European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

As the Demand of low cost, tailor-made products are increasing in the contemporary
industries, the research and development of different material processing techniques has
been intensified. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is most successful and popular
additive manufacturing technique which used thermoplastic polymers as raw materials.
This paper aims to study and analyze the fundamental working process, applications,
limitations and challenges for FDM technology in present and future. Poor surface finish,
which is one of intrinsic defect of this technology, has been considered as major barrier
against implementation in critical application areas. Various chemical, mechanical and
pre-processing techniques are elaborated along with detailed literature review. The impact
of finishing operations in materials properties and overall cost of product has also been
discussed in detail. The study also discussed the current and future challenges along with
remedies which would help this technology to sustain in competitive environment