What is referred to as "stringing" in FDM printing?

Stringing in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printing specifically refers to the phenomenon where excess filament oozes out of the nozzle during non-print moves, creating thin strands or "strings" of plastic between different parts of the model. This happens when the printer head moves from one location to another without printing, and there's still a bit of molten filament clinging to the nozzle. As the nozzle moves, this leftover filament can create unwanted hair-like connections, detracting from the smoothness and quality of the printed model.

The correct answer highlights an issue commonly encountered by users of FDM technology, where careful adjustment of printer settings, such as retraction distance and speed, can minimize stringing. In contrast, stringing is not simply about printing speed, filament tangle during feeding, or a particular type of filament. Those factors may influence the printing process, but they do not define stringing itself. Understanding stringing is crucial for improving print quality and achieving cleaner, more detailed 3D prints.