{"id":19906,"date":"2022-10-10T16:18:06","date_gmt":"2022-10-10T16:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the3dsourced.wpengine.com\/?p=19906"},"modified":"2022-11-07T14:22:37","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T14:22:37","slug":"3d-print-elephants-foot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/guides\/3d-print-elephants-foot\/","title":{"rendered":"3D Print Elephant\u2019s Foot: Every Fix Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Ever spotted an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/guides\/3d-print-first-layer-problems\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"20131\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12593\">unsightly first layer<\/a> that seems to protrude further than the rest of your print in a bulbous border? Chances are it&#8217;s elephant&#8217;s foot, an all too common, but surmountable, problem that most makers will come across at some point or another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For most, the effect is minimal and passed off as a minor quirk that gives a printed part or model a certain charm, but it can snowball into a major defect that ruins an otherwise perfect print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll explain exactly what defines elephant\u2019s foot, run through the causes, and finally provide a list of fixes to help you get rid of the problem once and for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-122f1208\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-0712f6d1 gb-headline-text\">3D Print Elephant\u2019s Foot &#8211; Causes and How To Fix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Causes of Elephant&#8217;s Foot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#layers-weight\">Weight from Subsequent Layers<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#z-offset\">Poor Z-Offset Settings<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#over-extrusion\">Over-Extrusion<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#improper-cooling\">Improper Cooling<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How to Fix Elephant&#8217;s Foot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#bed-zoffset\">Level The Bed and Adjust Z-Offset<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#bed-temperature\">Lower Heated Bed Temperature<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#fan-settings\">Adjust Fan Settings<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#use-rafts\">Use Rafts<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#foot-compensation\">Use Elephant\u2019s Foot Compensation<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1 uagb-toc__collapse uagb-block-95036c9b\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTable Of Contents\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M192 384c-8.188 0-16.38-3.125-22.62-9.375l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0L192 306.8l137.4-137.4c12.5-12.5 32.75-12.5 45.25 0s12.5 32.75 0 45.25l-160 160C208.4 380.9 200.2 384 192 384z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#3d-print-elephants-foot-causes-and-how-to-fix\">3D Print Elephant\u2019s Foot &#8211; Causes and How To Fix<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-is-elephants-foot\">What Is Elephant\u2019s Foot?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-causes-elephants-foot\">What Causes Elephant\u2019s Foot?<\/a><\/li><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#weight-from-subsequent-layers\">Weight from Subsequent Layers<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#poor-z-offset-settings\">Poor Z-Offset Settings<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#over-extrusion\">Over-Extrusion<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#improper-cooling\">Improper Cooling<\/a><\/li><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#signs-of-elephants-foot\">Signs of Elephant\u2019s Foot<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#how-to-fix-elephants-foot\">How to Fix Elephant\u2019s Foot?<\/a><\/li><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#level-the-bed-and-adjust-z-offset\">Level The Bed and Adjust Z-Offset<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#lower-heated-bed-temperature\">Lower Heated Bed Temperature<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#adjust-fan-settings\">Adjust Fan Settings<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#use-rafts\">Use Rafts<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#use-elephants-foot-compensation\">Use Elephant\u2019s Foot Compensation<\/a><\/li><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-causes-elephants-foot-in-3d-printing\">What Causes Elephant\u2019s Foot in 3D Printing?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#how-do-you-avoid-elephants-foot-in-3d-printing\">How Do You Avoid Elephant\u2019s Foot in 3D Printing?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#how-do-i-get-rid-of-elephants-foot-cura\">How Do I Get Rid of Elephant\u2019s Foot Cura?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-is-elephant-foot-compensation\">What Is Elephant Foot Compensation?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/ul><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<h2>What Is Elephant\u2019s Foot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Elephant&#8217;s foot is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/rigid-ink\/ultimate-3d-printing-troubleshooting-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"14469\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12594\">common 3D printing issue<\/a> that affects the first few layers of a print. The first layers appear to curve upwards, bulge, or worse bubble, causing them to appear larger than the layers further up on the model. Visually, the issue loosely resembles a real-world elephant\u2019s foot, hence the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While unsightly and detrimental to the overall finish quality of a print, elephant\u2019s foot can also cause all manner of tolerance related issues. This is especially the case if the part is destined for functional, practical, mechanical applications, has precise dimensions, or needs to fit with other parts. Here even a small defect can affect the usefulness of the part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/examples-of-elephants-foot.jpg\" alt=\"Examples showing elephant's foot\" class=\"wp-image-20014\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Examples of Elephant&#8217;s foot. Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/FixMyPrint\/comments\/lpny08\/x_and_y_are_not_great_also_a_bit_if_a_elephants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12595\">Cryptid_Connor<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/FixMyPrint\/comments\/ikwxqa\/best_way_to_fix_elephant_foot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12596\">Mudhelper<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Causes Elephant\u2019s Foot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"layers-weight\">Weight from Subsequent Layers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/a-tall-print-with-elephants-foot-issue.jpg\" alt=\"a tall print with elephant's foot issue\" class=\"wp-image-20001\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tall print with elephant&#8217;s foot issue. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/3Dprinting\/comments\/rgh517\/brutal_elephants_foot_but_rest_is_perfect\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12597\">Reddit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The main culprit of 3D printing elephant&#8217;s foot is weight, as in successive layers pushing down on as-yet uncooled lower layers, forcing them to extend outwards due to the pressure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The issue tends to manifest most strikingly in large or taller prints, where the first layers have to bear a large load and haven\u2019t cooled correctly. Improper cooling is generally linked to poor temperature settings on the bed or under-dialed fan settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"z-offset\">Poor Z-Offset Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Elephant&#8217;s foot can also be caused by badly dialed nozzle height, more specifically Z-offset and overall bed leveling. The nozzle effectively pushes into the deposited filament, compressing it and causing it to squish and curl upwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"over-extrusion\">Over-Extrusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/solved-by-changing-several-settings.jpg\" alt=\"solved by changing several settings\" class=\"wp-image-20012\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the solutions was changing the extrusion percentage. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/CR10\/comments\/80iiok\/cant_get_rid_of_that_elephants_foot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12598\">Reddit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rarer, but this something worth investigating if you\u2019re unable to shake elephant\u2019s foot is over-extrusion on the first layer. Excess filament must go somewhere when compressed by the nozzle, causing it bulge upwards as it hits the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"improper-cooling\">Improper Cooling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>But, whatever the cause of the squishing, it almost always relates back to improper first-layer cooling. If the filament hasn\u2019t set and cooled properly, it\u2019s in an ideal state to fall foul of pressure, whether that\u2019s the nozzle or the upper layers of a print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Signs of Elephant\u2019s Foot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Elephant\u2019s foot stands out from other common 3D printing for the distinctive bulge that appears on the first layer or first few layers. The layer(s) is substantially larger than subsequent ones, taking on a concave shape that juts outwards and away from the print.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we move up the print, the problem tends to resolve itself and the layers progressively take on their indented shape and size. Elephant\u2019s foot is often confused with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/rigid-ink\/3d-prints-warping-curling-how-to-prevent\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"14187\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12599\">warping<\/a>, which is when the layer detaches from the bed and curls upwards, a different problem with a whole other host of causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How to Fix Elephant\u2019s Foot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"bed-zoffset\">Level The Bed and Adjust Z-Offset<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If elephant&#8217;s foot has sprung up out of nowhere, your first move should be to level the bed. An uneven bed can cause the nozzle to push into the filament, which causes the upwards bulging effect of elephant\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Calibration can go awry due to a number of reasons, and it&#8217;s good practice to re-level the bed regularly. All the better if you have automatic bed leveling as this means it should take no more than a few minutes to do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After leveling, adjust the Z-offset, or distance between the nozzle and bed. Dialing into the right Z-offset not only helps with first-layer adhesion, but can help combat elephant&#8217;s foot by reducing the pressure exercised by the nozzle on the extruded filament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Slide a piece of paper backwards and forwards under the nozzle and lower the nozzle until you feel a slight resistance. At this point, we recommend running a Z-offset calibration test and to adjust it on the fly for the optimal distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/3d-printers\/auto-leveling-3d-printers\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11005\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12600\">the best auto-leveling 3D printers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/poor-z-axis-offset-causing-elephants-foot.jpg\" alt=\"poor z-axis offset causing elephants foot\" class=\"wp-image-20009\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/poor-z-axis-offset-causing-elephants-foot.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/poor-z-axis-offset-causing-elephants-foot-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/poor-z-axis-offset-causing-elephants-foot-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The issue in this print was solved by addressing the z-axis slot. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/3Dprinting\/comments\/irdj9f\/i_have_an_ender_3_pro_with_an_skr_mini_e3_v20_it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12601\">Reddit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"bed-temperature\">Lower Heated Bed Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lowering your heated bed&#8217;s temperature is likely to have the biggest impact on getting rid of elephant&#8217;s foot. A high bed temperature won&#8217;t allow the filament to solidify enough to support subsequent layers, which will press down and cause the bulging effect as it deforms to compensate for the extra weight added on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Much like fan cooling adjustments, it&#8217;s a bit of a balancing act as you need sufficient heat to ensure strong first-layer adhesion, but not too much to cause elephant&#8217;s foot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stick to the range recommended by the filament manufacturer, then decrease the temperature in small increments, only a few degrees at a time until you find a sweet spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"fan-settings\">Adjust Fan Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Insufficient cooling is often the root cause of elephant\u2019s foot. After the first layer is deposited it doesn\u2019t have time to cool sufficiently, causing either subsequent layers or even the nozzle to push into it, creating enough pressure for the later to bulge outwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We suggest doing this cautiously, as the first layer needs to cool slower than other layers to ensure strong adhesion to the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"use-rafts\">Use Rafts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/an-example-of-raft.jpg\" alt=\"an example of raft\" class=\"wp-image-20002\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A example of PETG raft. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/3Dprinting\/comments\/m5182q\/a_little_first_and_second_layer_raft_porn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12602\">Reddit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/rigid-ink\/3d-printing-raft-brim-skirt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12603\">A raft is a kind of bed<\/a> that&#8217;s deposited just below the actual first layer of the print, generally used to improve first-layer adhesion, but extremely helpful to combat elephant&#8217;s foot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More of a stopgap than a definitive solution, using rafts is a great temporary way to navigate around elephant\u2019s foot before you can make more time-intensive adjustments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A raft creates a buffer between the bed and first layer, effectively forcing any manifestation of the issue to happen within the raft and not the model itself. You can then snap off the raft and sand the first-layer as required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"foot-compensation\">Use Elephant\u2019s Foot Compensation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/elephants-foot-example.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20007\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The issue was solved by using the Elephant&#8217;s Foot Compensation. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/3Dprinting\/comments\/sx5ard\/cant_beat_this_elephants_foot_eryone_matte_pla\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12604\">Reddit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Elephant\u2019s Foot Compensation is a handy in-slicer setting available in PrusaSlicer. With the option enabled, you can shrink or scale the first-layer to fight off elephant&#8217;s foot and use the natural compression caused by the nozzle to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By dialing in a thinner first-layer, the nozzle will pressure it to bulge as usual, but no bigger than than subsequent layers, allowing them to match one another in size and shape almost perfectly. In effect, there\u2019s less filament to extend outwards and create that signature elephant\u2019s foot bulge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As this is only available in PrusaSlicer, those employing other slicers like Cura will have to rely on the other fixes we recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/3d-software\/best-3d-slicer-printer-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2489\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12605\">the best 3D slicer software tools<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7ee13ed7\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-fd38d4ba\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xml:space=\"preserve\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 512 512\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle r=\"15\" cy=\"437\" cx=\"136\"><\/circle><circle r=\"15\" cy=\"437\" cx=\"196\"><\/circle><path d=\"M467 0H316c-36.219 0-66.522 25.808-73.491 60H90V45C90 20.187 69.813 0 45 0S0 20.187 0 45v452c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15h482c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15V45c0-24.813-20.187-45-45-45zM60 482H30V45c0-8.271 6.729-15 15-15s15 6.729 15 15v437zM211 90h90v30h-90V90zm60 60v8.787l-15 15-15-15V150h30zm151 332H90v-91h332v91zM211 316c0-24.813 20.187-45 45-45s45 20.187 45 45-20.187 45-45 45-45-20.187-45-45zm211 45H315.959C325.397 348.456 331 332.871 331 316c0-41.355-33.645-75-75-75s-75 33.645-75 75c0 16.871 5.603 32.456 15.041 45H90V90h91v45c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15h15v15c0 3.978 1.581 7.793 4.394 10.607l30 30C248.322 208.536 252.161 210 256 210s7.678-1.464 10.606-4.393l30-30A15.004 15.004 0 0 0 301 165v-15h15c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15V90h91v271zm0-316v15H273.58c6.192-17.459 22.865-30.1 42.42-30.1h108.58A45.375 45.375 0 0 0 422 45zm60 437h-30V45c0-8.271 6.729-15 15-15s15 6.729 15 15v437z\"><\/path><path d=\"M376 422H256c-8.284 0-15 6.716-15 15s6.716 15 15 15h120c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15s-6.716-15-15-15z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">What Causes Elephant\u2019s Foot in 3D Printing?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Elephant\u2019s foot is most commonly caused by insufficient first layer cooling and excessive print bed temperatures. Another common cause of elephant\u2019s bed is an incorrectly leveled bed and poorly dialed Z-offset, i.e. the baseline height between the nozzle and print bed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If not set correctly, these can cause the printer to push the filament into the bed as it\u2019s deposited, which in turn forces it to flare outwards creating the distinctive concave elephant&#8217;s foot effect. Over extrusion can, in some circumstances, also cause the problem.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2d9fedde\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c4b272db\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xml:space=\"preserve\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 512 512\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle r=\"15\" cy=\"437\" cx=\"136\"><\/circle><circle r=\"15\" cy=\"437\" cx=\"196\"><\/circle><path d=\"M467 0H316c-36.219 0-66.522 25.808-73.491 60H90V45C90 20.187 69.813 0 45 0S0 20.187 0 45v452c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15h482c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15V45c0-24.813-20.187-45-45-45zM60 482H30V45c0-8.271 6.729-15 15-15s15 6.729 15 15v437zM211 90h90v30h-90V90zm60 60v8.787l-15 15-15-15V150h30zm151 332H90v-91h332v91zM211 316c0-24.813 20.187-45 45-45s45 20.187 45 45-20.187 45-45 45-45-20.187-45-45zm211 45H315.959C325.397 348.456 331 332.871 331 316c0-41.355-33.645-75-75-75s-75 33.645-75 75c0 16.871 5.603 32.456 15.041 45H90V90h91v45c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15h15v15c0 3.978 1.581 7.793 4.394 10.607l30 30C248.322 208.536 252.161 210 256 210s7.678-1.464 10.606-4.393l30-30A15.004 15.004 0 0 0 301 165v-15h15c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15V90h91v271zm0-316v15H273.58c6.192-17.459 22.865-30.1 42.42-30.1h108.58A45.375 45.375 0 0 0 422 45zm60 437h-30V45c0-8.271 6.729-15 15-15s15 6.729 15 15v437z\"><\/path><path d=\"M376 422H256c-8.284 0-15 6.716-15 15s6.716 15 15 15h120c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15s-6.716-15-15-15z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">How Do You Avoid Elephant\u2019s Foot in 3D Printing?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid elephant\u2019s foot in 3D printing ensure your bed is leveled correctly, as is your Z-offset. Next, ensure your printing bed temperature is set correctly (lower tends to be better) and that your part cooling fan settings are tuned high enough to ensure the first layer cools sufficiently quickly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also introduce rafts or modify the print file to cater for elephant&#8217;s foot by adding an angled chamfer on the bottom of your print. It&#8217;s also worth loosening the eccentric nut on the Z-axis.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2f04df88\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-a1c32ad2\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xml:space=\"preserve\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 512 512\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle r=\"15\" cy=\"437\" cx=\"136\"><\/circle><circle r=\"15\" cy=\"437\" cx=\"196\"><\/circle><path d=\"M467 0H316c-36.219 0-66.522 25.808-73.491 60H90V45C90 20.187 69.813 0 45 0S0 20.187 0 45v452c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15h482c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15V45c0-24.813-20.187-45-45-45zM60 482H30V45c0-8.271 6.729-15 15-15s15 6.729 15 15v437zM211 90h90v30h-90V90zm60 60v8.787l-15 15-15-15V150h30zm151 332H90v-91h332v91zM211 316c0-24.813 20.187-45 45-45s45 20.187 45 45-20.187 45-45 45-45-20.187-45-45zm211 45H315.959C325.397 348.456 331 332.871 331 316c0-41.355-33.645-75-75-75s-75 33.645-75 75c0 16.871 5.603 32.456 15.041 45H90V90h91v45c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15h15v15c0 3.978 1.581 7.793 4.394 10.607l30 30C248.322 208.536 252.161 210 256 210s7.678-1.464 10.606-4.393l30-30A15.004 15.004 0 0 0 301 165v-15h15c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15V90h91v271zm0-316v15H273.58c6.192-17.459 22.865-30.1 42.42-30.1h108.58A45.375 45.375 0 0 0 422 45zm60 437h-30V45c0-8.271 6.729-15 15-15s15 6.729 15 15v437z\"><\/path><path d=\"M376 422H256c-8.284 0-15 6.716-15 15s6.716 15 15 15h120c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15s-6.716-15-15-15z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">How Do I Get Rid of Elephant\u2019s Foot Cura?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best ways to ward off elephant\u2019s foot in Cura is to add rafts to your print. By weaving in a buffer between the first layer and the print bed, you can side-step the problem. Next, you\u2019ll want to adjust the first layer bed temperature lower in Cura.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend trying in small increments until the problem resolves itself. If it doesn\u2019t, this means the problem is caused by something else, likely bed leveling and Z-offset.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-df69e853\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-45ae2014\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xml:space=\"preserve\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 512 512\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle r=\"15\" cy=\"437\" cx=\"136\"><\/circle><circle r=\"15\" cy=\"437\" cx=\"196\"><\/circle><path d=\"M467 0H316c-36.219 0-66.522 25.808-73.491 60H90V45C90 20.187 69.813 0 45 0S0 20.187 0 45v452c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15h482c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15V45c0-24.813-20.187-45-45-45zM60 482H30V45c0-8.271 6.729-15 15-15s15 6.729 15 15v437zM211 90h90v30h-90V90zm60 60v8.787l-15 15-15-15V150h30zm151 332H90v-91h332v91zM211 316c0-24.813 20.187-45 45-45s45 20.187 45 45-20.187 45-45 45-45-20.187-45-45zm211 45H315.959C325.397 348.456 331 332.871 331 316c0-41.355-33.645-75-75-75s-75 33.645-75 75c0 16.871 5.603 32.456 15.041 45H90V90h91v45c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15h15v15c0 3.978 1.581 7.793 4.394 10.607l30 30C248.322 208.536 252.161 210 256 210s7.678-1.464 10.606-4.393l30-30A15.004 15.004 0 0 0 301 165v-15h15c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15V90h91v271zm0-316v15H273.58c6.192-17.459 22.865-30.1 42.42-30.1h108.58A45.375 45.375 0 0 0 422 45zm60 437h-30V45c0-8.271 6.729-15 15-15s15 6.729 15 15v437z\"><\/path><path d=\"M376 422H256c-8.284 0-15 6.716-15 15s6.716 15 15 15h120c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15s-6.716-15-15-15z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">What Is Elephant Foot Compensation?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Elephant foot compensation is a setting found on PrusaSlicer, a 3D printing slicing software developed by Prusa, the company behind the i3 MK3S+ and MINI.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The setting is designed to compensate for the natural squish when the first layer meets the heated bed by reducing the thickness of the first layer. The setting allows you to scale or shrink the first layer based on the characteristics of the model to minimize 3D printing elephant\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/rigid-ink\/improve-3d-print-finish-quality-infographic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12606\">Advanced Overview on Improving Quality of 3D Print Finish<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/guides\/3d-print-not-sticking-to-bed-problems-fixed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12607\">Fixing 3D Problems: Print Not Sticking To Bed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/rigid-ink\/3d-prints-pillowing-stringing-layers-splitting-solved\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12608\">Pillowing, Stringing and Layers Splitting \u2013  Resolving The Worst 3D Printer Problems <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/rigid-ink\/under-extrusion-problems-clicking-sounds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12609\">Causes of And How to Fix Under Extrusion Problems or Clicking Sounds<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/rigid-ink\/ultimate-3d-printing-troubleshooting-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12610\">Full Guide To Troubleshooting 3D Print Quality<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/guides\/3d-print-over-extrusion\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"19936\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"12611\">Over extrusion: how to fix in 3D printing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever spotted an unsightly first layer that seems to protrude further than the rest of your print in a bulbous border? Chances are it&#8217;s elephant&#8217;s foot, an all too common, but surmountable, &#8230; <a title=\"3D Print Elephant\u2019s Foot: Every Fix Explained\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/guides\/3d-print-elephants-foot\/\" aria-label=\"More on 3D Print Elephant\u2019s Foot: Every Fix Explained\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":21159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":""},"categories":[7,2],"tags":[],"featured_post":[],"post_template":[],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3d-print-elephants-foot.jpg",878,494,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3d-print-elephants-foot-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3d-print-elephants-foot-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3d-print-elephants-foot-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3d-print-elephants-foot.jpg",878,494,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3d-print-elephants-foot.jpg",878,494,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3d-print-elephants-foot.jpg",878,494,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Tom Bardwell","author_link":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/author\/tom-b\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Ever spotted an unsightly first layer that seems to protrude further than the rest of your print in a bulbous border? Chances are it&#8217;s elephant&#8217;s foot, an all too common, but surmountable, ... Read more","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19906"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19906"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19906\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19906"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19906"},{"taxonomy":"featured_post","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_post?post=19906"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=19906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}