This page provides the reader with information on the process limits regarding the following topics:

3D printers: Provides information regarding machine characteristics related to process parameters, e.g., print volume, print speed, layer height, print resolution, print and bed temperature, power consumption, costs, provider or model; and characteristics related to final part like roughness & tolerances among others.  

Materials (Provider): Provides the mechanical properties, costs, and applications of the different materials handled by commercial printers, reported by the suppliers or manufacturers of the materials.

Materials (Scientific works): This section provides the mechanical properties of the different materials handled by commercial printers reported by researchers in scientific papers and research work. This information is provided because of the significant differences that may exist between the properties provided by manufacturers and researchers.

Minimum feature: Provides information on the most minor features, holes, unsupported parts, and wall thickness that can be manufactured with FFF or FDM.

Volume & Production: Relates part size to the number of parts produced or the number of parts to be produced based on the application or process, based on recommendations from researchers, industry, and suppliers.

Life & Durability: This section provides information related to the durability and load application cycles to which parts manufactured with FFF or FDM can be subjected.

The limits of FFF or FDM processes can be overcome through the use of recommendations, design rules, and methods found on the following pages:

• The Medical & personalization page is for biocompatibility, medical applications, and customization limitations.
• The Process Chain page is for limitations related to tolerances and adjustments, roughness, mechanical properties, and other properties of the final products that can be improved by combining FFF or FDM with conventional. manufacture process
• The Failure Theory page is used to determine limitations related to the reliability and mechanical strength of the final parts using mechanical characterization and failure theory or FFF or FDM.