The process of Fused Deposition Modelling, or FDM for short, is classified as an extrusion process. This involves continuously pressing a heated, and therefore pliable, thermoplastic material through nozzles and depositing it in layers onto a construction platform.
This process is a cyclical sequence of the following sub-steps:

    Generating a layer (x-y platform).
    Affixing this layer to the previous one (z-axis).

When a layer has been created, the construction platform sinks by a distance equal to the thickness of the layer (min. 0.13 mm) and further layers are generated.

The individual layers are therefore created by the melting of a thermoplastic thread.
If the construction material in certain structures does not provide sufficient support during the construction process. e.g. for overhanging parts, supporting structures are used. The support structure is also produced by melting a water-soluble plastic thread.

When the RP part has been fully constructed, it can be removed from the RP system straight away. Accessible support structures are removed by hand, while non-accessible support structures are washed off in the clean station.

The surface may then be treated:

- chemically (e.g. MEK)
- mechanically (e.g. grinding, polishing, coating)