Cracking - Excessive Solvent
Excessive Solvent Cracking
Cracks/fissures form during the thermal curing process from over-exposure to solvent.
How to Identify
Solvent exposure cracking can be diagnosed as follows:
- Cracks appear as thin, dark lines.
- Lines can appear anywhere in geometry but may be more prominent in areas where solvent may be slow to evaporate, such as inside corners or blind holes.
- Lines appear after baking. Parts look fine off of the printer and after washing.
Excessive solvent cracking is differentiated by other types of cracking because it can occur anywhere on the part, rather than specific locations.
Reference Cracking - Bulk and Cracking - Medial Axis for other types of cracking.
Cause - Inconclusive
Cause - Inconclusive
Troubleshooting
It is recommended that you review all the possible solutions before taking action to ensure you are pursuing the best course of action.
If the best course of action is not apparent, try the troubleshooting options in the order listed. Refer here for more tips.
Process, Material, and Hardware Checks
If any of these conditions apply to your print, take the corrective action and reprint to see if the problem is resolved.
If problems persist, please reach out to Carbon Support.
Explanation & Causes
Explanation
Excessive solvent cracking occurs when parts are over-exposed to solvent, leaving the material weaker as a result. The cracks manifest during thermal curing as stress is released in weakened areas.
Causes
Post-Processing
How the part is handled in post-processing is causing the defect.
Root Issue | Problem | Why Defect Presents |
|---|---|---|
Washing | Solvent exposure | Too much solvent exposure weakens the material, making stress points weaker. |
Baking | Wrong bake schedule | The most common resins for bulk cracking are the brittle resins (EPX) that use a ramping program to raise the temperature slowly and prevent thermal shock. |