Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is widely used for functional prototyping, large-format industrial components, and manufacturing tools, fixtures, and guides. It is particularly valuable for producing large parts or low-volume components where traditional tooling costs would be prohibitively expensive. FDM also enables the production of complex geometries that may be difficult, costly, or impractical to manufacture using conventional methods. For certain applications, it can be used to produce end-use mechanical components in single-unit or low-volume production runs. High-performance materials such as ULTEM, PEEK, and carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics further expand its use in demanding applications requiring strength, heat resistance, and durability.
Aerospace
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is widely used in aerospace to produce lightweight interior components, functional prototypes, custom manufacturing tools, and low-volume flight hardware using high-performance thermoplastics. One of its greatest advantages is speed: parts that would traditionally require weeks or months of tooling, molding, or machining can often be produced in a matter of days. This significantly shortens development timelines, reduces tooling costs, and makes FDM especially valuable for low-volume production and highly customized aerospace applications.
- Air Vents and Ducting
- Trim and Panels
- Armrests and Consoles
- Cable Management and Wire Enclosures
- Instrument and Avionics Mounts
- Jigs, Fixtures, and Gauges
Materials ULTEM 9085, ULTEM 1010, ULTEM 1010 CG, Antero 800NA, and more...
Space
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is used in spacecraft and orbital missions to produce lightweight components, custom tools, replacement parts, and mission-specific hardware on demand. FDM is also well suited for satellite and launch-vehicle applications, where components are often produced in very low quantities or as one-off designs. By eliminating the need for expensive tooling and minimum production runs, 3D printing can reduce manufacturing costs, shorten lead times, and make highly customized aerospace hardware more practical to produce.
- Satellite Structures & CubeSat Frames
- High-Energy Battery Housings
- Radio Antenna Arrays
- On-Demand Tools and Replacement Parts
- Electronics Brackets and ESD Shielding
Materials Antero 800NA (low outgassing), Antero 840CN03 (ESD safe), ULTEM 1010, and more...
Automotive
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is widely used in the automotive industry for rapid prototyping, manufacturing aids, custom interior and exterior components, and low-volume production parts. It is especially valuable for low-volume and aftermarket applications where the cost of injection molding or traditional tooling cannot be justified. FDM parts can also be installed on prototype and test vehicles to evaluate fit, function, ergonomics, and design performance before committing to expensive production tooling. This allows manufacturers to identify design issues earlier, shorten development cycles, and reduce overall prototyping costs.
- Form and Fit Testing
- Functional Test-Fitting
- Jigs and Fixtures
- Ergonomic Hand Tools and Mounts
- Under-the-Hood Components
- Interior Trim and Customization
- Exterior Accent
- Air Intake Ducts
Materials ASA (UV stable), Nylon 12CF (stiff), ULTEM 1010 (heat), and more...
Medical
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is used in the medical field to produce cost-effective anatomical models, surgical planning tools, custom fixtures, and prototypes for medical devices and equipment. Biocompatible and sterilizable materials can also enable certain FDM parts to be used in clinical and laboratory environments. FDM is especially valuable when medical components or surgical tools need to be developed, tested, or produced within short timeframes. By reducing reliance on traditional tooling and machining, 3D printing can shorten development cycles, lower prototyping costs, and make customized or low-volume medical solutions more practical.
- Surgical Planning
- Medical Implants
- Medical Education
- Prototyping Medical Devices
- Assistive and Low-Load Devices
- Custom Fixtures and Jigs
Materials ABS-M30i, PC-ISO (biocompatible), ULTEM 1010 (autoclavable), PEEK, and more...
Manufacturing
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is widely used in manufacturing for functional prototyping, custom factory tooling such as jigs and fixtures, and low-volume end-use production parts. One of its key advantages is speed, as custom tools and replacement components can often be produced in a matter of days rather than weeks. FDM also simplifies maintenance and replacement. If a tool, fixture, or component becomes worn or damaged, the same digital file can be used to quickly reproduce the part, reducing downtime and helping keep production moving efficiently.
- Jigs and Fixtures
- Functional Prototyping
- End-Use Production Parts
- Custom Enclosures and Housings
Materials ABS-M30, PC, Nylon 12CF, Diran 410MF07 (low friction), and more...
Electronics
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing provides practical, cost-effective solutions throughout the electronics industry, from early-stage prototyping to specialized factory tooling and low-volume production components. Custom housings, enclosures, fixtures, and protective covers can be produced quickly without the cost or lead time associated with traditional tooling. Specialty FDM materials with electrostatic-dissipative (ESD) properties and chemical resistance can also be used to protect sensitive electronic components in demanding manufacturing environments. This makes FDM especially useful for rapidly producing customized parts that improve handling, protection, and workflow efficiency.
- Controlled Dissipation Housing
- Prototype Housings
- Low-Volume Production Boxes
- Integrated Standoffs
- PCB Assembly Jigs
- Cable Routing Guides
- Component Spacers and Shrouds
- ESD-Safe Brackets
Materials ABS-ESD7, PC-ESD, Antero 840CN03, and more...
