Large format 3D printing technology: fused filament fabrication (FDM) up to 110×110×170 cm
✓ The short answer:
PAMI3D 3D prints in large format using fused filament fabrication (FDM): a plastic filament is melted in a heated nozzle, then laid down layer by layer until the part is formed, with no mould. Build volume up to 110×110×170 cm in a single piece, in PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS or Nylon PA12. Made in France (Bonson, Loire). Free quote within 24 to 48 hours.
Who is large format FDM technology for?
⚙️ Engineering & design offices
The problem: you need to know whether a large part can be printed as it is, in which material and with what finish, before presenting it at a design review.
Our answer: a feasibility review of your STEP or STL file: orientation, any splitting, material and finish, followed by a full-scale large format prototype.
🏭 Industrial buyers
The problem: comparing “large format” offers that do not mean the same thing: real build volume, number of pieces, finishing included or not.
Our answer: a quote that states the volume printed in a single piece, the material, the finishes and the production lead time set according to size and complexity — see industrial large format 3D printing.
🎨 Creative agencies
The problem: a giant object for a campaign or a shop window, but no idea what the machine can render: details, colours, surface appearance.
Our answer: we turn the visual into a printable part, modelled from a photo or a sketch, then sanded and painted in the brand colours — examples in 3D POS displays.
📐 Architects
The problem: a bulky model to produce from BIM, with no model maker available and without cutting it into dozens of pieces.
Our answer: a model FDM-printed from your 3D export, in a single piece as long as it fits within the machine volume — see architectural models from BIM.
How does FDM 3D printing (fused filament fabrication) work?
3D printing is additive manufacturing: instead of removing material from a block, material is added only where it is needed. In FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling, also called FFF or fused filament fabrication), a spool of plastic filament feeds a print head; the filament is melted in a heated nozzle, then laid down in fine beads that cool and bond together.
Slicing software cuts the 3D file into thousands of horizontal layers. The machine draws each layer, the build plate moves down (or the head moves up), and the next layer fuses with the previous one: the part is built layer by layer, with no mould and no tooling.
110×110×170 cm in a single piece: what large format changes
The cutting plan is approved with you before printing starts. That is how we produce full-scale form-validation models, industrial parts and museum replicas that exceed the machine volume.
Layers, surface finish and materials: what you get with FDM
Layer height sets the balance between fineness and print time: thin layers for details and curved surfaces, thicker layers for large, simple volumes. As printed, an FDM part shows slight horizontal lines; they disappear with sanding and priming. We print FDM polymers only:
- PLA: detailed shapes, decor, models, indoor POS displays — a bio-based plastic (see bioplastic 3D printing);
- PETG: parts that are handled or on display, signs, translucent versions that diffuse backlighting;
- TPU: flexible parts, seals, protective parts, elements that need to bend;
- ABS: prototypes and technical parts intended to be sanded and painted;
- Nylon PA12: functional parts and tooling that withstand loads.
From 3D file to finished part: preparation and finishing
For finishing: sanding, priming, painting in your brand colours, varnish. Gold, silver or mirror-like effects are achieved with tinted filament or a paint finish, on a part that stays light and entirely made of FDM plastic — see our 3D print finishing. The same technology is also used to print moulds for 3D thermoforming.
The limits of large format FDM, stated plainly
Choosing a technology also means knowing what it does not do. Here is what we will tell you before we even quote.
How does a large format FDM 3D printing project work?
① You send us your project
A 3D file (STEP, STL, OBJ) or, failing that, a photo, a sketch or a drawing, with the target dimensions and the intended use of the part.
② We review and quote
Feasibility, orientation, any cutting plan, material, finish and production lead time — set in the quote according to size and complexity. Free quote within 24 to 48 hours, no obligation.
③ We print, finish and deliver
FDM printing in our Bonson workshop, support removal, finishing, inspection and packing, then shipping across France and Europe.
8 projects that show large format FDM technology
XXL parts in a single piece, articulated parts, raised details, models and prototypes: each project opens its own detailed page.
Large format 3D printing technology: your questions
How does FDM 3D printing work?
A plastic filament is melted in a heated nozzle and laid down in beads, layer after layer, following the path calculated from the 3D file. Each layer bonds to the previous one until the part is formed, with no mould and no tooling.
What is the maximum size of a large format FDM part?
Up to 110×110×170 cm in a single piece in our workshop. Beyond that, the part is cut into sections that slot together and are assembled, then the joints are refinished.
Which layer height and surface finish should I expect?
The layer height is chosen for each part: fine for details, thicker for large, simple volumes. Raw, the part shows slight lines; sanding, priming and painting give a smooth surface ready for display.
Which materials do you use for FDM?
FDM plastics only: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS and Nylon PA12. The material is chosen according to the use — decor, handled part, outdoor, flexible or functional part — and stated in the quote.
Which files should I provide? And if I have none?
STEP, STL and OBJ files are accepted. Without a file, a photo, a sketch, a drawing or an existing object is enough: we model the part or start from a 3D scan. More details on our large format 3D files page.
What is the production lead time?
It is set in the quote according to the size and complexity of the part: a simple object is not scheduled like a painted assembly. Send your project to devis@pami3d.com: free quote within 24 to 48 hours, no obligation.
Why entrust your large format FDM project to PAMI3D?
Large format in a single piece
Up to 110×110×170 cm with no joint and no gluing: person-sized parts that are stronger and easier to finish.
A service provider, not a machine seller
You buy a finished part, not a printer: no investment, no training, no maintenance on your side.
Honest technical advice
Feasibility, material, orientation and the limits of FDM explained before the quote, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
One-off or short run
With no mould or tooling, from a single copy to a short run; the file is kept so the part can be reissued identically.
Finishing included
Sanding, priming, painting, varnish, gold or silver effects: the part comes out ready to display, install or test.
15 years of manufacturing in France
A workshop in Bonson (Loire) and projects for Pierre Hermé, Desjoyaux, Les Companions and Miss Excellence.
Free, no-obligation quote
A specific need, a particular finish: free quote within 24 to 48 hours, including material and production lead time.
Your large format FDM 3D printed part
A file, a photo or a sketch is all we need. Up to 110×110×170 cm in a single piece, made in France (Bonson, Loire).
Free quote within 24 to 48 hours • Technical advice • Made in France (Bonson, Loire)
