A skirt is a single-layer outline that's printed around the model before the actual print begins. Unlike a brim or raft, the skirt doesn't touch the model - it's printed at a small distance away. The primary purpose of a skirt is to prime the extruder and ensure proper material flow before the first layer of the actual model is printed.
The skirt helps establish consistent extrusion by clearing any air bubbles or inconsistencies in the filament path. It also gives the printer a chance to reach the correct temperature and flow rate before starting the important first layer of the model. This can significantly improve first-layer adhesion and overall print success.
Skirt settings can be adjusted in the slicer software, including the number of lines (typically 1-3), the distance from the model (usually 3-10mm), and the minimum length. The skirt is usually printed at the same speed and settings as the first layer to ensure consistency.
Skirts are particularly useful when using materials that require precise temperature control or when the printer has been idle for a while. They help ensure that the extruder is properly primed and that the first layer of the model will be printed with optimal conditions.
Unlike brims or rafts, skirts don't provide any adhesion benefits to the model itself. They're purely functional for priming and flow establishment. This makes them ideal when you want to ensure good first-layer quality without affecting the model's appearance or requiring post-processing to remove adhesion structures.
Skirts are often the preferred choice for experienced users who have well-calibrated printers and want minimal material waste while still ensuring reliable first-layer printing.
