--- title: Resin Handling After Printing slug: process/resin-handling description: Learn how to handle Carbon's one-part and two-part resins safely after printing is complete. docTags: createdAt: 2025-02-08T01:49:53.941Z --- ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/6N2pxO6ncfRyt50gD3J-e_left-over-resin-in-cassette-on-deck-a6403779.jpg) After printing, there will still be some resin left in the cassette. This resin can either be reused or disposed. Read through the options below. # Reusing Resin The resin that is left in the cassette after a print can still be used for printing. However, it must be free of debris (see Debris Detection below) and still be within its useful life. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **One-part resins** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem Use within **24 hours. **After 24 hours, filter resin back into bottle and dispense with a clean cassette. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Two-part resins** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem Use within the resin’s **pot life.** See the protocol sheet for each resin for specific pot life durations. ::: :::: ## Debris Detection Debris in the resin 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 when they are squeezed between the window and the platform during printing. **Detecting and removing these fragments** improves print outcomes and reduces the overall cost of Carbon printers by safeguarding cassette health and longevity. Checking for debris varies depending on the printer type you have. - M3 and M3 Max printers **automatically **detect debris - M1, M2, and L1 printers require **manual **detection of debris ### M3/M3 Max - 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. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/LuZhXuw4d5wfLl3GADaSa_image.png" size="70" width="620" height="350" position="center" showCaption="false"} - 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.** ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/QGMY5xrPFFvExNphQfWgZ_image.png" size="70" width="620" height="350" position="center" showCaption="false"} :::hint{type="info"} \*L1 printers using the [Gen 2 Aligner Model Solution](docId\:gFEDZwmGvhh88Vu_vP7xp) workflow automatically detect debris *(software *[v1.44](docId\:jXaD8ohXE-VIoQcnDXHX-)* and higher).* ::: ### M1, M2, L1 - 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. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **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. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/5ghNliL-ULEgKUUP7iFxE_image.png "Cracked spatula to be replaced with a new one") ::: :::: :::hint{type="info"} \*L1 printers using the [Gen 2 Aligner Model Solution](docId\:gFEDZwmGvhh88Vu_vP7xp) workflow automatically detect debris *(software *[v1.44](docId\:jXaD8ohXE-VIoQcnDXHX-)* and higher).* ::: **M2 Debris Detection Video** ::embed[]{url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/527515955?dnt=1"} :::ExpandableHeading **Video Text** 1. Using a clean, flexible silicone spatula 2. 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 3. Repeat in perpendicular direction ::: **L1 Debris Detection Video** ::embed[]{url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/556659832?dnt=1"} :::ExpandableHeading **Video Text** 1. Using a clean, flexible silicone spatula 2. Run spatula in one direction across window 1. Lift spatula as needed to push resin 3. Continue across window until the complete surface is checked 1. Ensure there is no cured resin stuck to window, or loose in the liquid ::: ## Resin Level Detection For M3 and M3 Max users, if you are continuing to print after the previous print ends, the printer will perform resin level detection to ensure there is the appropriate amount of resin to safely print the currently queued project. ***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** to restart printing - The project that was previously disrupted will still be at the top of the print queue. - An **override** option is available if needed **Use this option with caution****.** ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/sjfSLSZ4YgSwaFaymHXiB_image.png" size="70" width="1680" height="1036" position="center" showCaption="false"} :::hint{type="info"} \*L1 printers using the [Gen 2 Aligner Model Solution](docId\:gFEDZwmGvhh88Vu_vP7xp) workflow automatically detect resin level *(software *[v1.45](docId\:MgQiv81rgzN0OdMk3llI6)* and higher).* ::: # Reclaiming or Discarding Resin If you have finished printing with the resin currently in the cassette, you can either reclaim or discard it. - **1-part **resins may be **reclaimed **in their original bottle after filtering. - **2-part resins **must be **discarded **when the pot life is reached. See the protocol sheet for pot life. ### M Series Pour Stand ::embed[]{url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/797570890?dnt=1"} :::ExpandableHeading **Video Text** - Use the pour stand to assist removing resin from the cassette. - The pour stand is compatible with all M-series cassettes: M1, M2, M3, M3 Max. - When using, stand on the side with the Carbon logo. - This gives easy access to the lid and the funnel holder. - Place cassette into cassette mount on pour stand. - Left bumper has clearance for fingers. - M1 & M2 printer cassette: Curved side faces back of pour stand. - M3 Max printer cassette: Cassette pour spout faces front of pour stand. - Remove cap from container and place under funnel holder. - Original resin bottle or liquid hazardous waste. - Reposition funnel holder as needed so funnel fits in bottle or waste container. - Place funnel in funnel holder. - Funnel tip must sit in bottle. - Place strainer in funnel. Strainer captures solid debris that can damage the cassette.**One-part resins must be filtered when reclaiming for later use.** - Tilt lid up to begin pouring resin through funnel into container. - Monitor resin flow and move lid if necessary. - Use a clean, flexible, undamaged silicone spatula to assist resin drainage - Continue wiping until only a small amount of resin remains. - Use a towel as needed. - Clean spatula with towel. Use IPA if needed. - **Never clean spatula with acetone, which damages silicone.** - Push down on lid to lower empty cassette. - Remove cassette from pour stand. - Dispose of funnel and strainer, replace cap, and move container to storage. - Reference [Cassette Care](docId\:Y_IMi7AeVLyJbsATEXxdB) to clean cassette. ::: ### M2 Pour Stand ::embed[]{url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/527521910?dnt=1"} :::ExpandableHeading **Video Text** - **One part resins** may be **reclaimed **in their original bottle (filtered). - **Two part resins** must be **discarded **when the **pot life** is reached. - Hazardous waste **M Series Printer** - Place cassette with unused resin near pour stand. - M2 Cassette - Turn cassette so curved side is facing away from you - M3 Cassette - Grab cassette by corners instead of handles - Place cassette into cassette mount on pour stand. - M2 Cassette Only - **Curved **side of cassette should face **curved **pour stand handle. - Remove cap from container and place under circular holder. - Original resin bottle OR **Liquid Hazardous Waste** - Funnel tip must sit in bottle. - 1 part resins - One part resins must be **filtered** when reclaiming for later use. - Unfold strainer and place in funnel. Strainer will capture any solid debris from cassette. - Tilt cassette mount up to pour resin through funnel into container. - Pull forward until it stops, then release to hold in locked position. - Use a clean, flexible, undamaged silicone spatula to assist resin drainage. - Continue wiping until only a small residue of resin remains. - Wipe spatula clean with towel, dampened with IPA if needed. Never clean spatula with acetone, which causes damage. - Lower cassette mount: Pull forward to unlock and guide back down. - Remove cassette from pour stand. - Dispose of funnel \[and strainer], put cap back on, and move container to storage. **L1 Printer** - Scoop out resin with a wide spatula into resin transfer container. - The cassette is too heavy to pour out unused resin. - The L1 cassette can be in the printer or on the cassette cart over a workbench. - Reclaim or discard resin from container as per the M2 steps. Reference [Cassette Care](docId\:Y_IMi7AeVLyJbsATEXxdB) to clean the cassette. ::: ### L1 Printer ::embed[]{url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/797142975?dnt=1"} :::ExpandableHeading **Video Text** **L1 cassette is not compatible with pour stand.** - Scoop out resin with wide spatula into resin transfer container. - **The cassette is too heavy to pour out unused resin.** *20 - 27 kg (45-60 lbs)* - The L1 cassette can be in the printer or on the cassette cart over a workbench. - Filter and resuse or dispose of collected resin as needed. - Reference [Cassette Care](docId\:Y_IMi7AeVLyJbsATEXxdB) to clean the cassette. ::: ## Notes - Reference [Cassette Care](docId\:Y_IMi7AeVLyJbsATEXxdB) for cleaning the cassette after resin has been reclaimed or discarded. - Refer to the Safety course for more information on handling [discarded resin](docId\:EpLNOlhPOETRa_WXRrpjd).