Rafts, skirts and brims

Rafts, skirts and brims are all terms used to describe the various parts of a printing plate. The raft is the main body of the plate, while the skirt is the raised edge that surrounds the perimeter of the plate. The brim is the narrow strip of material that runs around the edge of the plate, just below the skirt.

What is the difference between brim and raft?

Brim:

A brim is a layer of material (usually plastic) that is added to the base of a 3D print to help with adhesion. This is typically done to prints that have a large bottom area, or when printing on a build platform that is not perfectly level.

Raft:

A raft is a grid-like structure that is added to the base of a 3D print to help with adhesion and print quality. Rafts are typically used on prints that have a large bottom area, or when printing with materials that are prone to warping.

What are rafts in 3D printing?

Rafts are support structures that are typically used in 3D printing to provide support for overhanging parts or structures. Rafts can be made from a variety of materials, but are typically made from the same material as the object being printed. Rafts are typically removed after the object has been printed and can be recycled or reused. Does brim help 3D printing? Yes, brim can help 3D printing in a few ways. First, it can help to prevent warping by providing a larger surface area for the model to adhere to. Second, it can help to improve print quality by providing a more even base for the model to print on. Finally, it can help to speed up the print process by providing a larger surface area for the model to build on. Do 3D prints need a raft? 3D prints do not need a raft, but they may benefit from one depending on the circumstances. If the object being printed is small and has a complex shape, a raft can help to keep it from warping or curling during the printing process. A raft can also provide a sturdy base for prints that need to be printed on their side or upside down. What temperature should bed be for PLA? The recommended bed temperature for PLA is around 50-60°C. This will vary depending on the PLA filament you are using, as well as your specific printer.