---
title: Detached from Supports
slug: troubleshooting/detached-from-supports
description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Detached from Supports" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-06-14T01:03:41.650Z
---

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**Detached from Supports**

A part is partially or completely detached from its supports during printing.
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![Detached from Supports](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/9RDyYFSKtw-la64kMG7pq_image.png)
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# How to Identify

Detached from supports can be diagnosed as follows:

- Check the build after printing.
  - Verify that no parts fell off supports.
  - Look at parts where they meet the supports and look for areas that are not connected.
- Part geometry did not resolve properly

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**Cause** - Inconclusive
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**Cause** - Inconclusive
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**Cause** - **Under-supported**

**Solution** - Print Preparation or Part Design
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# Troubleshooting

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It is recommended that you review all the possible solutions before taking action to ensure you are pursuing the best course of action.
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If the best course of action is not apparent, try the troubleshooting options in the order listed. Refer [here](docId\:pPm8gmeGCY_0fkFwgTCyj) for more tips.

## Print Preparation or Part Design Adjustments

The following solutions will address print or part-related causes of the defects. Choose among the suggested actions below and select the best approach for your application. Usually only one type of adjustment is needed.

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### Orientation

- Change orientations wit&#x68;**&#x20;large suction forces&#x20;**&#x73;uch that supports are carrying a lighter load
  - Avoid asymmetric orientations (as in the example below)
  - Avoid larger cross sections later in the print
  - Obtain a more uniform cross section throughout the print
  - Move the part's center of mass closer to the platform

![Orientation](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/zvb-FBo0YvymUJt7P0Qzh_image.png)
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### Supports

- **Unvented volume**
  - Ensure there is enough space between supports for **venting**. Break up fence supports into shorter sections with gaps in between to provide venting.
- **Under-supported**
  - Add more supports for **stability.**
    Reference the [stability guidelines](docId\:DoBa4qKKoXpi-52yw3nCr) for tips on improving stability.
- **Ensure support parameters are strong enough for the selected resin**
  - Avoid keeping supports when you change a resin. The software will warn you and advise you to clear supports (and re-support the part).
  - Use the default tip and neck sizes for supports or increase their size when suction forces are especially high.
    Reference [Supports](docId\:VUbpoAitbLM11aM9-qJ1p) for information on editing support parameters.

![Supports](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/UKHQ5iAjazxNk3MKYyvSN_s0yjz-puplhmyj2-pblxvjmbpqetyh2f.gif)
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### Print Plan Adjustments

Reference [Print Plan Adjustments](docId\:NxUK0dltz_vemEAU0DIpN) for guidance on the following parameters:

[1 Pump Up Parameters](docId\:XP2lRJPJ4njFl_Z8N58rL)&#x20;

- <u>Pump Height Parameters</u>
  - Minimum Pump Height
  - Minimum Distance from Peak
  - Distance from Peak Multiplier
- <u>Platform Speed Parameters</u>
  - Motor Speed U
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:::hint{type="info"}
If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com).
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# Explanation & Causes

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Suction forces pulling down on the part are stronger than the provided supports can handle.

Reference [DLS Printer Dynamics](docId\:U7XYytjyDp3BvsYy2qKcU) for more information on suction forces.

- M1 and M2 printers generally require more supports than M3 and M3 Max printers because they do not have force feedback (FFB) capabilities to respond to suction forces.&#x20;
- L1 printers fall in the middle because they use FFB but have larger suction forces in general due to large platforms.
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![Suction forces](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/_2Jab2tv0shW7Mwsodg-s_image.png)
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### Causes

### Print Preparation or Part Design

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How the part is **oriented**, **supported**, or **designed&#x20;**&#x69;s causing the defect.
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![Print Preparation or Part Design Cause](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/LhaBjVT_Yxhp03FPtHLyF_orient-and-support-quick-view-v0101-xxs.gif)
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| Root Issue            | Problem                                  | Why Defect Presents                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Orientation           | Large cross sections later in the print  | Suction forces increase later in the print from large cross sections and the supports are not strong enough to overcome the force increase.                                                                          |
| Orientation           | Asymmetrically oriented part             | Suction forces can cause torque on asymmetrically orientated parts, rotating them off their supports if under-supported.                                                                                             |
| Supports              | Under-supported                          | The part simply does not have enough supports to withstand suction forces.<br />This is more common with fence supports than bar supports.                                                                           |
| Supports              | Supports generated for a different resin | Supports are resin specific, with default parameters designed for the selected resin. If the user opts to keep supports after changing the resin, the supports may no longer be strong enough to hold onto the part. |
| Supports              | Support tip/neck parameters too small    | Support parameters are editable in Carbon software. If the supports tips or neck diameter (for bar supports) are decreased from default, supports may no longer be strong enough to hold onto the part.              |
| Unvented volume<br /> |                                          | A vacuum in an unvented cavity exacerbates suction forces.                                                                                                                                                           |

### Print Plan Adjustments

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![Print Plan Adjustments](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/BzaP59syjyUMWREOHSLmE_print-plan-adjustments-v142.png)
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[Print Plan Adjustments](docId\:NxUK0dltz_vemEAU0DIpN) adjust the print plan to optimize mid to high volume production and/or address part defects.&#x20;

In doing so, adjustment may both **prevent or cause defects**. Below are adjustments that can cause this defect.
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| Printing Stage | Parameter Type | Type of Adjustment                        | Why Defect Presents                                                                                                                                                           |
| -------------- | -------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1 Pump Up      | Pump Height    | <font color="#ff3399">**Decrease**</font> | A shorter pump height can make it more difficult for the part to break free of the dead zone surface tension. If this happens, supports may not connect properly to the part. |
| 1 Pump Up      | Platform Speed | <font color="#05a9f4">**Increase**</font> | Increased Motor Up Speed increases suction forces                                                                                                                             |

