3D Printing Services
Ames Industries has recently expanded its in-house prototyping and tooling capabilities with the addition of advanced Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology. This investment enables us to accelerate product development timelines through rapid prototyping, fixture creation, and the production of custom support components tailored to specific customer applications.
Our FDM systems are optimized for precision, material versatility, and build strength—supporting the iterative design process with functional prototypes that closely replicate end-use parts. Additionally, this capability enhances our responsiveness by allowing us to fabricate jigs, fixtures, and handling tools that improve efficiency on the production floor.
As part of our continuous improvement philosophy, Ames is committed to adopting advanced technologies that deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions—ensuring our customers benefit from reduced lead times, greater flexibility, and enhanced service.
What is FDM 3D Printing?
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing process that constructs parts by extruding thermoplastic filament through a temperature-controlled nozzle. Guided by a digital CAD model, the heated nozzle deposits material layer by layer onto a build platform, where each successive layer fuses to the one beneath it to form a solid, three-dimensional object.
FDM enables the rapid production of accurate, functional plastic prototypes and low-volume components with minimal material waste. This technology is ideal for design validation, fit-and-function testing, and the fabrication of jigs, fixtures, and custom tooling aids—providing engineers with a cost-effective and efficient path from concept to physical part.
Professional FDM 3D Printing Services
Ames Industries has expanded its in-house capabilities with the addition of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing to support rapid prototyping and custom tooling applications. This additive manufacturing process enables us to deliver low-cost, fast-turnaround prototypes—allowing customers to review, validate, and iterate designs prior to committing to full-scale production tooling.
FDM is particularly well-suited for functional models, form-fit evaluations, and pre-production samples, accelerating design cycles and enhancing collaboration. In addition to prototyping, we utilize FDM technology to fabricate custom support fixtures such as grippers, brackets, nests, and end-of-arm tooling—providing cost-effective alternatives to conventionally machined components.
By integrating FDM into our workflow, Ames enhances manufacturing agility, reduces lead times, and delivers value-added solutions tailored to each customer’s operational needs.
Ames Industries’ FDM Printing
Ames Industries utilizes a Stratasys F370 FDM 3D printer to deliver reliable, industrial-grade additive manufacturing solutions for prototyping and custom part fabrication. The F370 is engineered for precision and repeatability, supporting a broad range of thermoplastic materials—including ABS, ASA, PC-ABS, and carbon fiber-reinforced composites—making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use support components.
This platform enables us to produce low-volume parts with complex geometries, tight dimensional tolerances, and consistent mechanical performance. With its advanced print management software and multi-material capability, the F370 enhances our ability to deliver accurate, durable, and application-specific components while reducing lead times and tooling costs.
The integration of this industrial-grade system underscores Ames’ commitment to continuous innovation and value-added service in product development and advanced manufacturing.
Ready to get started?
Since 1984, Ames Industries has provided custom injection molding solutions for our customers. We are a family-owned and operated company offering a wide range of services, such as rapid prototyping, production molding, mold building, post-processing, assembly, and more. For more information or if you’re ready to partner with us, don’t hesitate to contact us today with your next project to get started.