FGF printing, also known as Fused Granulate Fabrication, is an extrusion-based 3D printing technology that uses plastic granulates instead of filament.
Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF) is an extrusion-based 3D printing technique where plastic granulates (AKA plastic pellets) are melted and fed through a nozzle. Unlike more common Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) which typically uses spooled filament, FGF directly processes raw plastic pellets.
How FGF Printing Works
The fundamental process involves:
- Material Loading: Plastic granulates or pellets are loaded into a hopper.
- Melting: The granulates are transported to a heated screw mechanism (similar to injection molding) where they are melted into a viscous state.
- Extrusion: The molten plastic is then pushed (extruded) through a heated nozzle onto a build platform.
- Layering: The material is deposited layer by layer, cooling and solidifying to build the desired 3D object.
This method offers several advantages, including the potential for using a wider variety of materials and virgin polymer pellets, which can be more cost-effective than filament.
Alternative Names for FGF Printing
Based on its characteristics and materials used, FGF printing may also be referred to by other names, such as:
- Fused Granulate Fabrication
- Fused Particular Fabrication
- Pellet 3D Printing
These names highlight either the form of the material used (granulates/pellets, particulars) or the core process of fusing these materials together in a fabricated object.
Key Characteristics of FGF Printing
- Material Form: Utilizes plastic granulates (pellets).
- Process: Extrusion-based, similar mechanics to injection molding screw extruders.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Potential for lower material costs compared to filament.
- Material Versatility: Can process a broad range of thermoplastic polymers and composites directly.
- Scalability: Often used in larger-format 3D printers due to higher material throughput capabilities.
This technique is gaining traction in industrial applications for manufacturing large parts, tooling, and using engineering-grade or recycled plastics directly.
