---
title: Salt Baked Into Part
slug: troubleshooting/salt-baked-into-part
description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Salt Baked Into Part" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-06-14T00:58:25.879Z
---

::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"}
:::VerticalSplitItem
**Salt Baked Into Part**

Salt remains stuck on parts after they have been rinsed with water post-cure.



:::

:::VerticalSplitItem
::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/fFUO4g26naOjc0mLRgBMK_image.png" size="70" width="1080" height="1080" position="center" alt="Salt Baked Into Part" showCaption="false"}
:::
::::

# How to Identify

Salt baked into parts can be diagnosed as follows:

- Before curing: shiny spots on the part

  *(Reference Excess Resin defect)*
- After curing:&#x20;
  - Salt that does not wash or brush off in water
  - Salt that is discolored, typically a yellow hue

:::hint{type="info"}
This defect is related to the [Excess Resin](docId\:yrPf8M5sTjm3dFCE-WwKX) defect, which stems from the same issue but manifests differently.
:::

::::LinkArray
:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-qUa_Nr1DQfrpv9AUZVc7v-20240812-174430.png"}
**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-7KD2CVb3n7Asgki7g_0c_-20240812-174440.png"}
**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-ErIdcekFPMWOj2-zNLfcI-20240812-174447.png"}
**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-De4D2CmfCa1PTCSvRKV2S-20240812-174517.png"}
**Cause&#x20;**- Inconclusive
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Nvx7WdIjE2XFpMaBlbCES-luq3PSX9Q7jzedWHRihmw-20240812-174528.png"}
**Cause&#x20;**- 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{isOpen="true"}
### Washing - Touchup

Touch up parts with additional cleaning to remove resin (shiny areas)

- Use lint-free wipes
- Use swabs
- Use compressed air cabinet

![Touch-up Methods](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Process/Orientation-Supports/Cost-Post-processing/Touch-Up-Gif_v0501-downsize-only_300px-12x.gif)

Reference [Washing](docId\:AvN2rNsLSHhmUz9rbYkmN) for more information.
:::

## 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
### Design

Redesign part:

- Add a fillet or chamfer to tight corners tight corners ≤ 90°.
- Provide drainage for blind holes and difficult to access features.
- Increase spacing between fine features

![Design](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/iw7ncTGGDq7a3ztUWrYMM_image.png)
:::

:::hint{type="info"}
If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com).
:::

# Explanation & Causes

## Explanation

When parts are not fully cleaned, liquid resin remains on the part after washing. When the part is packed in salt for baking (a method of supporting parts during [Thermal Curing](docId:7NE6rGdaSzpAPOHH5QOzm), the liquid resin is absorbed into the salt and cures with the part.

- Features prone to collecting liquid resin and not getting fully cleaned:
  - Blind holes

    *Small openings with only one access point*
  - Tight corners (acute angles ≤ 90°)
  - Tightly packed features
  - Difficult to access spaces

    *Areas that solvent cannot access easily*
  - Small features and openings

    *Such as in a lattice*

Note: Only select resins are compatible with salt packing. Reference [resin specific protocols](docId\:qsOQBEdCnaBfdx656tlY6) for more information.

**Blind Hole Example**

This example shows a blind hole <font color="#d32f4a">**without drainage**</font> and <font color="#30c49a">**with a drain hole**.</font>

The blind hole with a drain hole at the base of the feature allows resin to wash out of the feature with solvent. With a swab, you can see that the blind hole retains liquid resin after washing while the drained hole comes out clean.

![Blind Hole Example](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/Nl21iIlLybwCYobB54QK5_dkk9o0u9b5zupxqb-ull8aentfek05ejj.gif)

## Causes

### Post-Processing

::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"}
:::VerticalSplitItem
How the part is **handled** in post-processing is causing the defect.
:::

:::VerticalSplitItem
![Post-Processing](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/L8qIt6vOxrll63alqGpyY_image.png)
:::
::::

| Root Issue | Problem                     | Why Defect Presents                                                                                                                                             |
| ---------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Washing    | Blind Holes                 | Solvent cannot effectively reach part features when the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through the feature. |
| Washing    | Tight Corners ≤ 90°         | Solvent cannot effectively reach part features when the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through the feature. |
| Washing    | Tightly Packed Features     | Solvent cannot effectively reach part features when the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through the feature. |
| Washing    | Difficult to Access Spaces  | Solvent cannot effectively reach part features when the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through the feature. |
| Washing    | Small Features and Openings | Solvent cannot effectively reach part features when the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through the feature. |

### 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.&#x20;

In doing so, adjustment may both **prevent or cause defects**. Below are adjustments that can cause this defect.
:::
::::

| Root Issue | Problem                     | Why Defect Presents                                                                                                                            |
| ---------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Design     | Blind Holes                 | Tight spaces create areas where the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through during washing. |
| Design     | Tight Corners ≤ 90°         | Tight spaces create areas where the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through during washing. |
| Design     | Tightly Packed Features     | Tight spaces create areas where the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through during washing. |
| Design     | Difficult to Access Spaces  | Tight spaces create areas where the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through during washing. |
| Design     | Small Features and Openings | Tight spaces create areas where the surface tension of the liquid resin is stronger than the solvent's ability to flow through during washing. |

