What does the term "layer adhesion" refer to in FDM?

Layer adhesion in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) refers to the bonding quality between consecutive layers of printed material. This aspect is crucial because it determines the strength and durability of the final 3D printed object. Proper layer adhesion ensures that each layer adheres well to the one below it, creating a cohesive structure throughout the part.

Good layer adhesion can prevent issues such as delamination, where layers separate, leading to structural weaknesses or failure of the print. Factors that influence layer adhesion include the material properties, printing temperature, and the speed at which the layers are deposited, but the term specifically denotes the quality of the bond formed during this layering process.

The other options describe different aspects of the printing process. For instance, the speed of printing relates to how quickly the printer moves but does not directly define layer adhesion. The thickness of each layer is a separate parameter that can affect print resolution and time but is not synonymous with adhesion. Lastly, temperature during printing can influence adhesion, as certain temperatures can promote better bonding, but it is not the definition of layer adhesion itself.