What does the presence of a BASS during printing indicate?

The presence of a BASS, which stands for Build-Able Support Structure, during printing indicates that the model requires temporary support to be built. This situation often arises when the design includes overhangs or complex geometries that cannot be printed in mid-air without additional material to support them during the build process.

Using a BASS is crucial for ensuring that such designs maintain their integrity during the printing process, as unsupported areas might droop, warp, or fail to properly adhere to the build platform. Once the printing is complete, the support structures can typically be removed without damaging the main model, allowing for a successful print of geometrically challenging designs.

Other options discuss components related to printing, but they do not accurately describe the function of BASS. The filament compatibility, intended application stresses, or self-supporting designs refer to different aspects of the printing and design process, but when BASS is noticeable, it unmistakably points to the need for supportive structures.