“Overcompression” describes a print defect in which reduced space between the build platform and resin tank causes the initial layers to be very thin. The rest of the part prints, but the initial layers are flattened and may be very difficult to remove from the build platform.

• The raft is compressed and thinner than expected.
• Parts are especially difficult to remove.
• The raft is completely flat and supports are significantly shorter than expected.

Overcompression is caused by insufficient space between the build platform and the elastic layer or the flexible film in the resin tank.

Raise the build platform (Form 2)

When experiencing overcompression on a Form 2, refer to the support article Fine Tuning the Form 2 to raise the build platform and correct consistent, small-scale errors in part adherence or dimensional accuracy issues.

Fine tune the Z-axis (Formlabs LFS printers)

When experiencing overcompression on a Formlabs LFS printer (Form 3 and Form 3L product lines) refer to the support article Fine Tuning Formlabs LFS printers to calibrate or adjust the Z-axis to correct consistent, small-scale errors in part adherence or dimensional accuracy issues.

If the troubleshooting steps above do not resolve the print failure, contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller.

To help us provide the fastest and most effective response to your issue, please follow these steps:

1. Upload diagnostic logs
   • On a Form 2
   • On a Form 3/Form 3B
   • On a Form 3L/Form 3BL
2. Serial name of the printer
   • The serial name is on the back panel of the printer in the format AdjectiveAnimal.
   • On a Form 2: Tap the printer icon on the home screen. The Your Printer screen appears.
   • On a Formlabs LFS printer (Form 3 or later): Tap the printer icon on the Home screen.
3. Troubleshooting steps attempted
   • Example: “I reoriented the model in PreForm. I inspected the resin tank and did not notice any damage, clouding, or debris.”
4. Resin formulation and lot number
   • The lot number is inside the skirt of the resin cartridge.
5. Layer thickness
   • On a Form 2: Tap the queue icon on the home screen. The Jobs screen appears.
   • On a Formlabs LFS printer (Form 3 or later): Tap Queue on the Home screen. The Queue screen appears.
6. Relevant FORM files
   • If available, attach FORM files of the model to the support request.
7. Previous attempts to print the part and any successful prints
   • Example: “I printed the file part2.form three times previously. The first and second were successful. The third one failed.”