Layering
Layering
Part surface is stretched out of position during printing.
Layering can be diagnosed as follows:
- On vertically oriented surfaces
- Layering appears as lines that run horizontally, parallel to the platform.
- The lines will appear sunken on both sides of the surface, ie the surface is thinner than it should be where the line occurs.
- On horizontally oriented surfaces
- Layering appears as a sunken area on the surface.
- The surface will be thinner than it should be where the layering occurs.
Incomplete Lattice arises from the same issue but appears on lattice struts instead of surfaces.
Cause - Inconclusive
Vertical layering
Cause - Inconclusive
Vertical layering
Cause - Inconclusive
Vertical layering
Cause - Inconclusive
Horizontal layering
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.
If problems persist, please reach out to Carbon Support.
Layering is formed when a surface is unable to break free of the surface tension at the dead zone during the pump up stage of printing a slice. This stretches the surface which presents differently based on how the surface is oriented.
This defect usually occurs with elastomeric resins that are soft and pliable during printing.
Reference DLS Printer Dynamics for more information on the stages of printing a slice.
On vertically oriented surfaces The edge of a surface is held by the surface tension of the dead zone. When the platform rises, the surface is stretched thin.
As the platform moves back down to the curing position, the surface is still stretched, which appears as a line in the surface.
- Vertical surface does not break surface tension at dead zone and stretches.
- The next slice cures over the stretched surface and leaves a line.
Z dimensions for pump height and slice thickness are exaggerated for visibility.
On horizontally oriented surfaces A surface flat against the window does not break free of the dead zone's surface tension when the platform rises.
As the platform moves back down to the curing position, the surface is still in the curing zone and overlaps with the next slice. This appears as a sunken area in the surface.
- Portion of surface does not break surface tension at dead zone and resin does not flow below for next slice.
- The next slice only cures where resin was able to flow.
- The next slice proceeds normally but a sunken area has been left on the surface.
Z dimensions for pump height and slice thickness are exaggerated for visibility.
Root Issue | Problem | Why Defect Presents |
|---|---|---|
Supports | Under-supported | Supports provide additional structure which makes it easier for surfaces to break free of the dead zone's surface tension. |
Design | Thin surfaces | Thin surface are more prone to stretching during the pump up stage. |
Printing Stage | Parameter Type | Type of Adjustment | Why Defect Presents |
|---|---|---|---|
1 Pump Up | Pump height | Decrease | A decrease in pump height makes it more difficult for the part to break free from the dead zone surface tension. |
4 Settle Down | Delay Timing | Decrease | When the part does not break free of the dead zone surface tension, resin flow is restricted. A longer settle down delay is needed to compensate for this. |