Which of the following statements is true regarding FDM layer cooling?

The statement regarding proper cooling being essential for maintaining print integrity is accurate in the context of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing. During the printing process, each layer of melted filament is deposited and then subsequently cooled to form a solid structure. Adequate cooling ensures that each layer adheres correctly to the one below it, preventing issues such as warping, sagging, or layer separation.

If cooling is not managed properly, structural weaknesses can manifest, leading to defects in the final printed object. For instance, if a layer cools too quickly, it may not bond adequately with the subsequent layer, resulting in poor adhesion and potentially compromising the strength of the printed part. Conversely, if the cooling is too slow, it can lead to excessive thermal expansion, which can also affect the overall integrity and precision of the print.

Overall, maintaining proper cooling through careful control of environmental conditions and print settings is crucial to achieving high-quality prints and ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.