---
title: Excess Resin
slug: troubleshooting/excess-resin
description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Excess Resin" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-06-14T01:03:27.141Z
---

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**Excess Resin**

Shiny patches on parts or clogged gaps.
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# How to Identify

Excess Resin can be diagnosed as follows:

- Shiny or glossy patches
- Inconsistent surface sheen
- Clogged gaps in a lattice

:::hint{type="info"}
This defect is related to the [Salt Baked Into Part](docId\:rBf4ep_02B6ocTr9YPpBz) defect, which stems from the same issue but manifests differently.
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
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# Troubleshooting

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It is recommended that you review all the possible solutions before taking action to ensure you are pursuing the best course of action.
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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.

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### Washing - Touchup

Touch up parts with additional cleaning to remove resin (shiny areas)

- Use lint-free wipes
- Use swabs
- Use compressed air cabinet

![Touch-up Methods](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Process/Orientation-Supports/Cost-Post-processing/Touch-Up-Gif_v0501-downsize-only_300px-12x.gif)

Reference [Washing](docId\:AvN2rNsLSHhmUz9rbYkmN) for more information.
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### Washing - Solventless Spinning

- Adjust spin settings
  *Adjustments are listed in the recommended order to try.*
  - Increase spin speed +20%

    Note there is a risk parts will peel off the platform or tear without adequate adhesion and lattice strength at higher spin speeds.
  - Increase spin duration +33%

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Note that solventless spinning is a production process for select L1-printed applications.
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## Print Preparation or Part Design Adjustments

The following solutions will address print or part-related causes of the defects. Choose among the suggested actions below and select the best approach for your application. Usually only one type of adjustment is needed.

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### Design

- Redesign part:
  - Add a fillet or chamfer to tight corners tight corners ≤ 90°.
  - Provide drainage for blind holes and difficult to access features.
  - Increase spacing between fine features

![Redesign](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/J2VeR9M9tPKS9A-b8FtSz_image.png)
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:::hint{type="info"}
If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com).
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# Explanation & Causes

## Explanation

When parts are not fully cleaned, liquid resin remains on the part after washing and cures into the part.

- Features prone to collecting liquid resin and not getting fully cleaned:
  - Blind holesSmall openings with only one access point
  - Tight corners (acute angles ≤ 90°)
  - Tightly packed features
  - Difficult to access spaces

    *Areas that solvent cannot access easily*
  - Small features and openings

    *Such as in a lattice*

**Blind Hole Example**

This example shows a blind hole <font color="#d32f4a">**without drainage**</font> and <font color="#30c49a">**with a drain hole**.</font>

The blind hole with a drain hole at the base of the feature allows resin to wash out of the feature with solvent. With a swab, you can see that the blind hole retains liquid resin after washing while the drained hole comes out clean.

![Blind Hole Example](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/Nl21iIlLybwCYobB54QK5_dkk9o0u9b5zupxqb-ull8aentfek05ejj.gif)

## Causes

### Post-Processing

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How the part is **handled** in post-processing is causing the defect.
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![Post-Processing](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/L8qIt6vOxrll63alqGpyY_image.png)
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| Root Issue | Problem                     | Why Defect Presents                                                                                                                                             |
| ---------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Washing    | Blind Holes                 | Solvent cannot effectively reach part features when the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through the feature. |
|            | Corners                     |                                                                                                                                                                 |
|            | Tight Corners ≤ 90°         |                                                                                                                                                                 |
|            | Tightly Packed Features     |                                                                                                                                                                 |
|            | Difficult to Access Spaces  |                                                                                                                                                                 |
|            | Small Features and Openings |                                                                                                                                                                 |

### Print Preparation or Part Design

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How the part is **oriented**, **supported**, or **designed&#x20;**&#x69;s causing the defect.
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![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/LhaBjVT_Yxhp03FPtHLyF_orient-and-support-quick-view-v0101-xxs.gif)
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| Root Issue | Problem                     | Why Defect Presents                                                                                                                            |
| ---------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Design     | Blind Holes                 | Tight spaces create areas where the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through during washing. |
|            | Tight Corners ≤ 90°         |                                                                                                                                                |
|            | Tightly Packed Features     |                                                                                                                                                |
|            | Difficult to Access Spaces  |                                                                                                                                                |
|            | Small Features and Openings |                                                                                                                                                |
|            | Small Features and Openings |                                                                                                                                                |

