--- title: Flashing slug: troubleshooting/flashing description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Flashing" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes. docTags: createdAt: 2024-06-14T01:02:45.344Z --- ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Flashing** Additional cured resin at the base of the part. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/GOrpHjc4Fbk-Jnlf1OMJd_image.png" size="70" width="1080" height="1080" position="center" alt="Flashing" showCaption="false"} ::: :::: # How to Identify Flashing can be diagnosed as follows at the base of the part, with the base being the surface that was on the platform during printing. - Extra cured resin appears along the part's base edges. [Fringing](docId\:UP-Tsq77rAZxLvuEVCVmq) is a defect that may appear similar at the part's base but will be jagged instead of smooth. - The base appears larger than the rest of the model. - Labels on the base of the part are difficult to read or unreadable. ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-MlDebXjhprLhc8XnbuZfr-20240729-205357.jpg"} **Cause** - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-LZy0fRAqZ6SUSThPSmIsc-20240729-205410.jpg"} **Cause** - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-Df4uGa1cgw91io6aruW4h-20240729-205433.jpg"} **Cause** - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-TnIGZAP2fJzkF7U17iCqI-20240729-205445.jpg"} **Cause** - Inconclusive Unreadable Label ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-6tQfUujCA7N4fCdC3y4xX-20240729-205458.jpg"} **Cause** - Inconclusive Unreadable Label ::: :::: # 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. ## 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 ### Hardware - Verify platform and cassette are **installed** properly - M1/M2 Printers - Clean the platform's **kinematic** **balls** and clean & lubricate the **kinematic pin mounts** on the platform and cassette per [monthly maintenance](docId:0YWe7YMSIyDn_IMLDVTpn). **DO NOT** bake parts on the platform which will cause misalignment of the kinematic balls. Reference cleaning and installation instructions for your printer: [M1/M2 Printer](docId:__6PWz7Jx_jb4L5_xWKOJ), [M3/M3 Max Printer](docId:3YymGGIHdvaOwG01EAY6l), [L1 Printer](docId\:oN8OtjugBxOTH6QMqW2oM). ![Hardware](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/mu4SZqC5_o76Fi49duIqT_image.png) ::: ## Diagnostics The following diagnostics may help determine if the issue is hardware related. :::ExpandableHeading{isOpen="true"} ### Hardware - Print with a different platform and/or cassette - If the issue is resolved with another platform or cassette, reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com) for assistance with the problematic hardware. - Run an [Alignment Squares Test](docId\:eneYDJvgK9I1zhog5jjJE). ::: ## Print Preparation or Part Design Adjustments Choose among the suggested actions below and select the best approach for your application. :::ExpandableHeading ### Print Plan Adjustments Reference [Print Plan Adjustments](docId\:NxUK0dltz_vemEAU0DIpN) for guidance on the following parameters: [5 Exposure Parameters](docId\:nunXRrM4bWbawUQk0FrDt) - Exposure Timing Parameters - Base Exposure Multiplier - Brightlining Parameters *All four parameters must be specified* - Brightline Interior Exposure Time - Brightline Exterior Exposure Time - Brightline Border Thickness Pixels - Brightline Outer Borders ::: :::hint{type="info"} If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com). ::: # Explanation & Causes ## Explanation ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem Flashing is additional cured resin at the base of the part. This is due to light scattering as a result of the [optical effect overcure](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7). Overcure can occur throughout the part **(2)**, but flashing is a specific case at the base of the part due to the higher exposure times needed for adhesion to the platform **(1)**. Base adhesion generally requires exposure times 5-20 times higher than the nominal exposure throughout the rest of the print to avoid adhesion failures. The extra exposure time, however, can cause significant overcure as photons scatter. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Overcure](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/VdcNdPE0UuDE0IndGVccg_image.png) ::: :::: ## Causes ### Hardware ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/cNMDprn99RIqCfoLiaEF4_hardware-xs.png" size="80" width="738" height="600" position="center" alt="Hardware" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem The printer, cassette, or platform is **dirty** or requires **maintenance **to resolve the defect. Occasionally, a defect may indicate the printer requires servicing by a Carbon engineer. ::: :::: | Root Issue | Problem | Why Defect Presents | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Misalignment | Improper seating | The platform could be too close to the window, receiving a higher dose of UV light than intended. | | Misalignment | Unlubricated kinematic pin mounts
*M1/M2 Printers only* | The platform could be too close to the window, receiving a higher dose of UV light than intended. | | Misalignment | Mechanical alignment of the printer | The platform could be too close to the window, receiving a higher dose of UV light than intended. | ### Print Plan Adjustments ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![Print Plan Adjustments](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/BzaP59syjyUMWREOHSLmE_print-plan-adjustments-v142.png) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Print Plan Adjustments](docId\:NxUK0dltz_vemEAU0DIpN) adjust the print plan to optimize mid to high volume production and/or address part defects. In doing so, adjustment may both **prevent or cause defects**. Below are adjustments that can cause this defect. ::: :::: | Printing Stage | Parameter Type | Type of Adjustment | Why Defect Presents | | -------------- | --------------- | ----------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 5 Exposure | Exposure Timing | **Increase** | More UV exposure at the base increases overcure that causes flashing | | 5 Exposure | Brightlining | **Increase** | More UV exposure at the base increases overcure that causes flashing |