What primarily affects the dimensional accuracy of FDM prints?

The dimensional accuracy of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) prints is predominantly influenced by printer settings and calibration. This includes factors such as layer height, print speed, extrusion temperature, and flow rate—all of which play a crucial role in how accurately the printer reproduces the designed dimensions of a model.

When the printer is calibrated properly, it ensures that the extruder is depositing the correct amount of material at the right distances, leading to precise dimensional outputs. Variations in these settings can lead to issues like over-extrusion or under-extrusion, which can distort dimensions. If the printer's mechanics are not aligned properly or if the software settings are not optimized, even the best filament can produce inaccurate prints.

While other factors like filament color, ambient noise, and humidity may influence the print process indirectly, they are not the primary drivers of dimensional accuracy. Filament color has no effect on the dimensional properties, ambient noise does not influence the mechanical precision of printing, and humidity primarily affects material properties rather than the dimensions of the printed part. Therefore, focusing on printer settings and proper calibration is essential for achieving high dimensional accuracy in FDM printing.