---
title: Printing
slug: process/printing
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-06-28T23:21:22.140Z
---

# Overview

Printing is the process where digital models become solid parts. UV light cures photosensitive resin one layer at a time.

The steps below focus on the M2 printer. But all Carbon printers operate similarly so the information applies to all printer. 

For specific hardware operating instructions, refer to the printer document:

- [M1/M2](docId\:x6lBgA-Jvvx8I4D6MjKLJ) 
- [M3/M3 Max](docId\:i8T8SZ08GsA_TtGAUrecr) 
- [L1](docId\:LjnqZ8p0hjDgT-Ml4QOPp) 

# Workflow

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:::VerticalSplitItem
1. **Open** the printer door.
2. **Install the cassette.**  M-Series cassettes will contain the dispensed resin.  L1 Printers, the resin will be poured into the cassette once installed.
3. **Inspect** the printer **platform.**  Be sure the platform is clean and damage-free.
4. **Install **the **platform**.
5. **Close** the print** door** for M-Series printers.
6. **Verify** the **correct project** is **queued** to the printer.
7. **Start the print**.  See various options in specific hardware courses.  This is when the L1 door closes automatically.
8. When the print completes, open the door.
9. **Remove** the **platform.**
10. Close printer door.
:::

:::VerticalSplitItem
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1739227503/Education/Process/Process-Overview/m2-printing-800x.gif)
:::
::::

## Process Videos

The following video shows printing processes for the M2, M3/M3 Max and L1 printers in order. You can jump to a specific chapter by clicking on the appropriate section on the video timeline.

### M2 Printing

::embed[]{url="https://vimeo.com/1055722750?dnt=1"}

:::ExpandableHeading
**Video Text**

**M2 Printer**

- Open door
  - Using footswitch
- Install cassette with resin
  - Lock cassette latch
- Install clean platform
  - Verify seated properly
- Close door
  - Verify the correct project queued to the printer
- Press start print
- Open door when print completes
- Remove platform
  - Place on transfer tray to collect drips
- Close door
:::

### M3 Printing

::embed[]{url="https://vimeo.com/1055719780?dnt=1"}

:::ExpandableHeading
**Video Text**

**M3 Printer**

- Place cassette over the pedestal
  - Cassette fits around the perimeter
  - Ensure the pull studs engage into the clamp pots
- Slide platform onto rails
  - Ensure the platform guide rails engage the rails
  - Slide until the platform hits the stops
- Verify the correct print is queued on the printer
  - Project Name
- M3 Start Print Option 1
  - Close printer door
    - Press button with foot
  - Press **Start **on touchscreen
  - Print begins
- M3 Start Print Option 2
  - Close printer door and start print
    - Press button with foot and hold for 2 seconds
  - Print begins
- Open printer door
  - Press button with foot
  - Platform releases
- Grasp side grips on platform and pull forward
- Rotate platform inside printer so parts point up
  - This will contain resin drips
- Place platform on a stable work surface
- Close printer door
:::

### L1 Printing 

::embed[]{url="https://vimeo.com/1055722858?dnt=1"}

:::ExpandableHeading
**Video Text**

**L1 Printer**

- Open door
  - Touch door sensor on either side of printer
- Install cassette
  - Resin may be pre-dispensed into cassette while mounted on cart. (parked over a workbench)
  - Cassette seated when indicator light comes on
- Pour dispensed resin into cassette
  - Or resin may be poured into cassette while in printer.
- Install platform
  - Indicator light comes on
  - Verify the correct project queued to the printer
- Press start...or...
  - ...use footswitch to start print
- Door closes automatically and print begins
- Open door when print completes
- Remove platform 
- Flip platform parts side up to contain drips
- Bring platform directly to workbench
:::

# Resources

[Resin Mixing and Dispensing](docId:4lwK3k36RFqf2RAOVXszx) 

[Part Defects](docId\:pPm8gmeGCY_0fkFwgTCyj) 

[UV Curing](docId\:l_nKs7cZUARr_VHeuozGP) 

[Thermal Curing](docId:7NE6rGdaSzpAPOHH5QOzm)