Which type of cooling is commonly used in FDM printers?

In Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printers, cooling fans are a critical component for achieving high-quality prints. As the hot extruder nozzle deposits molten plastic, the material needs to solidify quickly to maintain the desired shape and prevent issues such as sagging or warping. Cooling fans provide directed airflow that helps in rapidly cooling the freshly deposited filament, allowing it to harden before additional layers are added. This cooling is essential to ensure good layer adhesion and to prevent artifacts associated with overheating, which can compromise the structural integrity and finish of the printed object.

While other cooling mechanisms, such as heat sinks, play a role in maintaining the proper temperature of the extruder and the overall printer, they do not directly facilitate the quick solidification of filament during the printing process. Water cooling systems and air conditioning units are not standard in FDM printers as they are not practical or necessary for the specific cooling needs during extrusion. Thus, cooling fans remain the most effective and commonly used method for cooling in FDM printers.