Elephant's foot (flared bottom layers)
Elephant's foot is when the first few layers flare outward into a lip that's wider than the walls above it. It mostly affects parts printed directly on the plate, or rafts. The rest of the model usually looks fine.
Most likely causes (in order)
- Long bottom exposure plus the plate still settling/squeezing resin when the light turns on
- Too many bottom layers
- Printing directly on the plate instead of on supports/raft
Settings to change
| Setting | Change | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wait before cure / light-off delay | Add a rest time before exposure for the bottom layers (e.g. several seconds) | Lets the plate settle so resin isn't cured while being squeezed out. |
| Bottom exposure / bottom layer count | Reduce to the minimum that still adheres | Less over-cure spreading at the base. |
| Elephant-foot compensation / chamfer | Enable compensation, chamfer the base or print on supports/raft | Hides or removes the flare (Ameralabs). |
Exact values depend on your printer and resin. Start from the resin maker's recommended settings and change one thing at a time.
Quick checklist
- Add a rest/wait time before exposure on bottom layers
- Reduce bottom exposure and bottom layer count to the minimum that still sticks
- Use elephant-foot compensation or a chamfered base if your slicer has it
- Print on supports/raft instead of directly on the plate when accuracy matters
FAQ
What causes elephant's foot in resin printing?
Heavily over-exposed bottom layers, often cured while the plate is still squeezing resin out. Too many bottom layers make it worse.
Will lowering bottom exposure make prints fall off?
It can if you go too low. Reduce in steps and stop at the lowest setting that still adheres reliably.
Not sure which one you've got?
Upload 1–4 photos of the failed print and PrintCleric ranks the likely causes and tells you exactly which settings to change, with sources.
Sources
- Ameralabs: Resin 3D Printing Troubleshooting Guide
- CHITUBOX Academy: All You Need to Know about Failed Printing
Related fixes
- Layer separation / delamination in resin prints
- Failed supports: model stuck to the FEP, only supports printed
- Nothing on the build plate (print stuck to the FEP)
- Suction cups and blowouts (volcanoes) in hollow resin prints
- Blooming and over-exposure: soft details and rough surfaces
- Cracking resin prints (hollow parts and post-curing)
Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection when handling uncured resin, and work in a ventilated space.