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title: Incomplete Lattice
slug: troubleshooting/incomplete-lattice
description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Incomplete Lattice" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes.
docTags:
createdAt: 2024-06-14T01:02:08.469Z
---
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**Incomplete Lattice **
Lattice prints with a gap.
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# How to Identify
Incomplete lattice can be diagnosed as follows:
- Vertical struts have a gap or are missing.
- Horizontal struts have a gap in the center.
- The strut may have excess cured resin at the ends where the gap occurs.
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[Layering](docId\:F3rkqgEoZlWauxwYNKdlP)** **arises from the same issue but appears on surfaces instead of lattice struts.
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**Cause** - Inconclusive
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**Cause** - Inconclusive
*Occurs at vertical struts*
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**Cause** - Inconclusive
*Occurs at horizontal strut*
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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.
## 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
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Add struts to provide more structure at the problematic struts.
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The performance of the lattice will change.
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### Print Plan Adjustments
Reference [Print Plan Adjustments](docId\:NxUK0dltz_vemEAU0DIpN) for guidance on the following parameters:
[1 Pump Up Parameters](docId\:XP2lRJPJ4njFl_Z8N58rL)
- *Pump Height Parameters*
- Minimum Pump Height
- Distance from Peak Multiplier
- Minimum Distance from Peak
- *Platform Speed Parameters*
- Motor Speed Up
[Other Parameters](docId\:xph5lZVY6zsquwVsv89T-)
- Enhanced EPU Force Feedback Enabled
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If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com).
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# Explanation & Causes
## Explanation
An incomplete lattice is formed when struts are unable to break free of the surface tension at the dead zone during the pump up stage of printing a slice. This creates two issues:
- Prevents resin from flowing in for the next slice
- Leaves the latticed stretched out, overlapping with the next slice.
When the lattice proceeds normal in a subsequent slice, a gap is left behind in the lattice.
This defect usually occurs with elastomeric resins that are soft and pliable during printing.
Reference [DLS Printer Dynamics](docId\:U7XYytjyDp3BvsYy2qKcU) for more information on the stages of printing a slice.
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Video Text
- Lattice does not break surface tension at dead zone and resin does not flow below part for next slice.
- The next slice only cures where resin was able to flow.
- The next slice proceeds normally but a gap has been left in the lattice.
Z dimensions for pump height and slice thickness are exaggerated for visibility.
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## Causes
### Print Preparation or Part Design
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How the part is **oriented**, **supported**, or **designed **is causing the defect.
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| Root Issue | Problem | Why Defect Presents |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Designed
| Lattice is designed to have longer struts. | Longer struts (> 5-10 mm) are more likely to be stretched rather than break free of the dead zone surface tension. Most commonly seen with horizontal or vertical struts. |
### Print Plan Adjustments
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[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.
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| Printing Stage | Parameter Type | Type of Adjustment | Why Defect Presents |
| -------------- | -------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1 Pump Up | Pump Height | **Decrease** | A small pump height is less likely to break the dead zone's surface tension. |
| 1 Pump Up | Platform Speed | **Increase** | Increased Motor Up Speed leaves less time for the surface tension to be broken. |