) | Limited (requires supports) | Excellent (without supports) |
| Best for | Prototypes · tooling · large parts · short runs at low cost | Detail models · jewellery · dental · visual prototypes | Functional production · short runs · end-use parts |
Available finishes for parts FDM.
Parts come out of the printer with visible layer marks. If your project needs a professional finish, we offer several levels of post-processing.
As-printed
Part as it comes out of the printer. Support removal and basic cleaning. Visible layers, untreated.
Manual sanding
Progressive sanding (220 → 400 → 800) to smooth layers. Ready to prime or use as a visual reference.
Primer and paint
Filling primer + acrylic paint to taste. Matte, satin or gloss finish. RAL colour chart.
Acetone vapour (ABS)
For ABS/ASA parts: vapour treatment that melts the surface and creates a smooth, glossy finish.
How much does a 3D print cost FDM?
The price of an FDM part depends on five main factors. Our online calculator applies them automatically when you upload your file, with no need for email or sales contact.
For reference: a small part in PLA (50 g) costs around 9 €; a functional enclosure in ABS (200 g) is around 50 €; a jig in NYLON-CF (350 g) is around 220 €. These prices include basic post-processing and quality control.
Parts we have made for our clients.
What our clients.
FAQ about FDM 3D printing.
The most common questions we receive about our FDM 3D printing service.
What is the difference between FDM and FFF?
Technically are the same technology. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a registered trademark of Stratasys, while FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) is the generic term used by the rest of the industry. In practice, all filament printers use exactly the same principle: extruding molten thermoplastic layer by layer.
How much does it cost to print a part in FDM?
A small part in PLA (50 g) costs from 5 a 9 €. A functional enclosure in ABS (200 g) is around 40 €. A Nylon jig (400 g) is around €80. The price is calculated per gram (depending on material) plus print time. Our online calculator gives you the price instantly.
What is the maximum size you can print in FDM?
500×500×500 mm in a single part with our standard printers. For larger parts we split them into modules and assemble them in the workshop with structural bonding, with no visible joint. We have produced final parts over 1.5 m long using this system.
What FDM material should I choose for my part?
Depends on use: PLA for visual, decoration or parts not subjected to heat (warping at 60 °C). PETG for functional parts with some flexing or food contact. ABS/ASA for technical parts resistant to heat and weathering (ASA). NYLON for gears, joints or parts that rub. PA-CF for industrial tooling. If in doubt, write to us with a photo of the final use and we will recommend the optimal material free of charge.
How long does an FDM print take?
Print time varies a lot: a small part takes 30 min, a medium one 4 to 6 h, a large one can exceed 24 h. Our lead time is an average of 3 business days from the moment you confirm the order, thanks to a fleet of more than 25 FDM printers running in parallel.
Is FDM printing resistant?
Yes, especially with technical materials. A well-designed part in NYLON or ABS perfectly withstands mechanical use, vibrations and load. The key is orient it correctly: FDM parts are weaker on the Z axis (between layers), so the main load must run parallel to the layers. We help optimise the orientation for each order.
Can I print parts for outdoor use?
Yes, but choose the right material: PLA cannot withstand prolonged direct sunlight (it degrades under UV). For outdoors use ASA (the best option, UV and weather resistant), PETG (lasts several years) or PC (high resistance). For marine environments, NYLON.
What files do you accept for FDM printing?
We accept STL, STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, OBJ, ZIP up to 200 MB per file. STL is the most common format. If you only have an idea, a sketch or a physical object you want to reproduce, we also offer a 3D modelling service from €25/h.
Do you do NDAs / confidentiality agreements?
Yes, at no cost. Request it in the first message and we will send you the signed confidentiality clause before you send us the files. Your models are deleted when the project is closed if you request it. We work with several R&D companies under this model.













