PMPA Craftsman Cribsheet #144: FDM Printing for the Shop

Published October 1, 2025

By David Wynn, Director of Technical Services & Industry Affairs

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Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is typically a spool of plastic fed through a nozzle depositing one layer at a time. FDM is a great method for making larger prints. It also has the capability to make hollow or honeycomb-formed interiors. Printing hollow can reduce weight without compromising strength. Hollow prints can also reduce the amount of material used on large prints. Final print tolerances of around ±0.015-0.030 inch are typical.