Quick diagnosis
Elephant foot is a lower edge that spreads beyond the model. It commonly combines too much first-layer squish with lower layers staying soft under the part’s weight.
1. Read the first layer
If the nozzle plows ridges, the surface is unusually translucent or material squeezes outward, increase the Z offset in a small supported step. Do not raise it so far that neighboring lines separate.
2. Test a modestly lower bed temperature
Stay within the build-plate and material guidance. Reduce by 5 °C and repeat the same model. Confirm adhesion remains reliable; the goal is a stable lower layer, not the coldest possible plate.
3. Check early-layer cooling
Use the material profile’s fan ramp. PLA often benefits from cooling after the first layers, while ABS and ASA need different airflow. A fan cannot compensate for extreme squish.
4. Use compensation only for the remainder
Many slicers provide first-layer horizontal expansion or elephant-foot compensation. Apply a small value after the physical first layer is correct. Too much compensation can shrink holes, detach fine features or create a visible notch.
5. Design functional edges deliberately
A small chamfer on the model’s bottom edge creates room for unavoidable first-layer spread. This is useful for parts that must fit, but it should complement—not hide—sound calibration.
Elephant-foot checklist
- First layer is joined without heavy ridges.
- Bed temperature is within documented guidance.
- Early-layer fan behavior matches the material.
- Slicer compensation is small and measured.
- Fit is tested with the same orientation as the final part.