Symptom
The first layers protrude beyond the rest of the part, forming a lip around the base. The part does not sit flat, will not slot into its housing, and its lower dimensions are larger than designed.
Likely causes
In order: the most frequent cause comes first.
- 01Z-offset too low: the first layer is squashed excessively
- 02Bed temperature too high, keeping the first layers soft while weight accumulates above
- 03Insufficient cooling on the initial layers
- 04The part's weight pressing on material that has not fully solidified
How to fix it
Apply one fix at a time and reprint the same test part. Changing three settings at once tells you nothing about which one worked.
- 01
Lower the bed temperature
EasyPrusa notes that reducing temperature is what really helps, and that dropping even five or ten degrees makes a significant difference. Start there before touching Z-offset, because Z-offset also affects adhesion.
- 02
Enable elephant foot compensation in the slicer
EasyPrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio all include a setting that shrinks the first layer by a defined amount, typically 0.1 to 0.2 mm. It is a geometric correction rather than a physical one: it does not fix the cause but leaves the part at the right size.
- 03
Chamfer the base in the design
MediumIf the part is yours, add a 0.3 to 0.5 mm chamfer on the bottom edge. It is the definitive fix and works on any printer with any material, because it leaves room for the flare instead of fighting it.
How to prevent it
- —Always design a chamfer on the base of parts that have to fit somewhere
- —Do not raise bed temperature out of habit: use the lowest that gives good adhesion
- —Re-check Z-offset after changing sheets
- —Measure the base with callipers before accepting a fitted part
Sources
- [1]Elephant foot compensation | Prusa Knowledge BasePrusa Research · Manufacturer · accessed July 27, 2026