Cassette Care

overview cassette care /#cassette features cassette care /#transport cassette care /#storage cassette care /#cassette cleaning cassette care /#cassette inspection cassette care /#check window between prints cassette care /#cassette maintenance cassette care /#window blemishes cassette care /#returning damaged cassette cassette care /#resources 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 product options 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 ao polishing cassette docid\ iffh3q8 wlk liqr87bd5 c5 cassette docid\ l2pjeufznhenpztdqfvzv cassette features comparison table 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 main features the different printer cassettes share several features that are important to keep in mind for the cleaning process metal frame window seal handles underside features 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 features features features m2 & m3 cassette lids 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 features or features transport wear clean gloves 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 m series cassettes 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 carrying an m2 cassette l1 cassette the l1 cassette weighs 45 lbs and should be moved with the l1 cassette cart docid\ ibv6gvpwqutiq9fusb89 whenever possible legacy b1 cassettes weigh 60 lbs cassette hotel 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 storage how long can resin be left in cassette? one part resins 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 two part resins do not store two part resins in the cassette 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 m series cassette 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 m2 cassette in printer with door closed for longer term storage, carbon recommends storing the cassette in the original packaging l1 cassette storage between prints the l1 cassette should be stored in the printer with the door closed to prevent the accumulation of dust or other contaminants storage in production rotation when waiting for rotation in production, the l1 cassette should be stored in the l1 cassette hotel docid\ ftdxah nqrn4hozppb1ws 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 cassette cleaning 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 ) guidelines 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 valid tools and consumables yes! yes! blue shop towels are safe to use when cleaning your cassette, but only with solvent (ipa or acetone), never dry only with solvent (ipa or acetone), never dry yes! yes! silicone spatulas, soft and flexible, are safe to use on the window when in good condition when in good condition cracked, stiff, or broken spatulas should be discarded cracked, stiff, or broken spatulas should be discarded yes! yes! kimwipes are safe to use when cleaning your cassette, but only with solvent (ipa or acetone), never dry only with solvent (ipa or acetone), never dry yes! yes! pre soaked ipa or acetone wipes are safe to use on your cassette window not valid tools no blades or scrapers! no blades or scrapers! never use a sharp object of any kind on the window no putty knives! no putty knives! even a dull edge can damage the window no cracked, stiff or broken spatulas! 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! 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 no solvent on underside never spray solvent onto the underside of the cassette before cleaning m series pour stand docid\ f1aynlyvogrueaf5ozqg4 or resin handling after printing docid\ kqygmwdx 5lnp uy81 xt resin after printing if applicable , remove cured resin stuck to the window (see below) put on clean gloves remove cured resin from window in some cases, cured resin may stick to the window this can happen in the event of an under adhesion docid\ dabqnxb4kng1eeiclrzqf the cured resin must be removed from the window before the cassette can be used for printing video text cured resin on window rigid resin and elastomeric resin 1 cover window with 1 2 mm of 99% ipa 2 let ipa soak for 1 2 minutes rigid resin 3 with gloved fingers, gently slide the part laterally do not do not pry the part off the window 4 when loosened, slide the part off the edge of the window elastomeric resin 3 with a soft silicone spatula, gently scrape part off window do not do not use force let the solvent do most of the work 4 when loosened, gently pick up parts contact carbon support docid\ k86zo5vcyn wqjl3vdgft if these methods are not successful cleaning m1/m2/m3 cassette cleaning video text clean inside cassette 1 spray 99% ipa into the cassette \ spray around metal border 2\ use a blue towel or kimwipe to clean the inside metal frame \ flip to a clean part of the towel \ pre saturated ipa wipes can also be used 3\ wipe in a single motion across the window do not scrub or wipe in tiny circles which applies too much pressure do not scrub or wipe in tiny circles which applies too much pressure 4\ repeat steps 1 3 as necessary including wiping the outer frame 5\ repeat steps 1 3 using acetone wipes instead of ipa \ blue shop towels and acetone can also be used never wipe the window without solvent never wipe the window without solvent \ repeat steps until metal frame is matte shine indicates resin clean outside cassette 6\ wipe the outer frame with acetone 7\ repeat wiping with acetone until all shiny spots are gone 8\ reorient cassette as needed to access all sides \ pay extra attention to handles clean underside 9\ flip to underside of cassette \ vary angle to look for streaks 10\ remove window streaks, smudges, or shiny spots on frame with an acetone wipe never spray solvent directly onto underside of cassette never spray solvent directly onto underside of cassette 11\ wipe clamp pots (m3 only) 12\ clean any remaining shiny spots with an acetone wipe 13\ wipe window in a single motion l1 cassette cleaning the inside of the cassette can be cleaned while installed in printer or in the cassette cart (where also inspected) video text clean inside cassette in printer 1\ use presoaked accessories & supplies to wipe the inside metal frame \ swap to a new ipa wipe as needed 2\ wipe in a single motion across the window do not scrub or wipe in tiny circles which applies too much pressure 3\ use a blue shop towel to remove remaining liquid ipa wipes have a high water content that leaves behind liquid never wipe the window without solvent 4\ use presoaked accessories & supplies to remove remaining resin 5\ wipe in a single motion across the window with a clean acetone wipe 6\ wipe down front of cassette and printer deck with acetone in cassette cart presaturated presaturated accessories & supplies can be used when cleaning in the cassette cart or liquid solvent can be used as follows or liquid solvent can be used as follows avoid spraying liquid solvent when inside printer always verify cassette seated securely on lift fork nubs 1\ spray 99% ipa into the cassette \ a spray around metal border \ b then zig zag across window 2\ use a blue towel or kimwipe to clean the inside metal frame 3\ wipe in a single motion across the window with a clean blue towel do not scrub or wipe in tiny circles which applies too much pressure 4\ repeat steps 1 3 using acetone instead of ipa never wipe the window without solvent never wipe the window without solvent \ repeat steps until window has no streaks or solvent spots \ and metal frame is matte shine indicates resin 5\ squirt acetone on a blue towel or kimwipe and wipe outer frame \ pay attention to cleaning handles if cassette has been manually moved from the cassette hotel or workbench 6\ repeat until all shiny spots are gone clean outside cassette 7\ clean the sides that are inaccessible in the printer or cassette cart as needed \ pay particular attention to the guide slots \ to access sides, place cassette in cassette hotel \ or on a clean workbench two people are needed to move the cassette clean cassette underside never spray solvent directly onto the underside never spray solvent directly onto the underside 8\ clean the underside of the cassette as needed while on the cassette cart never put your head directly under cassette \ for window streaks or smudges, squirt acetone on a kimwipe and wipe in a single motion across the window \ for shiny spots in frame, squirt acetone on a kimwipe and spot clean aligner model production the prescribed workflow differs for aligner model production see the appropriate documentation for proper cleaning steps l1 production solution docid\ ejs8ygx5 mrzczlj ru73 (login required) gen 2 aligner model solution docid\ gfedzwmgvhh88vu vp7xp (login required) after cleaning cleaning the window seam this video demonstrates the window seam cleaning technique on an m2 cassette but the same technique applies to all cassettes video text 1 fold a blue towel to create a corner point 2\ fill the cassette with acetone submerge the window seam 3\ let the acetone soak for 3 5 minutes 4\ use the point as toll along the window seam never use a tool other than a solvent dampened towel never use a tool other than a solvent dampened towel 5\ wipe in a single motion across the window to remove remaining acetone cassette inspection 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 what cassette inspection looks for video text 3 types of blemishes may be seen manufacturing artifacts no impact on printing no impact on printing manufacturing artifacts are normal and will not affect printing surface contamination cleaning needed cleaning needed surface contamination requires further cleaning on the window window damage stop printing stop printing window damage requires further action reference cassette care /#returning damaged cassette for instructions m series cassette inspection applies to m1, m2, m3 and m3 max cassettes video text remove the cassette from the printer hold cassette up to light to inspect vary angle of view to help reveal blemishes l1 cassette inspection video text remove the cassette from the printer with the cassette cart keep the cassette on the cassette cart for inspection always verify cassette is seated securely on lift fork nubs always verify cassette is seated securely on lift fork nubs view window from below using overhead light to inspect never put your head directly under cassette never put your head directly under cassette vary angle of view to reveal blemishes view window from above using source light below to inspect a phone is a good light source move the light back and forth across the entire surface to reveal blemishes l1 cassette damage evaluation handout please consult this document if you notice any irregularities on your l1 cassette check window between prints debris detection debris in the resin pool can jeopardize printing by damaging cassettes and causing print failures or defects even small fragments (less than 1 mm ) of cured resin or external debris can pose issues detecting and removing these fragments improves print outcomes and reduces the overall cost of carbon printers by safeguarding cassette health and longevity resin that is free of debris in the cassette can be reused for multiple prints under the following conditions one part resins within 24 hours after 24 hrs, filter resin back into bottle and dispense with a clean cassette two part resins within the resin’s pot life (reference the materials overview ) how to check for debris varies depending on the printer type (or workflow) you are using m3 and m3 max printers automatically detect debris (software v1 42 and higher) l1 printers using the gen 2 aligner model solution workflow automatically detect debris (software v1 44 and higher) l1 printers (remaining workflows) and m1, m2 printers require manual detection of debris carbon expects to enable debris detection for more l1 printers in a future software release because this feature relies on force feedback, it will not be made available on m1 or m2 printers automatic debris detection m3, m3 max, l1 automatic debris detection m3 and m3 max printers will abort a print and alert the user if solid debris is detected in the resin at the start of a print when debris is detected filter or replace resin before continuing reference reclaiming resin instructions remember that most debris will be too small to easily spot visually in the resin select debris removed to restart printing the project that was previously disrupted will still be at the top of the print queue an override option is available in the unlikely event that no debris can be located/removed, and the print continues to abort use this option with extreme caution use this option with extreme caution l1 printers using the gen 2 aligner model solution workflow automatically detect debris (software v1 44 and higher) manual debris detection m1, m2, l1 check window between prints for debris use the spatula to check for cured resin loose in the liquid, or stuck to the window, in between prints check spatula for damage it is important to periodically check your silicone spatula to make sure it hasn't stiffened or cracked with age do not use acetone to clean the spatula, which will lead to stiffening l1 printers using the gen 2 aligner model solution workflow automatically detect debris (software v1 44 and higher) video text using a clean, flexible silicone spatula run spatula in one direction across window check for cured resin stuck to the window, or loose in the liquid fully expose every part of the window repeat in perpendicular direction video text using a clean, flexible silicone spatula run spatula in one direction across window lift spatula as needed to push resin continue across window until the complete surface is checked ensure there is no cured resin stuck to window, or loose in the liquid resin level detection m3, m3 max, l1 m3 and m3 max printers will abort a print and alert the user if there is too little resin in the cassette for the print, or if there is too much resin to proceed safely too little resin can lead to a failed print or a completed print with visible evidence of resin starvation too much resin in the cassette may overflow into the printer when the platform descends, damaging the printer when an inappropriate amount of resin is detected add or remove resin before continuing the project that was previously disrupted will still be at the top of the print queue select resin corrected resin corrected to restart printing the project that was previously disrupted will still be at the top of the print queue an override override option is available if needed use this option with caution use this option with caution l1 printers using the gen 2 aligner model solution workflow automatically detect resin level (software v1 45 and higher) m1, m2, l1 visually review the cassette's resin level to ensure enough resin remains in the cassette for subsequent prints l1 printers using the gen 2 aligner model solution workflow automatically detect resin level (software v1 45 and higher) cassette maintenance maintenance schedule frequency action m1/m2 m3 l1 per print cassette care /#check window between prints x x x per shift additional acetone cassette cleaning (see below) x x x cassette care /#cassette inspection x x x underside cassette cleaning \ operation \ operation x x weekly underside cassette cleaning \ maintenance x monthly maintenance x as needed cassette care /#cassette cleaning x x x cassette care /#cassette inspection x x x maintenance x notes always cassette care /#cassette inspection before filling it with resin clean the cassette with cassette care /#additional acetone cassette cleaning when cleaning the underside of the cassette, cassette care /#clean underside mating features whenever the cassette is emptied of resin, it must be cassette care /#cassette cleaning additional acetone cassette cleaning 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 docid\ ibv6gvpwqutiq9fusb89 or on top of the l1 cassette hotel docid\ ftdxah nqrn4hozppb1ws 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 cassette care /#cleaning the window seam m2 l1 clean underside mating features 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 maintenance that mate with the printer maintaining these features requires a different process which occurs monthly window blemishes the cassette window can have a range of different imperfections some of these will make the cassette unusable for production and necessitate cassette care /#returning damaged 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 cassette care /#manufacturing artifacts , cassette care /#surface contamination or cassette care /#window damage , reach out to carbon support docid\ k86zo5vcyn wqjl3vdgft to resolve the issue manufacturing artifacts manufacturing artifacts have no impact on printing they are a normal result of the manufacturing process cassette care /#ghost ring ( m1/m2 cassettes only) cassette care /#rippling (m3/m3 max cassettes only) cassette care /#semi circular hologram (l1 cassettes only) cassette care /#watermark cassette care /#inclusions ghost ring 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 rippling 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 cassette care /#window damage for more information) semi circular hologram 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 watermark 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 inclusions 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 surface contamination requires further cleaning of the window cassette care /#streaks cassette care docid\ y imi7aevlyjbsatexxdb cassette care /#haze cassette care docid\ y imi7aevlyjbsatexxdb cassette care /#ghosting streaks description streaks indicate small amounts of leftover resin cause not fully cleaning the cassette window action follow proper cassette care /#cleaning continue cleaning the window with an acetone dampened blue towel or wipe until the streaks are gone solvent spots 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 haze 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 window with cloudy haze before cleaningwindow after cleaning seeping resin 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 follow the prescribed cleaning method cassette care /#cleaning the window seam assess cleaning practices and adjust as needed going forward ghosting 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 contact carbon support for guidance to resolve the issue periodically rotating cassettes in production can mitigate the issue window damage 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 cassette care /#avoid window damage below for additional recommendations returning a damaged cassette if your cassette is damaged, remove it from production and cassette care /#returning damaged cassette print defects 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 vertical rib docid\ km5vnnjmurtgb1fygcyy7 vertical channel docid\ owtjjng2tpc9f5edqtoqh vertical channel docid\ owtjjng2tpc9f5edqtoqh window damage cassette care /#crease ( m3 cassettes only ) cassette care /#dent cassette care /#puncture cassette care /#scratch cassette care /#gouge crease 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 stop printing with cassette cassette care /#returning damaged cassette dent 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 stop printing with cassette cassette care /#returning damaged cassette puncture 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 stop printing with cassette cassette care /#returning damaged cassette scratch 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 stop printing with cassette cassette care /#returning damaged cassette gouge 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 stop printing with cassette cassette care /#returning damaged cassette avoid window damage window damage is caused by improper cassette care and can be avoided by knowing the pitfalls contamination 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 cured resin debris action cassette care /#check window between prints filter and reclaim resin if contamination is suspected determine source of contamination and eliminate from production area document contamination for ongoing prevention damaged platform 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 remove suspected platform from production and contact carbon support check all cassettes for damage at the matching location tool damage damage caused by inappropriate usage of tools on the window source wrong tool any metal tool or blade 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 returning damaged cassette if you find window damage during cassette inspection, go to returning a damaged cassette docid 9tektfrziwvpe6bmqbmtn and follow the instructions for your region for details about cassette entitlements and return policies, see returning a damaged cassette docid 9tektfrziwvpe6bmqbmtn resources m series cassette care handout printable reference to use in the lab english m series cassette care for dental handout printable reference to use in the lab english