Why Are The Bottom Layers Missing Or Compressed?

1. What’s Wrong with My 3D Print?

If you notice that the bottom layers of your models are missing or compressed, we would recommend reading this article. In the following sections, we will introduce some common causes of the issue and how to solve it.

Bottom layers are usually missing or compressed due to the following factors:

• Missing or squished layers

• Poor print quality on the lower layers

• Difficulty in model removal

• Potential deformation of parts near the base

2. Troubleshooting the Printing Issue

If you discover that the compression only occurs in the bottom layers, while the rest of the model is printed correctly, you can take the following steps to improve the issue.

Step B is pnly applicable for printers which have the Z Offset Function such as Sonic Mega 8K V2, Sonic Mega 8K S, Sonic Mighty Revo, Sonic Mighty 12K,  Sonic Mighty 8K, Sonic Mini 8K and Sonic Mini 8K S.

A. Use More Papers for Calibration

• Clean the Build Plate and prepare A4 size papers:

  Ensure the build plate is clean and free of any residue before beginning the leveling process.
  Then place 3-5 sheets of A4 size paper on top of your LCD screen.

• Initiate the Build Plate Leveling:

  Navigate to the Leveling or Calibration settings on your printer’s touch screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to lower the build plate until it makes contact with the LCD screen.

• Check Even Contact:

  Ensure the build plate makes even contact at all points. If the contact is uneven, use the adjustment screws to level the plate.

• Lock in the Settings:

  Once the build plate is level, save the settings to ensure it remains in position during printing.

B. Adjust Z-Axis Offset (Applicable on some printers)

The Z-Axis Offset determines the distance between the build plate and the bottom plate. Correcting the Z-Axis Offset is crucial for minimizing overcompression.

• Home the Z-Axis:

  Begin by homing the Z-Axis to ensure the build plate is at its lowest position.

• Access Z-Axis Offset Settings:

  On your Phrozen printer’s touch screen, navigate to the Z-Axis Settings or Calibration menu.

• Adjust the Z-Axis Offset:

  Increase the Z-Axis offset slightly (usually in 0.1 mm increments) to raise the build plate further from the bottom plate. This will reduce the compression of the first layers. If prints are failing to adhere or the first layers are too loose, you may need to reduce the offset to bring the build plate closer.

• Test with a Small Print:

  After adjusting the offset, perform a test print with a small object to verify the change. Check if the first layers are adhering without being overly compressed.

• Fine-Tune the Settings:

  Continue fine-tuning for the Z-Axis offset based on the results of the test print until you achieve the correct balance between adhesion and compression.

C. Adjust the printing parameters

In addition to Z-Axis Offset and Build Plate Leveling, you can fine-tune other print settings to reduce overcompression issues:

• Support Usage: Use supports to print any of your models and avoid printing directly on the building plate to prevent the initial layer compression.

• Increase Layer Height: For models with fine details, increasing the initial layer height slightly can prevent the first few layers from being too compressed.

• Adjust Lift Speed: Slowing down the lift speed of the build plate between layers can help ensure even curing and avoid compression.

Contact Support

By following the above suggestions, you can fix the bottom layers missing/compressed issue. If the issue persists, feel free to reach out to Phrozen Support or your Authorized Resellers for further assistance. When contacting Phrozen Support, kindly send some photos or videos illustrating the issue.