> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.ftcwiki.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.ftcwiki.org/manufacturing-and-assembly/additive-manufacturing/3d-printing/fdm.md).

# FDM

**FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) >**

A 3D printing method in which a thermoplastic [filament ](/design-style/optimizing-design-for-3d-printing/filaments.md)is melted and extruded through a nozzle to print an object layer by layer. This is the most common type of 3D printer because of its affordability, ease of use, and versatility.

\
There are two types of FDM Printer: Bedslinger and Core XY.

<details>

<summary>What is a Bedslinger Printer?</summary>

In a bedslinger printer, the print head moves along the X-axis and sometimes the Z-axis, while the print bed moves back and forth along the Y-axis. This relatively simple system has contributed to its popularity, especially among hobbyists and beginners.

<figure><img src="/files/cssgBI5J9SgAB3sFF72L" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p><em>Anycubic Kobra 2</em></p></figcaption></figure>

</details>

<details>

<summary>What is a Core XY Printer?</summary>

The CoreXY mechanism is a type of 3D printer design known for its lightweight and fast-moving print head. The defining characteristic of CoreXY is that the belts crisscross, allowing the print head to move independently of the print bed, which remains stationary during the printing process.

<figure><img src="/files/Wto55ZaFcuJqMfr7T6Js" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p><em>Bambu Lab X1-Carbon with AMS (</em>Automatic Material System)</p></figcaption></figure>

</details>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="125"></th><th width="297" align="center"></th><th align="center"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td align="center"><strong>Bed Slinger</strong></td><td align="center"><strong>Core XY</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td align="center">Generally <mark style="color:green;"><strong>cheaper</strong></mark> due to lower material cost and simpler design.</td><td align="center"><br>Generally, more <mark style="color:red;"><strong>expensive</strong></mark> due to the complexity and cost of high-quality materials.</td></tr><tr><td>Maintaince</td><td align="center">The design is simpler, making them <mark style="color:green;"><strong>easier to build</strong></mark>, maintain, and repair.</td><td align="center"><br>The assembly and maintenance are <mark style="color:red;"><strong>complex</strong></mark>, requiring regular upkeep.</td></tr><tr><td>Print speed</td><td align="center"><br><mark style="color:red;"><strong>Slower</strong></mark> due to the movement of the entire bed.</td><td align="center"><mark style="color:green;"><strong>Faster</strong></mark> due to the stationary motors and lighter moving parts.</td></tr><tr><td>Quality</td><td align="center"><br>The moving bed causes more vibration, which creates <mark style="color:red;"><strong>lower-quality</strong></mark> prints.</td><td align="center">It minimizes vibration-induced errors, leading to <mark style="color:green;"><strong>highly accurate</strong></mark> prints</td></tr><tr><td>Size of bed</td><td align="center">As the size of the print bed increases, the <mark style="color:red;"><strong>issues</strong></mark> with speed and vibration become <mark style="color:red;"><strong>worse</strong></mark>.<br></td><td align="center">The movement along the X- and Y-axes allows for <mark style="color:green;"><strong>larger</strong></mark> prints.</td></tr></tbody></table>


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