FDM (filament) Production
Odd Conjuration offers FDM (filament) manufacturing of your custom digital 3D models in a wide selection of materials.
FDM manufacturing is recommended for parts and models where surface detail is not highly critical, don’t have fine delicate parts, and geometries that don’t require significant supports. For parts and models with these characteristics, we offer MSLA (resin) manufacturing. FDM offers high detail in the x and y planes, but lacks the fidelity of MSLA in the z plane. PLA material with FDM production is the only option available for multi-color models. For Cosplay, when large designs require assembly of smaller parts and significant sanding is required, we recommend FDM production with ABS. ABS is close in price to PLA, but is significantly better for sanding and finishing.
Our FDM manufacturing has a minimum layer height of 0.12mm. This produces parts with layer lines that are less visible without bright lighting or close inspection. From a distance, it is difficult to see layer lines of 0.12mm unless the model is well lit, has smooth surfaces, or is produced or painted with a glossy material. The surface detail of FDM parts in the x and y plane can be close to as good as an MSLA part, but the z plane is not as good, even at equivalent layer height. If layer lines are not an issue for your part or model, you will definitely be pleased with the surface details of our FDM parts and models.
FDM manufacture builds from the bottom up laying down a “string” of material onto the build platform or layers below. Support material is built below parts that overhang more than 30 degrees or do not connect directly to the layers below. The way that FDM supports are built creates significant distortions and surface defects where they connect. They can also break delicate parts from models when removing them. Due to this limitation, we do not offer FMD manufacture of tabletop miniatures, models, or parts that have delicate pieces needing supports. For these types of models and parts, we offer MSLA (resin) manufacturing. MSLA can build fine supports capable of preserving much greater detail without substantial impact to connected areas.
Maximum Part/Model Dimensions
Odd Conjuration FMD manufacturing is available for parts that fit within 300mm x 320mm x 325mm.
Nozzle Diameter
We offer 0.6mm and 0.4mm nozzle diameter. The larger diameter option will reduce cost, but also limit the sharpness of corners, thinness, or small features.
Layer Height
Layer height choice will impact not only cost, but also the visibility of the layer lines on your parts and models. The layer lines created with the 0.6mm nozzle are much more visible. The layer lines of the 0.4mm nozzle at the 0.12mm layer height are less visible, but can still be seen under bright lighting and close inspection. Layer lines are also more visible on parts and models made or painted with glossy material or having smooth surfaces. If the surface quality of your parts or models is critical, we highly recommend choosing MSLA (resin) production.
For the 0.6mm nozzle, layer height options are 0.3mm, 0.24mm, and 0.18mm.
For the 0.4mm nozzle, layer height options are 0.2mm, 0.16mm, and 0.12mm.
For optimal strength, a layer height of ~1/3 nozzle diameter is recommended.
Part Strength
Along with material choice and layer height, part strength is also affected by the number of wall loops and infill percentage. FDM parts are hollowed, but the thickness of the part walls and the percentage of infill can be modified. Increasing the number of wall loops has a greater impact on part strength than infill percentage and layer height. The minimum number of wall loops we manufacture with is 2. We recommend greater wall thickness for parts needing more strength. The orientation of the part during production also has a substantial impact on strength. The x and y plane of parts will have greater strength than the z plane. Please let us know what strength requirements your parts may have when filling out your quote request.