A kind of rapid prototyping, fused deposition is a process that involves layering material in both vertical and horizontal directions. What is produced is a three-dimensional model. The process was introduced by a man named S. Scott Crump in the 1980s and, by 1990, the process was widely commercialized. FDM — fused deposition modeling — produces models with thermoplastics that do not produce very much detail which means the prototypes are mainly used for product testing.

Fused deposition and the hardware it takes to produce is expensive, so check out the following and find the best price:

1. Professional prototyping services

2. FDM prototyping printers and software

3. Profiles and contact info from industry directories

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start the process with professional fused deposition modeling prototyping companies

Any solid prototyping company will convert two-dimensional files to STL, or stereo lithography, files. Top-notch fused deposition modeling prototyping companies can do even more for conceptualizing your design by adding color to your final prototype. An FDM prototype should both grab attention and withstand lots of handling should you want to refer back to it, time and time again, for improvements.

I recommend: Both Model-Ease and Alpha Prototypes can get you started in deposition modeling with the right prototype.

Perform top-notch fused deposition model manufacturing in-house with the right hardware and software

If you're going to invest in fused deposition model manufacturing printers or products, invest in the very latest in what the industry has to offer. This includes printers that are portable for small offices as well as products that rely on computer aided drafting, or CAD. Just make sure you know what maximum size your 3D printer will produce since some of the portable printers won't produce models that are more than twelve inches high or wide.

I recommend: Fill out a quick survey and Dimension will help you determine what kind of printer you need. ZCorporation boasts several portable systems.

Trust industry leaders and experts for the latest in FDM rapid prototyping

Profile and service information about fused deposition modeling can be found through company profiles on sites dedicated to finding you the widest variety of deposition modeling equipment vendors. These sites can lead you to contact information, site links and location. Many of these search engines will also let you create a free profile and save a list of any companies you'd like to consider.

I recommend: Click and compare with industry listings and where-to-buy information from both Direct Industry and SupplierSource.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for water-soluble plastics that can be washed away if needed. You'll have to be careful with your prototypes while making improvements but it makes clean-up of prototypes in fused deposition modeling quick and easy for faster marketing.