{"id":165830,"date":"2022-10-09T14:42:37","date_gmt":"2022-10-09T06:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165830"},"modified":"2022-11-08T15:23:26","modified_gmt":"2022-11-08T07:23:26","slug":"3d-printing-elephants-foot-easy-fixes","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-elephants-foot-easy-fixes","title":{"rendered":"3D Printing Elephant\u2019s Foot \u2013 Easy Fixes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Elephant’s foot is a 3D printing problem that’s not often discussed but is often experienced. Learn how to stop it easily!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Sometimes when printing without a\u00a0raft<\/a>, you may notice that the\u00a0first layer<\/a>\u00a0is slightly larger than the rest. This is known as elephant\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n

While most of the time it\u2019s unnoticeable and unimportant, elephant\u2019s foot can pose a large problem when printing objects for practical applications. It drastically decreases\u00a0tolerances<\/a>, making it much harder to fit pieces together.<\/p>\n

This defect often arises in larger prints, as it\u2019s caused by the weight of the object pushing down on the first layer. If it\u2019s not yet fully cooled, this weight results in bulging of the first layer.<\/p>\n

The good thing is, there are simple ways to try to solve this issue. From adjusting the bed temperature to adding a bed adhesion assistant, with a few more options in between, let\u2019s go over different tricks to avoid seeing your prints with elephant\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Cure<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Best avoid elephant’s foot in parts that are meant to fit together (Source: GlowH2O via Thingiverse)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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As we\u2019ve explained, elephant\u2019s foot most often occurs as the result of an uncooled first layer. If the\u00a0temperature<\/a>\u00a0of the print bed is too high or if there\u2019s insufficient\u00a0cooling<\/a>, the first layer may not cool properly, causing elephant\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n

Here are a few things to try to reduce or even completely resolve elephant\u2019s foot on your prints:<\/p>\n