Why do bottom layers separate from 3D prints?

What’s Wrong With My Resin 3D Print?

When printing, you notice that there seems to be no problem with the first few layers of your 3D model, but then certain parts of the bottom layer don't seem to adhere to the previous layer properly, which is when your 3D print starts peeling off and becoming distorted.

What Caused the 3D Printing Issue?

This is typically referred to as bottom layer splitting or bottom layer separation. It is a phenomenon in which a certain part of the bottom layers fails to stick to the previous layer, causing a split. This is most commonly seen happening on a raft. Here’s why this could happen:

1. The normal layer is underexposed.
2. There is a large difference between exposure time for the normal layers and exposure time for the bottom layers.

Troubleshooting the Layer Splitting Issue

If you’re printing with Sonic Mini 4K, Sonic 4K, or Sonic Mighty 4K, you could resolve the issue by simply adding a few transition layers and dialing in the Light-off Delay time correctly in CHITUBOX:

1. Set transition layer count at 6~10.
2. Adjust the Light-off Delay time according to this calculator.

If you’re working with the Sonic Mini, Sonic, Sonic XL 4K, the Shuffle series, or the Transform series, the transition layer count function won’t be readily available for your, which means that you may have to adjust a few settings manually:  

1. Lower the up speed or lifting speed by 20%.
2. Increase the normal layer exposure time by 20%.
3. Increase the Light-off Delay time by +1000ms or 1s.