What role do cooling fans play in FDM printing?

Cooling fans play a crucial role in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printing, especially in the process of solidifying the extruded material. When plastic filament is heated and extruded through the nozzle, it is initially in a molten state. As it is deposited onto the build platform or previous layers, the extruded material needs to cool down quickly to solidify properly. This cooling process helps enhance layer adhesion, which is vital for the structural integrity of the printed part.

Additionally, effective cooling contributes to achieving finer details in the print. If the material cools too slowly, it could lead to issues such as warping or poor layer bonding, resulting in a less accurate representation of the intended design. Thus, the cooling fans ensure that the filament solidifies promptly, allowing for better print quality and reducing the chances of defects in the finished object.

While other options mention additional aspects such as the overall printer cooling or the temperature of the filament, these do not capture the essential function of cooling fans specifically in the context of solidifying extruded material during the printing process.