A raft is a horizontal support structure created during additive manufacturing processes. It is a series of plastic layers printed beneath a three-dimensional object. This sacrificial base enhances adhesion, particularly when the printing material struggles to adhere directly to the build platform. A practical illustration is when printing a model with intricate details at its base; a base offers a stable and even surface, mitigating warping or detachment issues.
The primary importance of utilizing such a base lies in improved print quality and success rates. It helps to address adhesion problems, especially with materials prone to warping or when the printer’s bed is not perfectly level. Historically, they were essential in early printing technologies to overcome limitations in build platform materials and adhesion techniques, becoming a crucial aspect of successful fabrication.