Printing issue-Elephant's Foot

Printing issue-Elephant's Foot

What is Elephant's Foot?

Elephant's Foot is a common phenomenon in bottom-up light-cured 3D printers, referring to a protrusion that occurs near the base of the model.


Causes

Prolonged exposure and curing of the first layer or initial layers

Based on the principle of bottom-up light-cured printing, the printed model needs to adhere firmly to the build platform. During the entire printing process, each layer needs to detach from the bottom of the resin tank, resulting in downward tension on the entire model during detachment. Therefore, the first layer or initial layers require longer exposure for secure adhesion to the build platform. Prolonged exposure can cause light scattering towards the outer edges of the model, resulting in external curing.

Reflectivity of the build platform

The build platform is made of metal, and during the curing of the first layer or initial layers, light irradiated onto the build platform reflects towards the outer edges of the model, leading to external curing.

Drainage pressure

The build platform is relatively large and solid. During the printing of the first layer or initial layers, there is a small gap between the build platform and the screen, resulting in significant drainage pressure. This force can deform the non-rigid screen, causing the cured resin to be squeezed towards the outer edges of the model during curing.

Solution

Compensate by adjusting “Internal Compensation” or “External Compensation” parameters

  1. For models with porous structures, adjust the internal and external compensation parameters for burn in/initial layers.
         

    1. Internal Compensation：Adjust to a positive value, with a larger value yielding more significant effects. Adjustments can be made in 0.1mm increments.
    2. External Compensation：Adjust to a negative value, with a smaller value yielding more significant effects. Adjustments can be made in 0.1mm increments.
  1. For solid models without porous structures, adjust the internal compensation parameter: Adjust to a positive value, with a larger value yielding more significant effects.

Address the Elephant's Foot by lifting the model and adding supports

Import the model into the software and select the lift option in the support settings and generate supports.


Conclusion

By following the methods outlined in this document, you should be able to address this issue. If the problem persists or if you have further questions, please contact our customer support at support@uniz.com or refer to your printer's user manual for additional assistance.
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Please remember to customize the examples based on your specific 3D LCD printer model and provide any additional information relevant to your product.

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