FrançaisFDM 3D printing (fused filament deposition)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is an affordable, cost-effective technology, particularly well suited to rapid prototyping, small production runs and the creation of custom parts. It stands out for the diversity of available materials, its design flexibility and its controlled costs. FDM thus combines accessibility, versatility and efficiency.
It works by melting a thermoplastic filament, deposited layer by layer to shape the final object. This simple, economical technique is ideal for quickly producing models, prototypes and functional parts of all sizes.
Why choose FDM technology?
FDM technology is ideal if you are looking for an economical, fast and versatile solution for your 3D prints. It makes it easy to produce prototypes, functional parts or small production runs, with a wide choice of materials suited to many uses. FDM also offers the ability to print large parts and to quickly modify your designs at low cost.
It is particularly recommended for:
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Rapid prototyping and concept iteration
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Producing spare parts or custom tooling
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Projects requiring flexibility and cost control
However, if your project demands very high precision or a perfect surface finish, other technologies such as resin printing may be more appropriate. FDM nevertheless remains the most accessible and versatile solution for the majority of 3D printing needs.
FDM 3D printing means the freedom to create prototypes, functional parts or small production runs quickly and at low cost, while offering unmatched flexibility in the choice of materials and shapes.
Our Filaments
The list below is not exhaustive; there are countless combinations, manufacturer-specific optimisations and alternatives. We will be able to recommend THE filament that is a perfect fit for your projects.
PLA and derivatives
| Filament | Quick facts | Advantages | Drawbacks | Applications | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA+ | Improved PLA, stronger and more flexible | Easy to print, better strength than standard PLA | Slightly more expensive than standard PLA | Prototyping, decorative parts, general use | Smooth finish |
| PLA NX2 | New-generation PLA, matte surface | Fast printing, matte finish, high quality | More expensive than standard PLA | Prototyping, decorative objects | FDA and RoHS compliant, toy-safe, UV stable |
| PLA-CF | Carbon-fibre-filled PLA | Stiffness, lightness, matte finish | More brittle | Functional prototyping, technical parts | Typical slightly grainy finish |
| PLA VX | Virucidal PLA, ISO 21702 certified | Limits viral spread, safe for skin contact | Mechanical properties close to PLA | Frequently touched objects (handles, buttons) | Tested virucidal, fast action |
| PLA WOOD | PLA with wood fibres | Wood look/smell, sandable | Fragile | Decoration, scale models, design objects | May darken depending on temperature |
| PLA PMUC | PMUC-certified PLA (nuclear industry) | Traceability, safety | High price, restricted use | Nuclear, specific industries | FME pink colour, regulated use |
| Conductive PLA | Carbon/metal-filled PLA, conductive | Electrical conductivity | More expensive, lower mechanical performance | Circuits, sensors, electronics prototyping | Low resistivity |
PETG & Copolyesters
| Filament | Quick facts | Advantages | Drawbacks | Applications | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETG | Polyester, semi-rigid, water-resistant | Strong, food-safe | Hygroscopic | Mechanical parts, enclosures, containers | Good UV resistance |
| PETG-CF | Carbon fibres | Stiffness, stability, strong | Lower impact resistance | Technical, structural parts | Tensile modulus 3x that of PETG |
| PETG-GF | Glass fibres | Stiffness, UV resistance, less brittle | Brittle | Outdoor, structural parts | Less conductive than CF, outdoor use |
| PETG-CF+GF | Carbon + glass fibres | Stiffness, stability, increased strength | - | Structural, technical parts | Dual fibres |
| PETG ADN | Modified, specific properties | Tamper-proof, signature | - | Industry, research, art | Proprietary additives |
| Magnetic PETG | Magnetic (iron particles) | Attracted by magnets | Less strong | Interactive parts, gadgets | Weak magnetism |
| PETG-PTFE | PTFE (Teflon) | Low friction, wear resistance | Lower mechanical properties | Slides, gears | Withstands 70°C and abrasion |
| PETG PMUC | PMUC certified (nuclear industry) | Traceability, safety | High price, restricted use | Nuclear, specific industries | Regulated use |
| PETG X-MR | Modified, high strength | Superior mechanical strength | More expensive | Industrial prototyping | X-ray detectable |
| PETG V0 | Self-extinguishing, UL certified | Fire resistance, electronics safety | More expensive, lower mechanical properties | Enclosures, electronic parts | The only UL V0 certified PETG |
| XPETG-REC | Recycled PETG, eco-friendly | Eco-friendly, lower cost | Variable properties, less stable | Prototyping, everyday objects | 100% recycled, circular economy |
| XPETG-CF | Recycled PETG + carbon fibres | Stiffness, eco-friendly | Hardened nozzle required, variable properties | Prototyping, technical parts | Recycled & reinforced |
| PETG-ESD | Electrostatic dissipative | ESD protection, chemical resistance | More expensive, lower mechanical properties | Electronic enclosures, industry | Surface resistance 10⁷-10⁹ Ω |
| PCTG | Copolyester, stronger than PETG | Excellent impact, chemical and heat resistance | More expensive | Industrial parts, medical, electronics | Unbreakable, sterilisable, high gloss |
| PVB | Polymer post-processable with alcohol | Easy smoothing, smooth finish | Lower mechanical strength | Vases, decoration, design objects | Smooths with isopropyl alcohol |
ABS, ASA, PMMA
| Filament | Quick facts | Advantages | Drawbacks | Applications | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Classic engineering thermoplastic | Strong, post-processable (acetone), heat-resistant | Toxic fumes | Prototyping, tooling, functional parts | Non-biodegradable, health precautions advised |
| ABS-CF | Carbon-fibre reinforced | Stiffness, mechanical strength | Toxic emissions | Tooling, structural parts, industry | Carbon composite, lighter |
| ABS-AF | Aramid-fibre (Kevlar) reinforced | Lightness, impact resistance, non-conductive | High price | Shock absorption, drones | Low shrinkage |
| ABS PMUC | PMUC certified (nuclear industry) | Traceability, safety, regulated use | High price, restricted use | Nuclear, specific industries | PMUC certification, pink colour |
| ASA | Close to ABS, outdoor engineering material | UV resistance, colour stability, outdoor use | - | Street furniture, signage, outdoor | Acetone smoothing |
| ASA-CF | Carbon fibres | Stiffness, UV | High cost | Outdoor technical parts | Carbon composite |
| ASA-GF | Glass fibres | Stiffness, UV, dimensional stability | Brittle | Outdoor structural parts | Glass composite |
| ASA-AF | Aramid fibres | Impact resistance, lightness, UV | More expensive | Outdoor parts, vibration absorption | Aramid composite |
| ASA PMUC | PMUC certified (nuclear industry) | Regulated use, safety | High price, restricted use | Nuclear, specific industries | PMUC certification |
| PMMA | Acrylic, transparent, rigid | Transparency, rigidity, glass-like appearance | Brittle | Glazing, lamps, decoration | Glossy finish, fragile |
Flexibles & Elastomers
Engineering
| Filament | Quick facts | Advantages | Drawbacks | Applications | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLEX VX | Virucidal flexible | Flexible, virucidal properties | Less common, higher price | Contact objects, medical | Certified virucidal action |
| TPU 85A | Polyurethane, flexible (85A hardness) | Very flexible, good elasticity | - | Soles, cases, seals | Low hardness (very soft) |
| TPU 98A | Polyurethane, flexible (98A hardness) | Flexible | Less elastic than 85A | Soft parts, protective covers | Intermediate hardness |
| TPU-ESD | Antistatic | Dissipates electrostatic charges | More expensive, lower mechanical properties | Electronic parts, industry | ESD protection |
| TPU-CF | Carbon fibres | Flexible, increased stiffness | Less elastic | Technical soft parts | Carbon composite, semi-rigid |
| TPE | Thermoplastic elastomer | Very flexible, pleasant to the touch | Softer than TPU, less durable | Flexible prototyping, toys | Several hardnesses available |
| TPC | Flexible copolyester, UV & heat resistant | Chemical, UV, heat resistance, flexible, impact-resistant | - | Flexible parts, outdoor, industry | 43% bio-based, professional grade, high temp. |
| Filament | Quick facts | Advantages | Drawbacks | Applications | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC | Polycarbonate, high strength, transparent | Very strong, high temp., electrical insulation | Hygroscopic | Technical parts, tooling, industry | Very tough |
| PC/PBT | PC + PBT polyester | Stiffness, durability, chemical resistance, temp. range | Less transparent than pure PC | Automotive, industry, enclosures, moulds | Stability |
| PC/PBT-CF | Carbon-fibre filled | Increased stiffness and heat resistance | - | Structural, industry, automotive | Carbon composite, high temp. |
| PC-PTFE | PTFE (Teflon) modified | Very low friction, wear resistance, tough | High price | Gears, slides, friction applications | Usable up to 130°C, low friction |
| PA6 | Nylon 6, engineering grade, strong | High mechanical strength, stiffness, chemical resistance | Hygroscopic | Gears, mechanical parts, automotive | Excellent load-bearing, flexible |
| PA6-CF20 | Nylon 6 + 20% carbon fibres | Stiffness, heat resistance, very strong | Hardened nozzle required, technical printing, hygroscopic | Industry, automotive, structural parts | HDT 215°C, high modulus, excellent adhesion |
| PA6-GF25 | Nylon 6 + 25% glass fibres | Stiffness, dimensional stability, good heat resistance | Brittle | Structural, automotive, industry | HDT 191°C |
| PA6-AF | Nylon 6 + aramid fibres (Kevlar) | Lightness, shock absorption, good strength | - | Impact/vibration, industry | Aramid composite, low shrinkage |
| PA12 | Nylon 12, less hygroscopic | Good mechanical strength, dimensional stability | Less strong than PA6, higher price | Prototyping, automotive, industry | Low moisture absorption |
| PA12-CF | Nylon 12 + carbon fibres | Stiffness, heat and chemical resistance, matte | - | Industry, automotive, structural | 10% carbon fibres, stability |
| PA12-GF | Nylon 12 + glass fibres | Stiffness, dimensional stability, heat | Brittle | Structural, automotive, industry | Excellent stability |
| PP | Polypropylene, flexible, chemically resistant | Light, fatigue-resistant, food-safe, non-hygroscopic | - | Mechanical parts, hinges, containers | Oil-resistant, recyclable |
| PP-CF | PP + carbon fibres | Stiffness, chemical resistance, non-hygroscopic | - | Industry, automotive, structural | Flexible, resists oils and fuels |
| PCL | Low-temperature thermoplastic | Melts at 60°C, biodegradable | Low mechanical strength | Rapid prototyping, education | Hand-remouldable when warm |