How can stringing in FDM printing be minimized?

Stringing in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing occurs when small strings of filament are left behind as the print head moves between different parts of the object. This phenomenon is primarily influenced by the filament material's properties, the temperature of the nozzle, and how effectively the printer manages the flow of filament during non-print moves.

Adjusting retraction settings and temperature is crucial for minimizing stringing. Retraction settings control the amount of filament that is pulled back into the nozzle when the print head moves from one section to another. By increasing the retraction distance and speed, you can help reduce the volume of filament that leaks out during these movements. Additionally, optimizing the nozzle temperature is vital; if the temperature is too high, the filament becomes more fluid, increasing the likelihood of stringing. Conversely, if it is set too low, it may cause under-extrusion.

While other options do influence printing quality, they do not directly target the underlying causes of stringing as effectively as adjusting retraction settings and temperature does. Lowering print speed might reduce stringing somewhat, but it mainly impacts overall print time and not the fundamental mechanisms causing stringing. Increasing layer height can affect surface finish and might lead to other issues, while different filament