What is a typical characteristic of the thermoplastic material during the FDM process?

Thermoplastic materials used in the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process exhibit a characteristic behavior of expanding when heated and contracting when cooled. This thermal expansion is a result of the molecular structure of thermoplastics, which becomes more fluid and malleable when subjected to heat, allowing for easier extrusion through the printer’s nozzle. When the material cools, it returns to a solid state, leading to a shrinkage in size.

This expansion and contraction are crucial for achieving accurate dimensional properties in the final printed object, as well as for maintaining the integrity of the print layers during the cooling phase. Proper temperature control is essential in the FDM process to manage this expansion and shrinkage, which can influence the overall quality and precision of the finished print. This behavior distinguishes thermoplastics from other material types, underlining the importance of understanding thermal dynamics in FDM applications.