What is a potential consequence of improper cooling rates in FDM prints?

Improper cooling rates in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) prints can lead to the dimension of the final product being significantly affected. When the material cools too quickly or unevenly, it can cause issues such as shrinkage, which affects the accuracy and dimensional stability of the part. As the printed material cools, it contracts, and if some sections cool more quickly than others—for example, in the case of thick versus thin areas or due to varying print speeds—this can exacerbate the deformation. Therefore, maintaining a proper cooling rate is crucial for ensuring that the dimensions of the printed object match the intended design specifications and do not result in warping or other geometric inaccuracies.