How to 3D Print Better Overhangs in 3 Easy Steps

Droopy, messy overhangs are one of the most common 3D printing problems. Three simple changes fix most of them, and I tested every combination to show which one matters most.

The quick version

1. Part cooling fan at 100%. The single biggest difference. Older printer with a weak fan? Add external fans.
2. Lower layer height, such as 0.16 mm instead of 0.2 mm.
3. Slower print speed, around 50 mm/s for tricky overhangs.

Step 1: fan to 100%

The fan cools each layer before the next one goes on top, giving it a firm base instead of soft, gooey plastic. Two parts printed with identical settings, one with the fan off and one at 100%, looked completely different: without the fan the overhangs drooped badly.

Most printers' built-in fan is enough, because it sits right above the part. If yours is weak or on an older machine, you can add small external fans. Use at least two so the part cools evenly from both sides.

Step 2: lower layer height

A thinner layer sticks out less past the one below, so each layer overhangs less. Try 0.16 mm instead of 0.2 mm. It takes a bit longer, but even with the fan on in both tests, the 0.16 mm part was noticeably cleaner.

Step 3: slow down

Slower printing gives each layer more time to cool and become a solid foundation. My printer can do 250 mm/s, but delicate overhangs go wrong at high speed, so I print around 50 mm/s.

The blind test

I printed the same overhang test with different combinations and ranked them without looking at the settings:

• The three worst were all printed without the fan (at 200 mm/s, 0.2 mm and 0.16 mm).
• Next out: fan on but 0.2 mm layers, then 0.16 mm at 200 mm/s (too fast), then 0.16 mm at 100 mm/s.
• The winner: fan 100%, 0.16 mm layers, 50 mm/s.

If you only change one thing, turn the fan up. Then lower the layer height and slow down for the best result.

What I use

• External cooling fans, if your printer's fan isn't enough

Questions? Ask in the video comments, or join the community.

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Common questions

How do I fix drooping overhangs?

Turn the part cooling fan up to 100%, use a lower layer height such as 0.16 mm, and slow down to around 50 mm/s.

What setting matters most for overhangs?

The cooling fan. In my blind test, the three worst prints were all printed without the fan, regardless of layer height or speed.

Do I need external fans for overhangs?

Usually not, because the printer's own fan sits right above the part. If yours is weak, add at least two external fans so the part cools evenly.

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