Back to Learn
Technology

How 3D Printing Works

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most versatile 3D printing technology. It creates strong, functional products by precisely depositing molten plastic layer by layer—and modern machines have made it incredibly accurate.

From Design to Product

Every item goes through a precise four-step process, each optimized for quality and durability.

01

Digital Design

Every product starts as a precise 3D model. We use professional CAD software to design each item, optimizing for both aesthetics and structural integrity. The digital file contains exact coordinates for every point in the object.

02

Slicing

Specialized software 'slices' the 3D model into hundreds of thin horizontal layers—typically 0.16-0.20mm each. It calculates the exact path the printer will follow, optimizing for strength, speed, and surface quality.

03

Printing

Our Bambu Lab A1 printer heats the filament to around 200-250°C, extruding it through a precision 0.4mm nozzle. The print head moves at speeds up to 500mm/s, building your product layer by layer with microscopic accuracy.

04

Post-Processing

After printing, each item is carefully inspected and finished. Support structures are removed, surfaces are cleaned, and quality is verified. The result is a professional product ready for everyday use.

Durability

Stronger Than You Think

Forget what you know about flimsy 3D prints from a decade ago. Modern FDM printing with optimized settings creates parts that rival injection molding in strength. Our prints are designed for daily use, not display cases.

95%+
Layer Adhesion

Modern FDM prints achieve 95%+ of the material's native tensile strength when printed with optimal settings. Our prints are not fragile prototypes—they're functional products.

4 walls
Wall Thickness

We print with 4 perimeter walls by default, creating a strong structural shell. This exceeds typical desktop printing settings and approaches industrial standards.

20-40%
Infill Density

Internal grid patterns provide excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Higher infill for functional parts, optimized infill for decorative items.

0.16mm
Layer Height

Thin layers mean more fusion points between layers, resulting in stronger parts. Our standard 0.16mm layer height balances detail and durability.

Layer Fusion
200+ layers per centimeter
Equipment

Bambu Lab A1 Printer

We use Bambu Lab's A1 printer—a machine that represents the cutting edge of consumer FDM technology. It's not your typical desktop printer.

Print Speed
Up to 500mm/s
Acceleration
20,000 mm/s²
Layer Accuracy
±0.05mm
Build Volume
256×256×256mm
Auto Calibration
Every print
Flow Control
Automatic

Why This Printer Matters

  • Active Vibration Compensation—eliminates ringing artifacts at high speeds for glass-smooth surfaces
  • Automatic Flow Calibration—ensures perfect extrusion on every print for consistent layer bonding
  • Precision Linear Rails—0.05mm accuracy means tight tolerances and perfect fits
  • Automatic Bed Leveling—every print starts with a perfectly calibrated first layer
Bambu Lab A1
Next-gen FDM Technology
Facts vs. Fiction

Common Misconceptions

3D printing has evolved dramatically. Here's what's actually true today.

"3D prints are fragile and break easily"

Modern FDM prints with quality settings are incredibly durable. PLA has similar tensile strength to ABS plastic used in LEGO bricks. Our parts regularly survive drops, daily use, and years of handling.

"Layer lines make prints weak"

With proper printing temperatures and speeds, layers fuse together at a molecular level. The weak point isn't the layers themselves—it's poor printing settings, which we've eliminated through testing.

"All 3D printers produce the same quality"

Print quality varies dramatically by machine and settings. Consumer printers from 5 years ago can't match modern machines like our Bambu Lab A1, which uses active vibration compensation and precision extruders.

See the Quality for Yourself

Words can only describe so much. Browse our products and experience the precision and durability of modern 3D printing.