Why is it beneficial to use a heated print bed?

Using a heated print bed is essential in 3D printing because it minimizes warping and improves adhesion of the printed material to the build surface. When thermoplastic filament is extruded onto the print bed, it cools down rapidly. If the temperature differential between the print bed and the filament is too high, the surface that cools quickest—usually the perimeter of the print—can bend or warp away from the print bed as it shrinks during the cooling process. This warping can lead to print failures or misalignments.

A heated print bed maintains a consistent temperature, which encourages the filament to adhere better to the surface and reduces the chances of warping throughout the printing process. By ensuring that the first layers of the print remain warm, it allows the filament to bond effectively with the bed, which helps stabilize the print as it builds up layer by layer. This results in higher quality prints with improved dimensional accuracy and reduced chances of print separation.