Industrial FDM vs. Desktop FDM

FDM is one of the most popular 3D printing technologies. It is based on material extrusion and the layer-by-layer deposition of molten thermoplastic through a nozzle.

Numerous start-ups have developed different low-cost desktop 3D printers, pushing the capabilities of these machines further and further.

But how do desktop FDM printers compares to their industrial counterparts?

What level of accuracy can be achieved by these machines?

What materials are available?

Does the end result out weight the increased cost associated with industrial FDM printers?

And most importantly... which solutions is better for YOUR application?

I answer these questions in the article I wrote recently for the 3D Hubs Knowledge base. I drain my information from the 1+ years of delivering professional 3D printing services through the platform, as well as my journey through my PhD.

Spoiler alert: Desktop 3D printers are more capable than you might think!