Skirt vs. Brim vs. Raft in 3D Printing – A Comparison

In 3D printing, achieving high-quality filament extrusion and successful adhesion to the print bed are critical factors for a successfully printed part. Three 3D printing techniques — skirt, brim, and raft—are used to verify and achieve these parameters. Each method serves a distinct purpose in enhancing bed adhesion and improving print quality. Understanding the differences and applications of these techniques is essential for achieving desired results in a 3D-printed part.

This article will discuss the differences between the 3D printing techniques — skirt, brim, and raft.

What Is a Skirt in 3D Printing?

A skirt in 3D printing refers to a perimeter or outline that surrounds the first layer of the intended print object. A skirt is typically employed in fused deposition modeling (FDM®) print jobs and extruded onto the print bed before printing starts. This helps to prime the extruder and ensure smooth filament flow while printing the intended model. By printing a skirt first, users can identify any adhesion or leveling issue before actual model printing begins.

What Is the Purpose of a Skirt in 3D Printing? 

The primary purpose of a skirt is to prime the extruder and ensure a consistent flow of filament before the commencement of the actual print. Additionally, it helps verify bed leveling and nozzle clearance, thereby reducing the risk of failed prints due to improper calibration.

How Does a Skirt Differ From a Brim and a Raft? 

A skirt differs from a brim and a draft in that it is simply a perimeter that surrounds and is disconnected from the intended model. On the other hand, a brim can be thought of as a skirt connected to the part. Both skirts and brims are extruded as a single layer before the start of printing the actual model. A raft can be thought of as a mesh or grid printed onto the print bed, on top of which the print job will form. A skirt is the simplest method for verifying print quality before printing a part.

How Does a Skirt in 3D Printing Work? 

During the initial phase of printing, the printer nozzle traces a perimeter slightly larger than that of the intended print job, extruding a small amount of material onto the print bed. This process allows for the priming of the extruder and facilitates the flow of filament before transitioning to the main print.

When Should a Skirt Be Used in 3D Printing?

A skirt is typically employed when initiating a print job to ensure proper extrusion quality and bed levelness. It is particularly useful for identifying potential issues like nozzle clogging when printing with new filaments or after making adjustments to the printer settings.

Is a Skirt Used for Improving Bed Adhesion?

No, a skirt is not used for improving bed adhesion. Since the skirt is not connected to the first layer of the actual part, it does not increase the amount of model surface area connected to the print bed. Therefore, it is not used for improving bed adhesion but instead as a method for verifying extruder and print settings.

How Does Klipper Firmware Enhance 3D Printing Capabilities?

Klipper firmware is renowned for its ability to enhance 3D printing capabilities by optimizing motion-control algorithms and enabling faster and more precise movements of the printer's components.

What Is the Advantage of the Skirt in 3D Printing? 

3D printing a skirt before printing the part offers many advantages which are listed below:

1. Printing a skirt primes the extruder before actually printing the intended object. This helps lead to more uniform flow and extrusion quality.
2. 3D printing a skirt enables users to validate bed levelness, which consequently reduces the likelihood of print failures due to filament inconsistencies or inadequate calibration.

What Is the Disadvantage of the Skirt in 3D Printing?

Using a skirt in 3D printing also has some disadvantages compared to a brim or raft. Skirts are not effective for identifying warping or bed adhesion issues since the skirt does not contact the printed part.

Does a Skirt Have a Direct Touch With the Printed Object?

No, a skirt does not touch the printed object. It is a single layer of extruded filament that forms a perimeter around the part. Its purpose is to prime the extruder and check the print bed level before printing the desired object.

What Is a Brim in 3D Printing?

A brim in 3D printing refers to a single layer of extruded material added to the base of the print object, extending outward from its perimeter to help improve its adhesion to the print bed.

What Is the Purpose of a Brim in 3D Printing? 

The primary purpose of a brim is to enhance bed adhesion by enlarging the contact area between the print object and the build surface. It is particularly useful for preventing warping and improving stability during the printing process.

How Does a Brim in 3D Printing Work? 

Similar to a skirt, a brim is laid down during the first few passes of the extruder during printing, but instead of being a mere outline, it extends outward from the base of the print object. This extended surface area improves adhesion and minimizes the risk of warping.

How Does a Brim Compare to a Skirt and a Raft in Terms of Usage?

Unlike a skirt, which serves primarily as a means to verify extrusion quality and bed level, and a raft, which provides a sturdy foundation for the entire print, a brim focuses specifically on enhancing the bed adhesion and stability of the printed object.

What Is the Main Function of a Brim in 3D Printing? 

The main function of a brim is to mitigate issues related to poor bed adhesion and warping by increasing the contact area between the print object and the build surface.

When To Use a Brim in 3D Printing? 

A brim is particularly useful when printing objects with large surface areas or when using filament materials prone to warping, such as ABS or other high-temperature filaments. It is also beneficial when printing with materials that tend to shrink as they cool. Additionally, as with a skirt, initially printing a brim helps verify extruder settings and bed level.

Is a Brim Primarily Used To Prevent Warping?

Yes. One of the primary purposes of a brim is to prevent warping by providing additional adhesion and stability to the print object, especially along its base and edges.

When Is a Brim the Greatest 3D Printing Option?

A brim is considered the optimal choice when printing large parts or printing with materials that are susceptible to warping or have high shrinkage rates. Utilizing a brim in a 3D print ensures better bed adhesion and promotes successful print outcomes.

What Are the Advantages of the Brim in 3D Printing? 

The advantages of the brim in 3D printing are:

1. A brim enhances the bed adhesion of a part because it increases the contact area between the print object and the build surface.
2. Brims help prevent warping and improve stability during the printing process.
3. 3D printing a brim offers better stability to the printed object compared to a skirt.

What Are the Disadvantages of the Brim in 3D Printing?

3D printing a brim also has its disadvantages. Those disadvantages include:

1. 3D printing a prim increases print time and utilizes more material compared to a skirt.
2. Removing the finished part and separating it from the brim may require additional effort and care to avoid damaging it.

Does a Brim Provide Better Stability to the Printed Object Than a Skirt? 

Yes, a brim provides better stability to the printed object by extending the contact area between the object and the print bed, thereby minimizing the risk of warping or detachment during the printing process.

Can You Adjust the Width or Number of Lines in a Brim?

Yes, most 3D printing software allows users to adjust the width and number of lines in a brim according to their preferences and specific printing requirements. This customization enables finer control over bed adhesion and print stability.

What Is a Raft in 3D Printing?

A raft in 3D printing refers to a 3D multi-layered, grid-like structure that serves as a foundation for the part that is printed directly on top of it. A raft is commonly used with ABS to mitigate issues such as warping and poor bed adhesion, but they are also helpful in providing stability when printing small parts.

What Is the Purpose of a Raft in 3D Printing? 

The purpose of a raft in 3D printing is to provide a stable base for the printed object that extends beyond the extent of the part’s first layer. For smaller parts or parts with limiting geometry, a raft may provide sufficient support for a successful print. Additionally, a raft helps with layer adhesion since the printed object does not contact the print bed, only the raft. This is because plastic adheres better to plastic than metal. Moreover, any warping or inconsistencies in the print will likely be present in the raft, not the part. 

How Does a Raft in 3D Printing Work? 

During the initial stages of printing, the printer deposits a layer of support material, typically with a lattice or grid-like structure, directly onto the print bed. The main print object is then built upon this raft, ensuring a stable foundation and reducing the likelihood of print failures.

How Does a Raft Differ From Both a Skirt and a Brim? 

A raft is a lattice structure that acts as a foundation for the printed object. Rafts improve bed adhesion and mitigate warping since the part is directly connected to it, but they use a significant amount of material compared to a skirt or brim. While skirts and brims are utilized primarily for verifying extruder settings and bed leveling, rafts focus on foundational support. 

When Is a Raft Necessary for 3D Printing? 

A raft is necessary for 3D printing when dealing with uneven or problematic print-bed surfaces, or when printing objects prone to warping. It ensures better bed adhesion and stability throughout the printing process.

Is a Raft Mainly Used for Improving Bed Adhesion and Preventing Warping?

Yes, a raft is primarily used for improving bed adhesion and preventing warping. By providing a solid foundation for the print object, it helps distribute printing stresses evenly and minimizes the impact of imperfections on the print surface.

What Is the Advantage of the Raft in 3D Printing? 

3D printing a raft offers many advantages. Those advantages are listed below:

1. Rafts provide a stable foundation for the print object, especially on uneven surfaces, which helps to improve overall print quality.
2. 3D printing a raft before printing the intended object helps enhance bed adhesion and prevents warping by distributing printing stresses evenly.
3. A raft offers additional support to the printed object, especially for smaller parts that may not have a stable base.

What Is the Disadvantage of the Raft in 3D Printing?

Rafts are not without their disadvantages. The disadvantages of a raft in 3D printing are:

1. Rafts have the longest print time and the highest material utilization compared to skirts and brims.
2. Separating the raft from the printed part may require additional effort and caution to avoid damaging the finished object.
3. Rafts can add unnecessary complexity to the printing process, especially for simpler prints.

Does a Raft Offer Additional Support to the Printed Object? 

Yes, a raft offers additional support to the printed object by providing a stable foundation for it to adhere to. This support helps minimize issues such as warping and improves overall print quality.

Can I Combine Skirt, Brim, and Raft Methods Into the Same Print?

Yes, it is possible to combine skirt, brim, and raft methods into the same print, depending on the specific requirements of the print job. For instance, a skirt may be used for extruder priming and calibration verification, a brim for enhanced bed adhesion, and a raft for additional stability on problematic surfaces. Such combinations offer flexibility in addressing various challenges encountered in 3D printing.

Summary

This article presented skirt, brim, and raft in 3D printing, explained each technique, and discussed their comparisons to one another. To learn more about skirt, brim, and raft, contact a Xometry representative.

Xometry provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, including 3D printing and other value-added services for all of your prototyping and production needs. Visit our website to learn more or to request a free, no-obligation quote.

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1. FDM® is a registered trademark of Stratasys, Inc.

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