How does cooling affect the print quality in FDM?

Proper cooling is crucial in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) as it directly influences print quality in several ways. When filament is extruded, it is heated to a specific temperature before being deposited in layers. As these layers cool, the material solidifies and bonds with the layer below it. Adequate cooling helps in achieving better layer adhesion and detail, which is essential for intricate designs or fine features in a print.

If cooling is managed appropriately, it can help to minimize issues like warping or curling, which occur when parts of the print cool unevenly. By providing proper cooling, it ensures that the material sets at an optimal rate, maintaining the intended dimensions and preventing the distortions that can arise from thermal contraction. This consistent cooling leads to high-quality prints with better surface finishes and greater accuracy in layer alignment.

The other options present views that do not accurately reflect the importance of cooling in the FDM process. While it may seem that cooling does not significantly affect quality or that it primarily impacts printing speed, these aspects are intertwined with how well a part adheres and maintains its shape during the cooling phase.