What does "drift" refer to in additive manufacturing?

Drift in additive manufacturing refers to unintended movement in the printer's axes during the printing process. This can lead to misaligned or inaccurate prints, negatively affecting the final part's precision. It is essential to maintain proper calibration and rigidity in the printer's structure to minimize drift and ensure accurate layer deposition. This concept is particularly critical in high-precision applications where even minor deviations can compromise the integrity and functionality of the printed object.