Since its creation in December 2003, the FDM technology at Materialise has proven to be a big success. In 2007, 5099 FDM parts were ordered and produced (cf. 2225 FDM parts in 2004).

The growing demand for FDM components, especially large, platform filling parts, necessitates a continuous expansion of the machine park. This month, two extra Maxum systems were added, allowing the production of large models in tough ABS and ABSi plastic with water soluble supports.
Materialise’s FDM center now houses 10 FDM Maxums (Materials: ABS/ABSi - Build area: 600 x 500 x 600 mm), 3 FDM Titans (Materials: ABS/ABSi, PC/PC-ABS/PC-ISO, PPSU - Build area: 406 x 355 x 406 mm), and 1 FDM Vantage (Materials: ABS/ABSi, PC/PC-ABS/PC-ISO - Build area: 406 x 355 x 406 mm).

With the expansion of the FDM machine park, Materialise again increase their flexibility and reduce lead times for the production of functional FDM models and series of FDM production parts in the latest materials. By offering the opportunity to order FDM parts online (through www.materialise.com/onsite), Materialise help their customers to shorten the product development process and save money.
“Today, FDM parts are used increasingly in production environments and for functional testing. With our large capacity of RP systems, wide material range and high-quality finishing techniques, we are ready to answer the customer’s growing demand for small series of production parts. The growing use of RP technology in production environments is the main reason why Materialise continue to invest in new equipment. We plan to install even more FDM machines in the near future”, concludes Bart Van der Schueren, Director of Materialise Industrial Services.