---
title: Projection Error
slug: troubleshooting/projection-error
description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Projection Error" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-06-14T01:00:59.908Z
---

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**Projection Error**

The light engine projects UV images incorrectly.
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::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/0CaKgpYDvBww21QGSbO28_image.png" size="70" width="1080" height="1080" position="center" alt="Projection Error" showCaption="false"}
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# How to Identify

Projection Error can be diagnosed as follows:

- Portions of the build are missing in distinct sections of the platform
  - Missing portions are not cured at all and therefore will not be seen detached in the cassette either.
- A portion of the build has shifted location on the platform
- Half of the platform appears to be squished, or scaled down in the Y direction

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Reference the [explanation](docId\:mOhhXcBpao7ya70MCtrOu) to see slice examples of a projection error.
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**Scaled Half**
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# Troubleshooting

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### Power Cycle the Printer

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**Power Down Printer**

Press power switch to the** off position**.
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![Power Down Printer](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/w-LzhxkrNfE9SPJdgJIwh_image.png)
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**Wait 30 seconds**


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![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Projection-Error/30-seconds_AdobeStock_777758470_Converted.png)
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**Power Back On Printer**

Press power switch to the **on position**.
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![Power Back On Printer](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/QHz6Mst0X0ELWWnTxeWYl_image.png)
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**Restore System Power**

If printer model requires, press **Restore system power** on the touchscreen to power on all hardware sub-systems for operation
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![Restore system power](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/sKZAfrXyHT3jt4mcRYuJD_image.png)
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Reference printer operation and maintenance for your printer model for power location. *M3 Printer shown below.*
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### Perform Exposure Test

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This simple exposure print test will show if the light engine initialized correctly upon power cycling. You may repeat the power cycling as needed.

See [Exposure Test](docId\:eneYDJvgK9I1zhog5jjJE) for instructions.
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![Perform Exposure Test](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/Pnrt0tByiQ3iw4MzawK84_image.png)
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If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com).
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# Explanation & Causes

## Explanation

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**Normal Slice**

This is an example of a slice that has been projected accurately.
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![ slice that has been projected accurately](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/5p42KFDeLAhXpV5SYT5zE_image.png)
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Following are examples of this slice manifesting improperly due to a projection error.

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**Shifted Portion**

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/Cv6JePX-5xSoLQuCS4ZI-_image.png" size="70" width="1680" height="1680" position="flex-start" alt="Shifted Portion" showCaption="false"}
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**Missing Half**

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/Tl-w_vNGk0ZcLXKBvkQAv_image.png" size="70" width="1680" height="1680" position="flex-start" alt="Missing Half" showCaption="false"}
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***

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**Scaled Half**

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/rRISbB3LDoMGJ3rRzNhfl_image.png" size="70" width="1680" height="1680" position="flex-start" alt="Scaled Half" showCaption="false"}
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**Horizontal Black Bar**

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/mW_3Hf1kX6QBbAnR8cH16_image.png" size="70" width="1680" height="1680" position="flex-start" alt="Horizontal Black Bar" showCaption="false"}
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## Causes

### Hardware

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The printer's light engine experienced a failure during initialization. This can occur when a light engine does not start up properly after a software update, when a printer is power-cycled, or when a light engine restarts automatically as part of overall system monitoring.
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::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/cNMDprn99RIqCfoLiaEF4_hardware-xs.png" size="80" width="738" height="600" position="center" alt="Hardware Light Engine" showCaption="false"}
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Occasional light engine initialization failures are unavoidable but rare. Experiencing such an event as a one-off or infrequent error is normal and should not be interpreted as a defect with your printer. However, if you experience frequent light engine initialization failures that are disruptive to your operations, contact [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com).
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