What does "over-extrusion" in FDM refer to?

Over-extrusion in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) refers to a scenario where excess filament is extruded beyond what is necessary for the print. This typically occurs due to improper settings in the printer, such as an incorrectly calibrated flow rate, nozzle temperature that is too high, or improper settings for the filament diameter.

When over-extrusion happens, the printer pushes out more material than required, leading to issues such as a blurred or thickened outline on printed parts, surface imperfections, and even possible clogs in the nozzle due to the excess material. Addressing over-extrusion involves fine-tuning the printer's settings to ensure that it accurately deposits the right amount of material, thus achieving the intended design and ensuring a smoother finish on the final product.