How Our FDM 3D Printing Service Works
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Upload 3D Models for an Instant Quote
Get an immediate FDM 3D printing quote by uploading your 3D models. Need help? Contact us anytime.
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Confirm and Place Your Order
Review the quote and place your order. Next-day rush option available.
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Receive Ready Parts
Receive your FDM 3D printing parts with fast nationwide delivery.
Lead Times and Delivery Options
FDM projects can move quickly, with standard production, rush production options for eligible jobs, and nationwide shipping after completion. Production lead time and shipping transit time are separate. Total turnaround depends on both.
Standard Production
1 to 3 business days
Next-Day Rush Production
Next-business-day completion for eligible FDM orders placed before 12 PM ET
Shipping and Pickup
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Local pickup available at our Salem, MA location.
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UPS Ground by default, typically 1 to 4 business days within the U.S. Expedited shipping available on request.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Process
FDM 3D printing builds custom parts by extruding thermoplastic material layer by layer.
Our vast material selection includes ABS, PLA, TPU, PETG, ASA, Nylon, PC, SBS, and HIPS, ensuring you find the right fit for your projects.
While the 3D printing FDM technique offers good dimensional accuracy, ensuring measurements to the range of ±0.5% with a minimum variance of ±0.5 mm, its true strength lies in its versatility and cost-effectiveness. From rapid prototyping to industrial applications, we've got the solutions for diverse needs.
When to Choose FDM 3D Printing
Choose FDM 3D printing when you need functional parts, durable thermoplastics, and a cost-effective path to fast iteration. FDM is often a strong fit for prototypes, housings, brackets, fixtures, jigs, and larger parts where strength and material choice matter more than a polished cosmetic finish.
When FDM May Not Be the Best Fit
FDM may not be the best choice when the part requires very fine detail, smoother surfaces, or intricate cosmetic features. In those cases, SLA or SLS may be a better fit depending on the application. FDM is usually the better option when durability, speed, and practical material performance matter most.
Which FDM Material Is Right for Your Part?
The best FDM material depends on how the part will be used. Some materials are best for low-cost prototypes and fast iteration, while others are better for outdoor exposure, flexibility, heat resistance, or more demanding engineering requirements. If you are not sure which option fits your part, our team can help review the design and recommend the right material before production.
Best for early prototypes, concept models, and larger visual parts where speed and cost matter most. PLA is often the simplest starting point for non-demanding prototypes and presentation parts.
Better for functional indoor parts that need improved heat resistance and a more engineering-focused material profile. ABS is often used when the part needs to handle more demanding conditions than PLA or PETG.
Best for parts that need bend, compression, or grip. TPU is commonly used for seals, gaskets, bumpers, protective covers, and other parts that need flexibility instead of rigid structure.
High-Performance Thermoplastics
Best for advanced applications that require higher heat resistance, chemical resistance, or more specialized engineering performance. This group includes PPS, PPS-CF/GF, PEEK, and ULTEM.
A practical choice for general-purpose functional parts that need more toughness than PLA. PETG works well for enclosures, brackets, covers, and other parts that need a balanced mix of durability, printability, and cost.
Best for outdoor parts or applications exposed to UV and weather. ASA offers a similar functional profile to ABS, with better long-term resistance to sunlight and the elements.
Engineering Thermoplastics
A strong option for more demanding functional parts that need better mechanical or thermal performance than standard FDM materials can provide. This group includes materials such as PPA-CF/GF, PC, PC-FR, PC/PBT, ABS-HS, PA12-CF, PC/ABS, ABS+, PA6/66, and PA6-C.
Not sure which FDM material is right for your part? Upload your file for an instant quote or contact us for guidance before ordering.
Key Features, Design Guidelines, and Performance Characteristics for FDM 3D Printing
Excellence in FDM 3D Printing
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We deliver parts with consistent quality, ensuring uniform surfaces and strong layer adhesion. Minor retraction or layer marks may occur but do not impact functionality.
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We ensure all support materials are eliminated, leading to a steady finish on the supported surface.
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With FDM printing, parts come with 3 outline/perimeter shells, equivalent to a wall thickness of 1.2 mm.
Why Choose Our 3D Printing FDM Service?
With our in-house FDM printing capabilities, we offer an extensive selection of materials, including ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU, and more. This versatility allows us to cater to a wide range of applications, from functional prototypes to durable, end-use components.
Our FDM 3D printing service is designed for speed, with lead times starting as fast as one business day, helping you meet tight deadlines.
Backed by over 12 years of experience in 3D printing, our team combines deep technical knowledge with advanced tools and techniques. Whether you need a quick prototype or a cost-effective production run, we deliver reliable results with expert precision and efficient cost estimation tailored to your project needs.
In-house Production
15+ Materials
12+ Years of Experience
Next-Day Rush Option Available
Volume Discounts
Serving Boston businesses and
beyond
Applications of FDM 3D Printing
Functional Prototypes
FDM is a strong choice for prototypes that need to be handled, assembled, tested, or revised quickly. It works well when the goal is to check form, fit, and basic function before moving into a more final process or material.
Jigs, Fixtures, and Shop Tools
FDM is often useful for manufacturing aids, assembly fixtures, drill guides, inspection tools, and other parts that support day-to-day operations. These parts usually benefit from fast turnaround, practical strength, and easy replacement.
Housings, Brackets, and Mounting Parts
FDM can be a good fit for covers, enclosures, brackets, mounts, and similar components where shape, durability, and cost matter more than a highly cosmetic finish.
Large Prototype Parts
Because FDM can support larger builds than many other additive processes, it is often useful for bigger prototype parts, display structures, mockups, and components that may be assembled from multiple printed sections.
Low-Volume Functional Parts
Depending on the material, geometry, and use case, FDM can support selected low-volume parts for real-world testing or limited use. It is especially useful when teams need parts quickly before committing to tooling or a different production method.
Iterative Hardware Development
FDM is well suited for hardware teams that need to revise parts across multiple design cycles. It allows teams to test ideas, adjust geometry, and keep development moving without waiting for tooling.
Frequently Asked Questions About FDM 3D Printing
1. How does FDM compare with SLA and SLS?
FDM is usually the better fit for durable thermoplastic parts, fast iteration, and cost control. SLA is better when fine detail and smoother cosmetic surfaces matter most. SLS is often better for complex nylon parts and stronger functional components that benefit from printing without support structures.
2. Which FDM materials are better for heat-resistant prototypes?
ABS and ASA are common choices when heat resistance matters more than it would with PLA or PETG. For more demanding requirements, engineering or high-performance thermoplastics may be a better fit depending on geometry, temperature range, and use case.
3. Can Upside review my FDM design before printing?
Yes. If your part has thin walls, mating features, tight clearances, load-bearing areas, or material requirements, we can review the design before production and help identify issues that may affect print quality.
4. What should I consider when designing FDM parts that need to fit with other components?
Plan for clearance, material behavior, print orientation, and post-processing needs. Holes, slots, snap features, and mating surfaces may need small design adjustments so the printed part fits as intended.
5. What affects the strength of an FDM printed part?
Strength depends on material choice, wall thickness, infill, print orientation, layer direction, and how the part is loaded. Parts that carry load or see repeated handling should be reviewed before production so the print setup matches the use case.
Get in Touch
We provide FDM 3D printing services in Salem, Greater Boston and throughout Massachusetts. We also ship nationwide.
Address: Enterprise Center at Salem State University, 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA 01970.
Meetings by appointment only.
Feel free to reach out to us via email at: sales@upsideparts.com, or by phone at: