--- title: Overcure slug: troubleshooting/overcure description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Overcure" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes. docTags: createdAt: 2024-06-14T01:01:32.542Z --- ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Overcure** Additional resin cured at the edges of a slice in the XY plane. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/-l8Qwxr8CdZ66nujcmPdX_image.png" size="70" width="1080" height="1080" position="center" alt="Overcure" showCaption="false"} ::: :::: # 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 ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-PKINJkIcfL4P7blMAMldX-20240812-163127.jpg"} **Cause** - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-Bz82ydGVrsKreDbb2gQyt-20240812-163134.jpg"} **Cause** - Inconclusive ::: :::: # 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. ## 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. :::ExpandableHeading ### Resin - Check the expiration date of your resin lot. - Ensure all two-part resin prints are completed within the resin's pot-life. - Ensure that one-part resins are emulsified. Invert bottle 5-6 times to distribute pigment. ![Resin](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/Resin-Troubleshooting_v0102_350px-x12.gif) ::: :::ExpandableHeading ### Hardware - 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 - Reference cleaning instructions for your printer: [M1/M2 Printer](docId:__6PWz7Jx_jb4L5_xWKOJ) [M3/M3 Max Printer](docId:3YymGGIHdvaOwG01EAY6l) [L1 Printer](docId\:oN8OtjugBxOTH6QMqW2oM) ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-bGIUS_C07lH6mw3xHnY7D-20240801-151327.gif" size="80" width="1653" height="1080" position="center" alt="Ensure all of the printer's optics are clean" showCaption="false"} ::: ## 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. :::::ExpandableHeading ### Layout ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem Add more space between parts; increase padding in auto-layout. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Layout](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/9JG0v1kg84SJqKfF8vR9S_image.png) ::: :::: ::::: :::ExpandableHeading ### Scale Use [correction scale](docId:4Z6MFha_0Lh3vOpPv9Jmn) to bring part features into your specification range by adjusting the X and Y scale factors. Automatic scale factors account for inaccuracies in the majority of cases, but tweaking the scale factor further may help dial in your feature sizes in some cases. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ### Design Use [DLS Design Guidelines](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7) for holes in the XY plane to bring part features into your specification range. Reference the tips for optical effects in [Recommended Feature Sizes](docId\:t94PR-A-C0pIhY6LJsWk7) for horizontal holes (XY). ![Design](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/vMxeHNmNHubRsXk5p4MYT_image.png) ::: :::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* - Exposure Timing ::: :::hint{type="info"} If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com). ::: # Explanation & Causes ## Explanation ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **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. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Overcure - XY Plane](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/UdpAjZQ_u_VPrzTXcA-RD_image.png) ::: :::: ## Causes ### Print Preparation or Part Design ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem How the part is **oriented**, **supported**, or **designed **is causing the defect. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Print Preparation or Part Design Cause](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/LhaBjVT_Yxhp03FPtHLyF_orient-and-support-quick-view-v0101-xxs.gif) ::: :::: | 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 ::::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 | | ---------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Cleaning | Cassette window is dirty | Dust, spots, or streaks can cause UV light to scatter causing more overcure than expected. | | Cleaning | - Deck glass is dirty (M1/M2) - Projector lens is dirty (M3/M3 Max/L1) | Dust, spots, or streaks can cause UV light to scatter causing more overcure than expected. | ### Resin ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem The printing material is **expired**, beyond the printing range in its **pot-life**, or has been **improperly mixed**, causing abnormalities in the print. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Resin](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/XGHMl6juLeAliKkQ8uIOF_resins-hero-image-v2.jpg) ::: :::: | 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 ::::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 increases overcure |