--- title: Under-Supported Overhang slug: troubleshooting/under-supported-overhang description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Under-Supported Overhang" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes. docTags: createdAt: 2024-06-14T00:57:22.908Z --- ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Under-supported Overhang** Overhangs are not fully supported, resulting in malformed or missing features. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/jACn09ATHi4I8JSwEVJz-_image.png" size="80" width="1680" height="1680" position="center" showCaption="false"} ::: :::: # How to Identify Under-supported overhang can be diagnosed as follows: - Part geometry did not resolve properly - Unsupported overhangs will appear thinner than they should, tapering down in thickness over the length of the overhang. - When supports are too far apart, what should be a straight edge will instead appear curved. - When lattices have struts that are spanning too far, the struts may not connect properly during printing. This most often occurs with a "palm tree formation", where a vertical strut (the trunk) supports horizontal struts (the branches) that have longer than recommended bridges. - ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/zGQA1eH1XijkXlp29nHQ6_sclcwdwkyb60ndpx-njtjeppyu6d1uuqj.jpg"} **Cause -** **No supports at overhang** **Solution** - Print Preparation or Part Design ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/Bi-eD_6_PLOJQQcaGJQPS_2nitgbb014j7emqz-r9x-rgldj-hix6r8.jpg"} **Cause -** **No supports at overhang** **Solution** - Print Preparation or Part Design ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/jDe9F7r1tWqmZGshzQNgu_dj-b-u7-yhyfbjdb-ibh0bkhnxgtrjhav.png"} **Cause -** **Not enough supports** **Solution** - Print Preparation or Part Design ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/oazgjjq6xZVKYSr_nk6ur_0wo8p93mkckf4g-j-m-jb4yqg20angial.png"} **Cause -** **Overhang too long** **Solution** - Print Preparation or Part Design ::: :::: # 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. ## 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 ### Orientation Change orientation to maximize self-supporting structure. Reference [Recommended Feature Sizes](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7) for unsupported angles per resin. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/MWQOzw8a-NDupt7_x-rdR_image.png" size="70" width="1595" height="610" position="flex-start" showCaption="false"} ::: :::ExpandableHeading ### Supports - Add supports to **overhangs and bridges** Reference [Recommended Feature Sizes](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7) for overhangs per resin. - Add supports to** islands** - **Tall supports** should be **trussed **together for extra strength. - Carbon printer software will automatically truss together supports that are generated at the same time. - L1 printers can fit taller parts in their build volume, so be especially aware. Reference the [Orientation & Supports - Print Success Factors](docId:2Yr4OFt_Lo0mOHUcloiQo) for tips on supporting overhangs/bridges and islands. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/y8w0_ViKD59bVHEZgVNR6_under-supported-overhang-supports.png" size="70" width="2000" height="1185" position="flex-start" showCaption="false"} ::: :::ExpandableHeading ### Design **Non-Lattices** - Add gussets to stabilize overhangs that are too long to support themselves Reference [Recommended Feature Sizes](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7) for overhangs per resin. - Tilt horizontal overhangs 40 degrees +/- so that they are self-supporting Reference [Recommended Feature Sizes](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7) for unsupported angles per resin. **Lattices** - When lattices have struts that are spanning too far, add a strut. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/i4TJzjrmRdfLlWqCgNe95_under-supported-design.gif" size="70" width="1940" height="1080" position="flex-start" showCaption="false"} ::: :::ExpandableHeading ### Print Plan Adjustments Print Plan Adjustments are not applicable for this defect. ::: :::hint{type="info"} If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com). ::: # Explanation & Causes ## Explanation Overhangs, bridges or islands are either not supported or under-supported. Overhangs should be less than the recommended length, oriented at a self-supporting angle, or redesigned to meet these conditions. - Reference [Recommended Feature Sizes](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7) for overhangs and unsupported angles per resin. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/CoW5SAt0WNsF4pNcTRDuO_image.png" size="76" width="1680" height="1577" position="center" showCaption="false"} ## Causes ### 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 Cause](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/LhaBjVT_Yxhp03FPtHLyF_orient-and-support-quick-view-v0101-xxs.gif) ::: :::: | **Root Issue** | **Problem** | **Why Defect Presents** | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Orientation | Overhang is oriented at less than the recommended angle to be self-supporting. | Each slice can only handle a small amount of cantilevered curing material. | | Supports | Overhang not supported | Each slice can only handle a small amount of cantilevered curing material. | | Supports | Island is not supported | Curing material must either connect to a previous slice or to the platform via supports. | | Supports | Supports are structurally weak | Tall supports must be trussed together to be structurally strong enough to support an overhang. | | Design

| Overhangs are too long or are oriented at less than the recommended angle to be self-supporting. | Each slice can only handle a small amount of cantilevered curing material. |