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Benefits of Fused Deposition Modeling
FDM Standard Tolerances
| Tolerance Note | Description |
|---|---|
| General Tolerance | +/- a single build layer thickness for the first inch and +/- .002” for every inch thereafter. |
| Build Size | Up to 24″ x 36″ x 36″ |
| Layer Height, less than 16″ | 0.010″ Layers (0.008″ for PLA) |
| Layer Height, greater than 16″ (up to 36″) | 0.013″ Layers |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.047″ (less than 16″), 0.060″ (greater than 16″) |
Fused Deposition Modeling Materials
Large‑Format Printing
Complex Geometries
Volume Flexibility
Design Support
Material Versatility
Quality Control
Lead Time forFused Deposition Modeling Service
MXY Machining offer flexible lead times tailored to your project schedule and urgency. All timelines start from full confirmation of design specifications, material approval, and order details. Every schedule already includes time for engineering review, precision machining, strict quality inspection, required surface treatments, and secure packaging. We also provide regular progress updates throughout production, and can arrange custom priority schedules for time‑sensitive projects.
Project Type |
Standard Lead Time |
Express Service |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Prototypes | 1 – 2 working days | 24‑hour turnaround available |
| Functional Parts / Batches | 2 – 5 working days | 2 – 3 working days |
| Large / Complex Runs | 5 – 10 working days | Priority scheduling available |
Fused Deposition Modeling Materials
We offer a wide range of CNC machining materials, including metal alloys, plastics, wood, and composites, carefully selected for strength, durability, and cost. Our engineers provide DFM guidance to optimize your plastic and metal parts design for manufacturing.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
The most popular FDM filament — easy to print, low warp, and biodegradable (made from corn starch). Produces smooth surface finishes and vibrant colors. No heated bed or enclosure needed. Ideal for prototypes, display models, figurines, and low-stress parts.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
A strong, impact-resistant, and heat-tolerant engineering plastic. Requires a heated bed and enclosed printer to prevent warping. Can be acetone-smoothed for a glossy finish. Used for functional parts, automotive components, enclosures, and LEGO-like products.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Combines the ease of printing of PLA with the strength and heat resistance of ABS. Food-safe, chemical-resistant, and impact-resistant with slight flexibility. Excellent layer adhesion. The go-to material for functional prototypes, containers, and mechanical parts.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
A flexible, rubber-like elastomer with excellent abrasion resistance and elasticity. Shore hardness ranges from 60A to 95A. Requires slow print speeds and direct drive extruders. Used for gaskets, seals, phone cases, footwear, hinges, and vibration-damping parts.
Nylon / Polyamide (PA)
A strong, durable, and wear-resistant engineering plastic with low friction and good chemical resistance. Hygroscopic — requires drying before printing. Excellent for functional mechanical parts, gears, bearings, bushings, and snap-fit assemblies.
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
Similar mechanical properties to ABS but with superior UV resistance and weatherability. Does not yellow or degrade under sunlight. Requires heated bed and enclosure. The top choice for outdoor parts, automotive exterior trim, garden equipment, and signage.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
A strong, wear-resistant engineering plastic with low friction and good mechanical strength. Absorbs moisture, which increases toughness. Widely used for gears, bearings, bushings, fasteners, and high-wear mechanical components.
Polycarbonate (PC)
An extremely strong and impact-resistant transparent engineering plastic with high heat deflection temperature. Requires high nozzle temps (260–310°C) and an enclosed chamber. Used for protective shields, lenses, machine guards, and high-strength transparent parts.
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
Carbon Fiber Reinforced
A composite filament (PLA-CF, PETG-CF, Nylon-CF, or PEEK-CF) infused with chopped carbon fibers. Delivers exceptional stiffness, dimensional stability, and heat resistance with reduced weight. Requires hardened steel nozzles. Used for drone frames, tooling, jigs, and structural parts.
Fused Deposition Modeling Surface Finishes
As-Printed (Standard)
Passivation process
The raw, unprocessed finish straight from the 3D printer. Characteristic visible horizontal layer lines and stair-stepping texture, with a matte surface in the material’s native color. No post-processing suitable for functional prototypes, fit-and-assembly testing, internal components, and parts where surface appearance is secondary to dimensional accuracy and cost efficiency.
Sanded & Smooth
Passivation process
Post-printing manual sanding with progressively finer grit sandpaper (typically 120–600 grit) removes layer lines, stair-stepping, and surface imperfections, producing a smooth, matte, uniform surface. Labor-intensive but flexible ideal for resin prints, FDM parts, and prototypes requiring a smooth base for painting or a refined matte finish without chemical processing.
Vapor Smoothed
Passivation process
Chemical post-processing that exposes ABS, ASA, or compatible 3D printed parts to solvent vapor, melting the surface micro-layer to dissolve and completely eliminate layer lines, producing a smooth, glossy, non-porous finish. Seals surface porosity, improves chemical resistance and mechanical strength the most widely used smoothing finish for functional prototypes and end-use 3D printed parts requiring a production-quality surface.
Primed & Painted
Passivation process
Combined post-processing where 3D printed parts are first sanded and primed, then spray painted in any custom RAL/Pantone color, including metallic, matte, satin, or gloss finishes. The primer fills micro-porosity and layer lines, creating an ideal substrate for uniform paint adhesion resulting in a flawless, production-quality paint finish with no visible print texture. Used for consumer products, automotive prototypes, and showcase models.
Dyed
Passivation process
Post-printing dyeing process for SLS, MJF, or sintered nylon parts where the porous nylon substrate absorbs dye in any custom color (black, blue, red, purple, etc.), producing uniform, colorfast coloring throughout the surface. No painting required the dye penetrates the material for durable, scratch-resistant color. Ideal for functional nylon parts, consumer products, and components requiring custom color with the natural sintered texture.
High-Gloss Polished
Passivation process
Post-printing hand or mechanical polishing with progressively finer abrasive compounds and buffing wheels removes all layer lines and surface imperfections, producing a mirror-like, highly reflective glossy surface. Achieves the highest possible gloss on 3D printed resin, acrylic, or polished plastic parts. Used for optical components, cosmetic prototypes, premium consumer products, and display models requiring a flawless, reflective, production-quality finish.
Metal Electroplated
Passivation process
Post-printing electroplating process that deposits a metallic layer (copper, nickel, chrome, gold, or silver) onto a prepared 3D printed plastic substrate (typically ABS or PC/ABS), producing a smooth, reflective, metallic finish. Transforms lightweight plastic prints into parts with the appearance, weight, and conductivity of metal. Used for decorative figurines, jewelry, automotive emblems, hardware, and functional parts requiring metallic aesthetics or electrical conductivity.
Hydro Dipped / Water Transfer
Passivation process
Post-printing decoration process that transfers printed patterns (carbon fiber, wood grain, camouflage, marble, custom designs) from a water-soluble film onto the entire 3D surface of 3D printed parts, including complex curves and recesses. Produces a seamless, full-coverage decorative pattern with excellent adhesion. Used for automotive interior trim, consumer electronics, sporting goods, and any 3D printed part requiring a premium patterned finish that conforms to complex geometries.
Clear Coated / Resin Coated
Passivation process
Post-printing application of a transparent clear coat or epoxy resin layer over a prepared 3D printed part, producing a high-gloss, smooth, protective finish with depth and shine. The clear coat fills micro-porosity, seals the surface, enhances underlying paint or dye color, and provides a durable, scratch-resistant, UV-stable top layer. Used for consumer products, display models, art pieces, and parts requiring a premium, deep-gloss protective finish.
Custom Textured
Passivation process
Post-printing or print-integrated custom surface texture created by 3D modeling the texture directly into the part (knurling, diamond grip, stipple, geometric patterns) or applying it post-print via etching, texturing, or abrasive blasting. Adds tactile grip, hides surface defects, and provides a premium custom feel. Used for ergonomic grips, handles, consumer product enclosures, tool handles, and any 3D printed part requiring a specific textured surface for ergonomic, anti-slip, or aesthetic purposes.
