Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technique that uses thermoplastics to build 3D objects layer by layer through a nozzle. The thermoplastic filament is heated and deposited on the build platform to form the desired shapes. Common thermoplastics used in FDM include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), nylon, and polyphenylsulfone (PPSF). FDM can be used for modeling, prototyping, and final production parts in industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer products.