Fused deposition modeling, which is often referred to by its initials FDM, is a type of rapid prototyping or rapid manufacturing (RP) technology commonly used within engineering design. The technology was developed by S. Scott Crump in the late 1980s and was commercialized in The FDM technology is marketed commercially by Stratasys, which also holds a trademark on the term. rapid prototypingrapid manufacturingS. Scott Crump Stratasys Like most other RP processes (such as 3D printing and stereolithography) FDM works on an "additive" principle by laying down material in layers. A plastic filament or metal wire is unwound from a coil and supplies material to an extrusion nozzle which can turn on and off the flow. The nozzle is heated to melt the material and can be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions by a numerically controlled mechanism, directly controlled by a computer-aided design software package. In a similar manner to stereolithography, the model is built up from layers as the material hardens immediately after extrusion from the nozzle.3D printingstereolithographyextrusioncomputer-aided design Several materials are available with different trade-offs between strength and temperature. As well as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer, the FDM technology can also be used with polycarbonates, polycaprolactone, polyphenylsulfones and waxes. A "water-soluble" material can be used for making temporary supports while manufacturing is in progress. Marketed under the name WaterWorks by Stratasys this soluble support material is actually dissolved in a heated sodium hydroxide solution with the assistance of ultrasonic agitationacrylonitrile butadiene styrenepolycarbonatespolycaprolactonepolyphenylsulfonessodium hydroxideultrasonic

ABS Plastic – ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. This product of plastic is made through a polymerization of those monomers. Casting Wax- used in a lot of crafting items, like making rings, glass, etc.

Excellent resistance (no attack) to Glycerine, Inorganic Salts, Alkalis, Many Acids, Most Alcohols and Hydrocarbons Limited resistance (moderate attack and suitable for short term use only) to Weak Acids Poor resistance (not recommended for use with) Strong Acids and Solvents, Ketones, Aldehydes, Esters, and some Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Maximum Temperature: 176°F 80°C Minimum Temperature: -4°F -20°C Autoclavable: No Melting Point: 221°F 105°C Tensile Strength: 4,300 psi Hardness: R110 UV Resistance: Poor Translucent Rigid Specific Gravity: This information chart was taken from the link above. ABS Plastic Product Information Chart

dia/en/2/20/Bronze_casting_by_th e_Lost_Wax_Method.jpg I found this diagram of a type of wax casting. It’s called “lost Wax” casting, that involves losing the wax when the clay is molded and bronze is added to the clay.

Sources: Wikipedia Stratasys Google