What is the benefit of having a heated build platform in an FDM printer?

Having a heated build platform in an FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer primarily serves to keep the part from cooling too quickly, which can lead to warping. When thermoplastic materials cool rapidly, they can contract unevenly, especially at the base of the print. This variation in cooling can cause the corners and edges of a part to lift off the build plate, resulting in a distorted or failed print.

A heated build platform helps maintain a consistent temperature across the part as it is being printed, allowing for better adhesion to the build surface and minimizing thermal stresses that can lead to warping. This consistency is especially important for materials that have higher tendencies to warp, such as ABS. Maintaining a stable temperature helps improve dimensional accuracy and surface quality in the finished part, enhancing the overall print success rate.