It is an extra layer of plastic that surrounds the base of a 3D printed object. This feature is printed directly onto the build plate and connected to the first layer of the part. Functionally, it increases the surface area in contact with the build plate, providing improved adhesion. An example of its use is with parts that have small footprints or are prone to warping.
Its importance lies in its ability to prevent print failures, especially with materials that tend to shrink during cooling. This added adhesion minimizes warping and lifting from the build plate, resulting in more dimensionally accurate and structurally sound final products. The implementation of this technique has become a standard practice in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing due to its effectiveness and ease of application.
