Describe the construction and working of an FDM based 3D printer.

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## FDM 3D Printer: Construction and Working **Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)** melts a thermoplastic filament and extrudes it through a nozzle, building the part layer by layer. ```svg ``` ### Main parts | Part | Function | |---|---| | Filament spool | Supplies thermoplastic filament (1.75 mm or 2.85 mm) | | Extruder (cold end) | Stepper-driven gear pushes the filament forward | | Hot end and nozzle | Heater block melts filament (about 190 to 250 C); nozzle 0.4 mm typical | | Build platform / heated bed | Holds the part; heating prevents warping | | Motion system | Stepper motors, belts and lead screws for X, Y and Z | | Cooling fan | Solidifies the deposited material quickly | | Controller board | Reads G-code and drives the motors and heaters | | Frame and sensors | Structure, end-stops, temperature thermistors | ### Working ```mermaid flowchart LR A[CAD model to STL] --> B[Slicer makes G-code] B --> C[Heat nozzle and bed] C --> D[Filament melted and extruded] D --> E[Nozzle moves in X and Y to draw a layer] E --> F[Bed lowers or head rises by one layer height] F --> D F --> G[Finished part, remove supports] ``` ### Advantages and limits Low cost, wide material choice, easy to use. Visible layer lines, weaker in Z, supports needed for overhangs. ### Exam tip Draw the labelled schematic and write the 5-step working.

FDM 3D Printer: Construction and Working

Main parts

Working

Advantages and limits

Exam tip

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