Function beyond standard shapes
Mounting features, cable routes and holders are created to suit your part. This allows you to complement existing assemblies and support individual workflows.
For example: sensor mounts and assembly fixtures.
FDM / FUNCTIONAL PLASTIC PARTS
FDM printing for custom plastic parts.
Housings, brackets, functional samples and small production runs from your 3D data. Each part is built layer by layer from plastic filament.
No 3D file yet? Describe the part and add any dimensions, sketches or photos you have.
- From a single part
- Material suited to the application
- Quotation before manufacturing
What matters
A printed part's properties depend on more than its material. Geometry, print orientation, wall structure and load direction also affect the result. Please specify the intended application and all function-critical requirements.
WHY FDM?Versatile materials.
Versatile materials.
Practical benefits.
Keep your material options open
Rigid, tough, flexible or suited to outdoor use: thermoplastics offer different property profiles. We consider temperature, loads and environment when selecting a material.
For example: ASA for outdoor applications, TPU for buffers.
Variants without mould tooling
FDM requires no dedicated injection mould. This makes it attractive for one-off parts and small quantities. A new geometry can be requested using an adapted file.
For example: a fit-check sample first, then the approved production run.
How your FDM part is made.
FDM, also called FFF, melts plastic filament and deposits it in paths. Many layers stacked on top of one another form the part. Outer walls, internal infill and print direction are planned to suit the task.
DETAIL, SURFACE AND FITWhat accuracy
What accuracy
does your part need?
FDM can reproduce functional geometries and agreed fits. For a good result, we consider the selected layer height, nozzle diameter and required dimensional accuracy separately.
This machine specification for print accuracy is not a verified FORMACT part tolerance. Material, geometry and dimension size affect the deviation actually achievable.
A layer height of 0.2 mm is a technical starting point. Finer layers can reduce stepping; the appropriate setting depends on geometry and material.
The nozzle affects path width and reproducible contours. Its diameter is neither a guaranteed wall thickness nor the dimensional tolerance of a finished part.
These technical reference values help explain the process. They are not based on our own measurement series on FORMACT parts and are not guaranteed finished-part tolerances.
TURNING A MODEL INTO A FIT
Include your critical dimension in the enquiry.
Layer height and resolution describe the printing process. A dimensional tolerance describes the permitted deviation of the finished part. We confirm binding part tolerances in the quotation after reviewing your data.
Example drawing dimension20.00 ± 0.10 mm
The specified dimension would be permitted to fall between 19.90 and 20.10 mm. This calculation example is a requirement, not a manufacturing commitment.
Send a drawing for assessmentFILAMENT PRINTING / MATERIAL SELECTION
Materials for your FDM part.
Loads, temperature and environment determine the material choice. Explore the materials and compare their applications, strengths and limitations.
Compare materials by application, thermal performance and mechanical properties.
PLA
Display models, design samples, presentation pieces and precisely fitting organisers for indoor use.
PETG
Housings, covers, brackets, adapters and functional prototypes for everyday use and the workshop.
ABS
Robust housings, control components and covers, assembly aids and durable functional prototypes.
PET
Precisely fitting housings, covers, brackets and fixtures, as well as functional prototypes.
ASA
Outdoor housings, covers, brackets and functional samples where weather resistance and appearance matter.
Polycarbonate / PC
Sturdy housings, functional prototypes, load-bearing brackets and fixtures for demanding technical tasks.
PC blends
Impact-exposed housings, sturdy covers, assembly aids and technical functional samples.
Polyamide / PA / Nylon
Durable brackets, moving functional parts, assembly aids and technical prototypes that require toughness.
PPA
PPA is suitable for functional prototypes, sliding and guide elements, gears and custom assembly aids.
PPS
PPS is suitable for precision functional parts, housings and brackets in demanding technical environments.
TPU
Elastic buffers, protective caps, non-slip contact parts, grips and cushioning functional elements.
TPE
Soft contact surfaces, cushioning pads, grips and custom-shaped seal concepts.
PLA-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced polylactide)
High-quality display models, dimensionally stable prototypes, fixture concepts and rigid indoor covers.
PETG-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate)
Rigid brackets, equipment housings, assembly aids and dimensionally stable functional prototypes.
PET-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate)
PET-CF is suitable for rigid assembly holders, precision brackets, fixtures and functional components with specific shape requirements.
ASA-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)
Rigid outdoor panels, equipment brackets, covers and custom housings exposed to direct sunlight.
PA-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced polyamide)
Gripper parts, assembly holders, adapters and functional housings for machinery and fixtures.
PA12-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced polyamide 12)
Precision assembly aids, fixtures, gauges and rigid connecting elements.
PA-GF (glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide)
Rigid housings, mounting brackets, fixtures and parts with large support surfaces.
PC-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced polycarbonate)
Rigid equipment brackets, mounting plates, housing components and precision functional prototypes.
PPA-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced polyphthalamide)
Rigid assembly fixtures, heat-exposed brackets and compact technical functional parts.
PPS-CF (carbon-fibre-reinforced polyphenylene sulphide)
PPS-CF is suitable for rigid brackets, housings and tooling components in thermally or chemically demanding environments.
PEEK
PEEK is an option for demanding functional prototypes, precision adapters and custom-designed components in plant engineering.
PEKK
PEKK is suitable for demanding housings, assembly components, fixtures and technical prototypes with complex geometries.
PEI
Custom housings, mounting brackets, covers and functional parts in demanding technical environments.
For complex geometries: Support materials assist during manufacturing and are removed afterwards. We select a suitable combination with your part material. PVA · BVOH · HIPS
Material choice still open?
Tell us what your part needs to do. We help with material, specification and the next steps.
View all materialsFROM PROCESS TO APPLICATION
Applications worth a closer look.
Housings & covers
Cut-outs, screw points and cable guides in a custom geometry. Specify connections and desired visible surfaces.
Fixtures & assembly aids
Position, guide, grip: practical plastic parts for repetitive tasks. Loads and contact surfaces determine the design.
Replacement parts & functional prototypes
Check shape and fit or restore an existing function. Our CAD service can help if data is missing.
FDM is often a sensible starting point when material variety, practical function or variants are priorities. For very fine small details and particularly smooth visible surfaces, a comparison with resin is worthwhile.
Discover resin printingMANUFACTURING AND SURFACE FINISH
Surface and specification
Layer lines and support marks may remain visible. Visible surfaces and required post-processing are specified in the quotation.
Loads & print direction
Forces should be compatible with layer orientation. We consider screw connections, lever arms and loaded sections alongside material choice.
Cooling & geometry
Plastics change dimensions as they cool. Large surfaces, thin walls, holes and close fits need careful planning.
Surface & finishing
Layer lines generally remain visible. We agree on support-contact areas and desired finishing in advance; additional work affects cost and lead time.
YOUR ENQUIRY. A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP.From your requirements
From your requirements
to the right quotation.
We assess your file, material and manufacturability together. You receive a written quotation before placing a chargeable order.
Tell us your preferred date. We assess whether accelerated production is possible as part of your enquiry.
These four details help us:
- 3D file or sketch; for fits, a drawing with critical dimensions
- Quantity and preferred date
- Application: loads, temperature, environment and contact with media
- Preferred material, colour, visible surfaces or “Please advise”
For new parts or a planned production run, an initial sample can help check function and fit beforehand.
Do you need suitable CAD data?USEFUL INFORMATION
Frequently asked questions about FDM printing.
Is an FDM part strong enough for my application?
That depends on the material, wall thicknesses, geometry and print direction. Specify forces, continuous loads, temperature and mounting. A high infill percentage alone cannot replace a suitable design.
Is ± 0.1 mm possible for every part?
The technical reference value cannot be applied to all plastics, part sizes or holes without checking. We assess critical dimensions and fits using your data and explicitly agree on them in the quotation.
Can I avoid visible print layers?
Finer layers and suitable orientation can improve the surface appearance. This does not automatically make layers completely invisible. If the visible surface is critical, we discuss finishing or another process.
Which filament suits a replacement part?
The old shape alone is not enough to choose. Loads, heat, UV light and contact with media are relevant. Upload existing data or describe the part and select “Please advise”.
Can I enquire about a single part?
Yes. We assess enquiries from a single part. Pricing depends on material, geometry, manufacturing and agreed finishing.
What would you like us to make?
Send your CAD file or describe your task. Together, we will define the right specification for your project.
Enquire about a project
Your enquiry is non-binding. Chargeable work only begins once you place an order.