--- title: Sagging slug: troubleshooting/sagging description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Sagging" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes. docTags: createdAt: 2024-07-03T23:54:06.060Z --- ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Sagging** Features drooping down after thermal curing (baking). ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Sagging Example](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-example.png) ::: :::: # How to Identify Sagging can be diagnosed as follows: - Thin walls, overhangs, and large surfaces look fine after printing but are sagging down, relative to their baking orientation, after thermal curing. ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-Qh4nfD5bouG8itGXtW1XY-20250315-000504.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741641372/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-01.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-yp6mlvuR20xpWBT3tQLPZ-20250315-000514.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741641374/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-02.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-oveB5mdmrhXPijNE_mpKm-20250315-000524.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741641372/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-03.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-kBcR3xmESIgtZf3a_EwIE-20250315-000533.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741901169/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-04.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::: # Troubleshooting :::hint{type="info"} It is recommended that you review all the possible solutions before taking action to ensure you are pursuing the best course of action. ::: 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. ## Process If any of these conditions apply to your print, take the corrective action and reprint to see if the problem is resolved. ::::::ExpandableHeading ### Adjust Baking Method Change the baking method to provide support to sagging features. *** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Reorient** Change the baking orientation to place delicate features and overhangs overhangs on their side. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Change the baking orientation](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-bake-reorient.png) ::: :::: *** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Pack Parts in Salt** Salt provides support to thin and delicate features. With compatible resins, salt is effective to temporarily fixture the part during thermal curing. Reference [Salt Baking](docId\:wHftudZDY0cS0A0-dljcm) for more information. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Pack Parts in Salt](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-bake-salt.png) ::: :::: *** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Leave Supports ** The supports used during printing can be baked with the part if - Supports are accessible to remove with a cutting tool. - The material is soft enough to cut with a hand tool after baking. ie an elastomer ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Leave Supports](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-bake-supports.png) ::: :::: *** :::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} ::::VerticalSplitItem **Baking Fixture** Create a baking fixture to hold features in place during baking. :::hint{type="info"} You can design and print a baking fixture in a material that can withstand the high temperatures of baking, such as [Loctite IND147](docId\:e2xwJDkBpKRmFPACChEU0). ::: :::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Baking Fixture](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-bake-fixture.png) ::: ::::: *** :::::: ## 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. :::::ExpandableHeading ### Design *** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Increase Thickness ** Increase thickness of and/or shorten overhangs. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Increase Thickness](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-redesign-thicken.png) ::: :::: *** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Add Structure** Add fillets, bevels, or chamfers to increase strength at features too weak to support their weight. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Add Structure](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Sagging/Sagging-redesign-structure.png) ::: :::: *** ::::: :::hint{type="info"} If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com). ::: # Explanation & Causes ## Explanation Unsupported thin walls, overhangs, and large surfaces sag under their own weight. - During thermal curing, parts temporarily soften as their polymer structure reforms into their final mechanical state. - Thin, unsupported features sag in this softened state and remain in that position when final material properties are reached. ## Causes ### Post-Processing ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem How the part is **handled** in post-processing is causing the defect. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Post-Processing](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/L8qIt6vOxrll63alqGpyY_image.png) ::: :::: | Root Issue | Problem | Why Defect Presents | | ------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Weak Features | Features not supported | Thin features with overhangs too long to support their own weight will sag when in a temporarily softened state during baking. | ### Print Preparation or Part Design ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem How the part is **oriented**, **supported**, or **designed **is causing the defect. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Print Preparation or Part Design](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/LhaBjVT_Yxhp03FPtHLyF_orient-and-support-quick-view-v0101-xxs.gif) ::: :::: | Root Issue | Problem | Why Defect Presents | | ------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Weak Features | Thin and fragile features | Thin features with overhangs too long to support their own weight will sag when in a temporarily softened state during baking. |