3D printing: Rafts, Skirts and Brims!

https://www.simplify3d.com/support/articles/rafts-skirts-and-brims/

This tutorial will help you understand the differences between rafts, skirts and brims. All three techniques provide a starting point for your model, but they have different uses and advantages.

Rafts

A Raft is a horizontal latticework of filament that is located underneath your part. Rafts are primarily used with ABS to help with bed adhesion. Rafts are also used to help stabilize models with small footprints, or to create a strong foundation on which to build the upper layers of your part. If your only concern is bed adhesion, you may want to skip to the brim section, as this can typically accomplish the same goal as a raft and is much faster to print.

Skirts

A skirt is an outline that surrounds your part but does not touch the part. The skirt is extruded on the print bed before starting to print your model. Skirts serve a useful purpose because they help prime your extruder and establish a smooth flow of filament. Observing your skirt also allows you to detect any printing or leveling errors before you start printing your actual model. A Skirt is typically offset 3-4mm from the part. It may have 1-2 layers and 1-2 outlines. Note: If you have enabled Supports under your model, the outline of your skirt may be extended to surround the supports.

Brims

Unlike a skirt, a Brim has a 0.00mm offset from your model. A Brim is attached to your part and extends outward, similar to the brim of a hat. Brims typically have several outlines and may be 1-2 layers tall. Brims are often used to stabilize small parts or “islands” (isolated sections of a model, such as 4 legs of a table) because brims help these delicate areas stay connected to the print bed.