What are supports in FDM printing?

Supports in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printing refer to temporary structures that are printed to assist in the formation of overhangs and intricate designs that cannot be printed without some form of support. During the printing process, certain geometries may span more than a short distance without adequate lower material, leading to potential sagging or failure of the print. By incorporating supports, the printer can create a stable base for these overhanging features, allowing for the successful manufacture of complex models.

These supports are usually removed after the printing process is complete, either manually or via a specific setup in dual-material prints where a soluble support material can be used. This temporary nature of supports sets them apart from the notion of durability; they are not meant to be part of the final printed product but rather as a means to achieve the desired result while maintaining print quality.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of supports in FDM printing. Permanent structures for durability are not the role of supports, cooling mechanisms relate to temperature management rather than structural support, and filament guides deal with material flow rather than supporting geometrical features during printing.