Cassette Care
The printer cassette sits on the printer deck and holds liquid resin during printing. The transparent window in the center creates the dead zone that unlocks the speed and quality of the Digital Light Synthesis™ process. During printing, light from the light engine in the body of the printer shines through the window and cures liquid resin to build parts.
The window is not a simple piece of glass, but a highly-engineered, complex optical membrane. Treat it as delicately as your own eye.
Improper maintenance or damage to the window will reduce print quality and may result in failed prints and production delays.
Cassettes are available per printer type.
This document focuses on the standard cassettes that ship with the printer.
Printer | Standard Cassette |
|---|---|
M1/M2 | C2 |
M3/M3 Max | D1 |
L1 | C2 |
Refer to additional cassette documents for information about non-standard cassettes.
Printer | Weight | Dimensions | Resin Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
M1 | 2 kg 4.4 lbs | 254 x 191 x 76 mm 10 x 7.5 x 3 in | 800 mL |
M2 | 2.8 kg 6.2 lbs | 298 x 254 x 83 mm 11.75 x 10 x 3.25 in | 1600 mL |
M3 | 3.4 kg 7.5 lbs | 332 x 256 x 89 mm 13.1 x 10.1 x 3.5 in | 1700 mL |
M3 Max | 6.4 kg 14 lbs | 415 x 360 x 118 mm 16.4 x 14.2 x 4.7 in | 3200 mL |
L1 | 20.4 kg 5.0 lbs | 604 mm x 440 mm x 86.7 mm 23.8” x 17.3” x 3.4” | 3700 mL |
The different printer cassettes share several features that are important to keep in mind for the cleaning process.
Metal frame
Window
Seal
Handles
All cassettes have mounting features.
M2 cassette - Kinematic pin mounts
M3 cassette - Pull studs
L1 cassette - Schunks
L1 cassette - Mounting features
Never spray solvent onto the underside of the cassette.
For more detailed information about the cassette features, go to the relevant printer course:
The cassette lid is a UV-resistant cover that enables resin to be stored in a cassette outside of a printer. The lid keeps light, dust and debris from getting to the resin stored in the cassette, keeping the resin safe for reuse. The lid is especially helpful for oral health customers that use one-part resins.
For more information about cassette lids, go to M1/M2 Printer or M3/M3 Max Printer.
Always handle all cassettes with clean gloves to avoid contaminating.
Do not handle the underside of the cassette. This will minimize cleaning and maintenance on the underside.
When carrying M Series cassettes, use both hands and hold the cassette frame using the
- Outside lip on an M1 cassette
- Handles on an M2 cassette
- Handles on an M3/M3 Max cassette
The L1 cassette weighs ~45 lbs* and should be moved with the L1 Cassette Cart whenever possible.
* Legacy B1 cassettes weigh ~60 lbs
When moving the cassette into one of the L1 Cassette Hotel drawers, it will be necessary to have 2 people manually lift the unit and gently place it in the intended space.
See L1 Cassette Hotel for full instructions.
- Cassette (without lid) left in the printer, with the door closed, can be left for up to 1 day then stirred before use.
- Cassette covered with a cassette lid or aluminum foil can be stored on a bench or enclosed storage for up to 1 day.
- Cassette must be stored on an opaque surface as light can penetrate through bottom of cassette and cure the resin.
- Resin must be stirred with a spatula before use.
- Do not store two-part resins in the cassette.
- Due to the pot life of two-part resins, expired resin will partially cure and possibly damage the cassette.
- Dispense these resins just before printing to ensure maximum print quality.
When not in use, the cassette should be stored in the printer with the door closed or on a stable surface with the lid on to prevent the accumulation of dust or other contaminants.
For longer term storage, Carbon recommends storing the cassette in the original packaging.
The L1 cassette should be stored in the printer with the door closed to prevent the accumulation of dust or other contaminants.
When waiting for rotation in production, the L1 cassette should be stored in the L1 Cassette Hotel.
Never stand cassette on its side as it can easily fall over and shatter.
For longer term storage, Carbon recommends storing the cassette in the original case.
Proper cassette cleaning is critical to ensure print success. If improperly cleaned, print quality can be adversely affected.
When to clean cassette after printing?
- One-part resins: within 24 hours.
- Two-part resins: within the resin’s pot life (or first thing in the morning after an overnight print.)
To protect your cassette's window from damage, it is important to use only the right tools for the job.
Never use an instrument to scrape resin from the cassette window.
Yes! Blue shop towels are safe to use when cleaning your cassette, but ONLY with solvent (IPA or Acetone), never dry.
Yes! Silicone spatulas, soft and flexible, are safe to use on the window when in good condition.
Cracked, stiff, or broken spatulas should be discarded.
Yes! Kimwipes are safe to use when cleaning your cassette, but ONLY with solvent (IPA or Acetone), never dry.
Yes! Pre-soaked IPA or acetone wipes are safe to use on your cassette window.
No blades or scrapers! Never use a sharp object of any kind on the window.
No putty knives! Even a dull edge can damage the window.
No cracked, stiff or broken spatulas!
- If exposed, the rigid interior of the spatula can damage the window.
- Cracked, stiff, or broken spatulas should be discarded.
- Avoid using Acetone to clean spatulas, as this will lead to cracking.
Do not scrape the window with fingernails! Even they can damage the window.
- Avoid scrubbing, forcefully pushing or scratching the cassette, even with a gloved finger.
Never spray solvent onto the underside of the cassette.
- If applicable, remove cured resin stuck to the window (see below).
- Put on clean gloves.
In some cases, cured resin may stick to the window. This can happen in the event of an adhesion failure. The cured resin must be removed from the window before the cassette can be used for printing.
Contact Carbon Support if these methods are not successful.
The inside of the cassette can be cleaned while installed in printer Or in the cassette cart (where also inspected)
This video demonstrates the window seam cleaning technique on an M2 cassette. But the same technique applies to all cassettes.
After cleaning, inspect the cassette for any irregularities that may affect print quality.
Cassette inspection is critical to ensure the window is in proper condition for printing, to maintain print quality and avoid permanent damage to the cassette.
When to inspect the cassette
- Upon receipt
- After cleaning cassette
- Before dispensing resin
Applies to M1, M2, M3 and M3 Max cassettes.
Please consult this document if you notice any irregularities on your L1 cassette.
Frequency | Action | M1/M2 | M3 | L1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PER PRINT | X | X | X | |
PER SHIFT | Additional acetone cassette cleaning (see below) | X | X | X |
| X | X | X | |
| X | X | - | |
WEEKLY | Underside cassette cleaning - L1 | - | - | X |
MONTHLY | X | - | - | |
AS NEEDED | X | X | X | |
| X | X | X | |
| - | - | X |
Cassettes require a thorough cleaning with acetone every 24 hours. If running multiple shifts per day, this additional cleaning can be done on the shift of your choice. This wipe down is recommended in addition to regular cleaning.
The cassette should be outside of the printer to enable access to all surfaces of the cassette. An M Series cassette can be on a workbench; the L1 cassette should be in the L1 Cassette Cart or on top of the L1 Cassette Hotel.
- Wipe down the cassette inside and outside with an acetone wipe or an acetone dampened towel.
- While wiping, do not dig into the seam between the window and the frame. Excessive force at the seam can break the seal between these features and damage your cassette.
- If the seam shows resin seepage and needs extra attention, follow the steps on Cleaning the Window Seam .
M2
L1
For proper installation of the cassette, features that mate with the printer must be clean and free of resin or debris.
Clean the mating features at the same time you clean the underside of the window.
To inspect and/or clean the mating features, the cassette must remain outside of the printer after cleaning the window underside.
Do not apply solvent directly to any features on the cassette underside.
- Inspect the mating features on the underside of the cassette for any resin or debris.
- If dirty, apply 99% IPA to a lint-free towel and clean each feature.
- Spot clean the underside frame as needed with the IPA damped wipe.
Note: The M1/M2 cassette also has kinematic pin mounts that mate with the printer. Maintaining these features requires a different process which occurs monthly.
The cassette window can have a range of different imperfections. Some of these will make the cassette unusable for production and necessitate replacing the cassette.
Read through the different imperfections below to understand the difference between manufacturing artifacts, surface contamination and window damage. Consult the examples below whenever you see an imperfection on your window.
In very rare cases, a manufacturing defect may arise that affects printed parts. If you can't find a match for your window blemish in Manufacturing Artifacts, Surface Contamination or Window Damage, reach out to Carbon Support to resolve the issue.
Manufacturing artifacts have no impact on printing. They are a normal result of the manufacturing process.
Description
- M1/M2 cassettes only
- Condition present beneath the window's top layer
- Only visible when looking at window from an angle. Not visible when looking straight at the window.
Cause Byproduct of manufacturing process.
Action None required. Keep printing.
Description
- M3 and M3 Max cassettes only.
- Next-gen oxygen permeable optics for the M3/M3 Max printer have a top layer that expands when heated during printing, resulting in temporary rippling.
- Effect diminishes upon cooling and disappears under the vacuum of an installed cassette.
- Not window damage.
Cause Byproduct of manufacturing process.
Action None required. Keep printing.
Normal use of a rippling M3 cassette will not cause window damage, but improper care or excessive force in cleaning could cause a crease (see window damage for more information).
Description
- L1 cassettes only
- Condition present beneath the window's top layer
- Only visible when looking at window from an angle. Not visible when looking straight at the window.
Cause Byproduct of manufacturing process.
Action None required. Keep printing.
Description
- Condition present beneath the window's top layer
- Only visible when looking at window from an angle. Not visible when looking straight at the window.
Cause Byproduct of manufacturing process.
Action None required. Keep printing.
Description
- Very small surface imperfections
- Does not cause distortion when viewing a sheet of printed text placed directly underneath window
Cause Byproduct of manufacturing process.
Action None required. Keep printing.
Surface contamination requires further cleaning of the window.
Description Streaks indicate small amounts of leftover resin.
Cause Not fully cleaning the cassette window.
Action
- Continue cleaning the window with an acetone dampened blue towel or wipe until the streaks are gone.
Description Spots of dried solvent on the window.
Cause Use of too much solvent in the final wipe of the window during cleaning.
Action
- Follow proper cleaning procedures.
- Dampen a blue towel or wipe with acetone and wipe the window until spots are gone. Allow the acetone to evaporate slightly from the wipe if spots persist.
Description
- Haze on a window represents a build up of light dust.
- Generally appears on the underside of the window that is cleaned less frequently.
Cause
- General cassette usage.
- Persists with lack of proper maintenance.
Action
- Clean the underside of the window with an IPA dampened wipe, followed by an acetone dampened wipe.
- Reference weekly cassette maintenance for details.
- Follow the maintenance schedule closely.
Description Resin bubbles up out of the seam between the window and frame of the cassette.
Cause Improper cleaning of the cassette, particularly after the use of high viscosity resins.
Action
- Assess cleaning practices and adjust as needed going forward.
Description A hazy silhouette of a part printed frequently and repeatedly.
Cause Repeated exposure of light and heat in the same pattern on the window.
Action
- Standard window cleaning practices will not remove the hazy silhouette.
- Periodically rotating cassettes in production can mitigate the issue.
Window damage occurs as a result of mishandling and causes permanent damage to the window, making it unusable for printing.
Stop printing with a damaged cassette.
Avoid Window Damage Window damage is avoidable. Follow proper cleaning and maintenance procedures. See Avoid Window Damage below for additional recommendations.
Returning a Damaged Cassette If your cassette is damaged, remove it from production and return the cassette to Carbon for repair.
In addition to inspecting the cassette, reviewing printed parts is an essential part of production. Parts can provide evidence of a cassette window with surface contamination or window damage.
Description
- M3 and M3 Max cassettes only
- Top layer on an M3 cassette window is aggressively dragged at areas of rippling and folded to create a crease.
- Appears whiteish compared to the manufacturing artifact rippling.
Cause
- Tool damage
- Using a spatula incorrectly and/or aggressively on a rippling M3 cassette window
- Using an unapproved tool on a rippling M3 cassette window
- Reference Manufacturing Artifacts for information on rippling
Action
- Follow proper cleaning procedures, using only the correct tools.
- Remove inappropriate tools from production.
- Stop printing with cassette
Description Localized impression without penetration of top layer.
Cause
- Contamination
- Debris pressed into the window by the platform.
- Damaged platform pressed into window
- Tools used aggressively on the platform
- Platform dropped
Action
- Check window between prints for contamination.
- Remove damaged platforms from production.
- Check all other cassettes used with damaged platform.
- Stop printing with cassette
Description
- Penetration into top window layer.
- Appears as a hole in top layer.
- Diagonal streaks often accompany a puncture
Cause
- Contamination
- Debris pressed into the window by the platform.
- Damaged platform pressed into window
- Tools used aggressively on the platform
- Platform dropped
- Tool damage
Action
- Check window between prints for contamination.
- Remove damaged platforms from production.
- Check all other cassettes used with damaged platform.
- Follow proper cleaning procedures, using only the correct tools.
- Stop printing with cassette
Description
Linear damage in the top window layer.
Cause
- Tool damage
- Using a sharp tool or using a tool incorrectly.
- Often occurring at the edges of the window where cleaning was aggressive.
Action
- Follow proper cleaning procedures, using only the correct tools.
- Remove inappropriate tools from production.
- Stop printing with cassette
Description
Elongated damage, often coupled with drag marks, resulting in tears in the top layer of the window
Cause
- Tool damage
- Using a sharp tool or using a tool incorrectly.
- Often occurring at the edges of the window where cleaning was aggressive.
Action
- Follow proper cleaning procedures, using only the correct tools.
- Remove inappropriate tools from production.
- Stop printing with cassette
Window damage is caused by improper cassette care and can be avoided by knowing the pitfalls.
Debris pressed by platform into the window's top layer.
Source Debris as small as 1 mm may damage the window.
- Cured bits of resin, such as small supports.
- Other hard, foreign material.
Action
- Filter and reclaim resin if contamination is suspected
- Determine source of contamination and eliminate from production area
- Document contamination for ongoing prevention
Gouges or burrs protruding from platform surface or perimeter dents or punctures window's top layer.
Source
- Aggressive use of metal tools.
- Dropping platform on floor or other hard surface.
Action
- Check all cassettes for damage at the matching location
Damage caused by inappropriate usage of tools on the window.
Source
- Wrong tool: any metal tool or blade
- Broken tool
- Such as a damaged spatula
- Aggressive tool usage
- Too much force
Action
- Use only approved tools.
- Replace damaged tools.
- Do not use Acetone to clean spatulas. Use a dry towel or IPA dampened towel to clean.
- Do not use force on windows.
- Review Cassette Cleaning Protocol and update processes as needed.
If you find window damage during cassette inspection, follow the process below for your region.
All Customers
- Ensure you have recorded the serial number, as this will be required for your support ticket.
- Thoroughly clean the cassette and remove any stickiness or shine (resin residue).
International Customers
- Await further shipping instructions in your support ticket.
US Customers
- An advanced replacement cassette will be shipped to you. The replacement cassette will come in a Carbon-approved shipping container
- M Series - cassette box with packaging foam
- L1 - rigid plastic case with packaging foam
- Please package your damaged cassette in the same box and secure it
- M Series - with packing tape on all sides
- L1 - firmly latch the case lid
- You will receive a FedEx shipping label with your advanced replacement cassette.
Return shipment address
Carbon, Inc. Attn: RMA#/Incident# (as referenced in your support ticket) 1089 Mills Way Redwood City, CA 94063
Contact [email protected] if you need a prepaid return shipping label.
M-Series Cassettes
L1 Cassettes
Printable reference to use in the lab.
Printable reference to use in the lab.