--- title: Cracking - Excessive Solvent slug: troubleshooting/cracking-excessive-solvent description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Medial Axis Cracking" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes. docTags: createdAt: 2025-02-28T02:04:37.964Z --- ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Excessive Solvent Cracking** Cracks/fissures form during the thermal curing process from over-exposure to solvent. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Excessive Solvent Cracking](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Cracking_Excessive-solvent/Solvent-cracking-example.png) ::: :::: # 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. :::hint{type="info"} 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](docId\:NJXFQ6VZx7uUrGXnTaipY) and [Cracking - Medial Axis](docId:5HA-yH1HU5CPMnaPFurPa) for other types of cracking. ::: ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-U384ktg4vTL2UmgW1DIXL-20250102-003421.png"} **Cause** - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-s4OKvxYJgXNK9tThjyOD3-20250228-025521.png"} **Cause** - Inconclusive ::: :::: # Troubleshooting :::hint{type="info"} 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](docId\:pPm8gmeGCY_0fkFwgTCyj) 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. :::ExpandableHeading ### Washing Follow solvent exposure times closely in the resin post-processing protocol. - **Do not exceed maximum solvent exposure times** and reduce exposure time when possible if parts are fully clean. - Use swabs in corners, or other stress points that trap solvent. - After washing, dry parts on a blue towel or raised mesh (with air flow around the whole part) until all solvent is evaporated prior to baking. ![Solvent exposure](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/Solvent-exposure.png) ::: :::::ExpandableHeading ### Baking ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem Check that the correct bake schedule was used per resin protocols. Resins most susceptible to cracking use a bake schedule that ramps up temperature gradually. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Ramped baking](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1740710072/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Cracking_Bulk/Ramped-baking-gif.gif) ::: :::: ::::: :::hint{type="info"} If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com). ::: # 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 ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem How the part is **handled** in post-processing is causing the defect. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Post-Processing](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/L8qIt6vOxrll63alqGpyY_image.png) ::: :::: | 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. |