How a print is made.
Every Studio Imola piece is printed with FDM: melted plastic laid down one thin line at a time. Here’s what happens inside the printer, which settings matter, and how the other kinds of 3D printing compare.
Ogni pezzo nasce da una linea di plastica fusa, strato dopo strato.
FDM, step by step
FDM stands for fused deposition modelling (you’ll also see FFF, fused filament fabrication). It’s the most common kind of 3D printing, and the one we use.
- SliceSoftware cuts the 3D model into flat layers and writes the path the nozzle will follow.
- MeltGears push a plastic thread from the spool into the hot end, which melts it.
- DrawThe nozzle traces the outer walls of the layer, then fills the inside.
- StackThe nozzle rises one layer height and draws the next layer on top.
- FinishThe part comes off the plate and any supports are snapped away.
The settings that matter
A slicer has hundreds of settings, but these decide how a part looks, how strong it is and how long it takes. The ones marked “Try it” are live in the animation above.
FDM materials
Filament comes in many plastics. We print PLA as standard, with PETG and TPU on request; the others need an enclosed, heated chamber. Tap a material to load it into the animation.
Other ways to 3D print
FDM isn’t the only way to build something layer by layer. Pick a process to see how it works.
Side by side
| Process | Layer height | Strength | Surface | Cost per part | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDMWhat we print | 0.08 to 0.32 mm | Strong, a little weaker between layers | Visible layer lines | € | Prototypes, functional parts, toys and decor |
| Resin (SLA / MSLA) | 0.025 to 0.1 mm | Brittle to tough, depending on resin | Very smooth | €€ | Miniatures, jewellery, dental models |
| Powder (SLS) | 0.08 to 0.12 mm | Strong in every direction | Matte, slightly grainy | €€€ | Functional nylon parts, small batches |
| Metal (DMLS / SLM) | 0.02 to 0.06 mm | Like machined metal | Rough until finished | €€€€€ | Aerospace, implants, tooling |
| Material jetting | 0.016 to 0.03 mm | Weak, for looks not loads | Smooth, full colour | €€€€ | Realistic visual prototypes |