At what point should the print be monitored to ensure proper adhesion of layers in the FDM process?

Monitoring the print during the first few layers is crucial in the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) process because these layers establish the foundation for the rest of the print. The initial layers must adhere correctly to the print bed and to one another to ensure stability throughout the subsequent build. If there are issues such as warping, poor adhesion, or misalignment during this phase, it can lead to print failures that often cannot be corrected later on.

The recommendation to monitor for 3-5 layers strikes a balance. It is long enough to confirm that the material is sticking properly and that there are no immediate issues such as under-extrusion or irregularities in layer height. In the initial moments of a print, observing just the first layer may not be sufficient since some material may look secure but could still be prone to issues in the subsequent layers. Alternatively, monitoring for a longer period might be unnecessary, as consistent adhesion is typically established within this 3-5 layer timeframe.

By focusing on this range, operators can intervene early if problems arise, thus maximizing the chances of a successful print outcome.