What does the term "Elephant Foot" refer to in 3D printing?

The term "Elephant Foot" in 3D printing refers specifically to a defect characterized by a compression of the lowest layer due to heat and pressure from the nozzle during the printing process. When the print head starts extruding filament, especially on the initial layers, the weight of the subsequent layers can cause the lower layers to spread out and bulge at the base, resembling the foot of an elephant. This phenomenon most commonly occurs when the printer's first layers are too hot for too long or if the print bed is not perfectly leveled. Understanding this defect is crucial for achieving better print quality, as addressing it can lead to more precise and visually appealing prints.

Other options describe different issues related to 3D printing but do not capture the essence of what "Elephant Foot" signifies. The accumulation of excessive filament, techniques for creating wider bases, and layer separation during cooling each represent distinct challenges or methods that do not align with the definition of this specific defect.