What is a recommended method to reduce stringing in FDM printing?

Optimizing retraction settings in the slicer is a recommended method to reduce stringing in FDM printing because retraction settings control how the filament is pulled back into the nozzle when the print head moves between different areas. When stringing occurs, it's often due to filament oozing out of the nozzle during non-print moves, creating unwanted strings.

By adjusting retraction distance and speed, the printer can pull back more filament or do so more quickly, which minimizes the amount of material that can leak out during travel moves. This is particularly important for materials that are prone to stringing, as effective retraction can help keep the print clean and improve the overall appearance and quality.

While other options like increasing infill percentage or printing at a lower temperature may affect print quality, they do not directly target the issue of stringing caused by filament leakage during non-print moves. Increasing layer height for faster printing can also affect print quality and detail but is not specifically aimed at addressing the stringing problem. Thus, fine-tuning retraction settings is the most effective way to tackle stringing issues in FDM printing.