Cooling Tower USA - 3D Printing Terms & Glossary

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [1]

Cooling Tower A cooling tower is a small auxiliary structure created in slicer software to enhance the cooling process during 3D printing, especially for models with intricate or delicate features. It is commonly used when printing tall, narrow parts or areas with minimal surface area per layer. Without proper cooling, layers may not solidify fully before the next layer is deposited, resulting in deformities, smudging, or poor adhesion.

The cooling tower acts as a "pause point," where the printer can temporarily move the nozzle away from the main object, allowing the previously printed layer to cool adequately. This technique is particularly useful for materials like PLA that rely heavily on cooling to maintain dimensional accuracy. Cooling towers are usually placed near the model and are removed after the print is complete, ensuring the main object maintains its intended structure and quality. Advanced slicer software often lets users customize the tower's size, shape, and placement to optimize results.