A peripheral skirt of material attached to the base of a 3D printed object is a common feature. This skirt extends outwards from the object’s footprint on the build plate, increasing the surface area in contact with the platform. For example, a tall, thin vase might have a wide, flat structure surrounding its base, all printed as a single, connected piece. This feature is later removed after printing.
The primary benefit of this added structure is enhanced adhesion to the build plate. This is crucial for preventing warping, particularly with materials prone to shrinking during cooling. Its application significantly improves the chances of a successful print, reducing material waste and print failures. It is a solution that evolved alongside the technology, becoming a staple setting in most slicing software to address adhesion challenges.
