What does the "print speed" variable impact in 3D printing?

The variable "print speed" primarily impacts the movement speed of the printer as it refers to how fast the print head moves while extruding material. A higher print speed means the print head moves more quickly, depositing material at a faster rate. This can significantly influence the overall duration of the printing process, as well as the quality of the final print.

When print speed is increased too much, it may lead to issues such as poor adhesion between layers, resulting in weak structures or artifacts on the surface of the print. Conversely, a slower print speed can enhance the quality of the print by allowing more time for each layer to bond effectively but at the cost of longer printing times.

Understanding the relationship between print speed and the movement of the printer is essential for optimizing prints to achieve the desired balance between speed and quality.