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FAM (Fluid Additive Manufacturing)
Fluid Additive Manufacturing (FAM) is San Draw’s patented 3D printing process for high-viscosity silicone materials, including RTV and LSR.
This advanced method deposits liquid silicone layer by layer with precise flow control, enabling complex geometries and fine details that traditional mold-making cannot achieve. Powered by our proprietary FAMufacture software, the process delivers smooth surface finishes, integrated internal channels, and fully functional prototypes for applications in medical, robotics, and industrial manufacturing.
Common Questions About Our Printing Technology
Q1. What’s the difference between FAM and FDM?
FAM (Fluid Additive Manufacturing) is a 3D printing process exclusively developed for RTV and LSR silicones, and it operates in full integration with our proprietary slicing software, FAMufacture. All San Draw silicone printers are powered by FAM. FAM and FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) differ in material compatibility, extrusion systems, and application focus. ➤ Printing Materials FAM uses liquid silicone that can be printed at room temperature, ideal for soft, flexible, high-temperature-resistant, and biocompatible parts. FDM uses thermoplastics like PLA, ABS, or PETG, which require melting through a heated nozzle during deposition. ➤ Material Feeding Systems FAM features a stepper motor-driven screw extruder that deposits high-viscosity silicone precisely—no heating required. It also supports water-soluble support materials to print complex internal structures. FDM relies on a gear-driven mechanism to push filament into a heated nozzle, melt it, and shape it layer by layer. In short, FAM is purpose-built for soft material 3D printing, overcoming the limitations of conventional FDM when it comes to flexible or gel-like materials.
Q2. Can I print with third-party silicone or other materials?
Yes. San Draw printers are compatible with third-party gel-based materials beyond our official silicone portfolio. Users have successfully tested materials such as: · Hydrogels · Ceramic pastes · Food-grade gels · Other liquid elastomers We recommend checking the material's viscosity and curing behavior in advance to ensure optimal print results and prevent potential damage to the equipment. If you're planning to use non-official materials, feel free to contact our technical team for compatibility guidance.
01.
Biocompatible Silicones
San Draw’s silicone materials are tested according to ISO 10993 standards for biocompatibility, supporting their use in simulation models, wearable concepts, and skin-contact applications.
These materials are suitable for projects where comfort, flexibility, and long-term skin contact are important.
02.
Multiple Silicone Selections
Choose from 5 proprietary silicone materials, each formulated for different levels of softness, strength, and performance.
San Draw offers a wide range of silicone options to meet the needs of soft material 3D printing across various industries.
03.
Water-Soluble Support Material
San Draw offers a water-soluble support material developed exclusively for silicone 3D printing.
This material enables high-precision printing of thin-walled, complex, and free-form geometries, making it ideal for intricate silicone parts that require internal support during fabrication.
04.
Resist High-Low Temperature
San Draw’s silicone materials perform reliably across a broad temperature range from -50°C to 250°C.
They offer high tensile strength and tear resistance, making them ideal for soft material 3D printing applications that demand thermal durability and mechanical integrity.
Advanced Silicone Material Features
for 3D Printing
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INPA (Independent Nozzle Position Adjustment)
Independent Nozzle Position Adjustment (INPA) is San Draw’s precision motion control system for dual-nozzle silicone 3D printers.
Each nozzle can be adjusted independently along the Z-axis, preventing collisions and enabling efficient multi-material or multi-hardness printing.
This capability improves dimensional accuracy, production yield, and design flexibility, making it ideal for advanced applications such as complex lattice structures, gradient material transitions, and intricate medical or robotic components.
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IMSS (Instant Material Stop System)
Instant Material Stop System (IMSS) is advanced flow-control technology for silicone 3D printing.
By using an auto shut-off valve above the nozzle, IMSS instantly stops material flow when printing pauses, preventing drips, oozing, and unwanted material buildup.
This ensures cleaner layer transitions, sharper details, and higher print quality, especially for complex silicone parts and multi-material applications.
FAM (Fluid Additive Manufacturing) is a patented 3D printing technology designed specifically for RTV and LSR silicone materials. It precisely controls the flow and layering of high-viscosity silicones, enabling the creation of complex silicone parts with consistent quality. FAM overcomes the limitations of traditional manufacturing and general-purpose 3D printing when working with soft, fluid materials like silicone.
FAM works closely with San Draw’s slicing software, FAMufacture, to fine-tune print settings for accurate and consistent results. It powers all San Draw silicone 3D printers and supports a wide range of applications in soft material additive manufacturing.