Overcure
Overcure
Additional resin cured at the edges of a slice in the XY plane.
How to Identify
Overcure can be diagnosed as follows:
- Features appear too large or distorted
- Holes or small features are too small
- Engraved or embossed text appears blurry
Cause - Inconclusive
Cause - Inconclusive
Troubleshooting
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 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.
- Ensure all of the printer's optics are clean for a clear path for UV light.
- Verify the cassette window is cleaned properly, without dust, spots, or streaks.
- Verify the projector path is clean
- M1/M2 printers - check the deck glass
- M3/M3 Max/L1 printers - check the projector lens
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.
If problems persist, please reach out to Carbon Support.
Explanation & Causes
Explanation
Overcure - XY Plane
Overcure is caused by light scattering horizontally at the edges of a slice, where the material is thinner and less opaque. This scattered light cures resin adjacent to the part and typically causes an additional 0.010 - 0.075mm of part curing. This effect is more significant in smaller cavities due to higher local temperatures.
Causes
Print Preparation or Part Design
How the part is oriented, supported, or designed is causing the defect.
Root Issue | Problem | Why Defect Presents |
|---|---|---|
Layout | Parts are too close together | When parts are not spaced properly, light can scatter causing more overcure than expected. |
Hardware
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 |
|---|---|---|
Cleaning | Cassette window is dirty | Dust, spots, or streaks can cause UV light to scatter causing more overcure than expected. |
Cleaning |
| Dust, spots, or streaks can cause UV light to scatter causing more overcure than expected. |
Resin
The printing material is expired, beyond the printing range in its pot-life, or has been improperly mixed, causing abnormalities in the print.
Root Issue | Problem | Why Defect Presents |
|---|---|---|
Expired | | Resin that is expired may not mix properly which could cause light to scatter and create more overcure than expected. |
Past pot-life | | Resin that is past its pot-life may begin to partially cure which could cause light to scatter and create more overcure than expected. |
Mixing | One-part resin not mixed | Pigment that is not fully emulsified in the resin could cause light to scatter and create more overcure than expected. |
Print Plan Adjustments
Print Plan Adjustments 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 increases overcure |