--- title: Scratches and Scuffs slug: troubleshooting/scratches-and-scuffs description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Scratches and Scuffs" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes. docTags: createdAt: 2024-07-03T23:54:15.159Z --- ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Scratches and Scuffs** A line or scuff mark in the part that occurs after printing. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Scratch Example](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scratch-Example.jpg) ::: :::: # How to Identify Scratches and scuffs can be diagnosed as follows: - A recessed line in the part that was not there immediately after printing but appeared sometime during post-processing. - A line or scuff that is lighter in color than the rest of the part. - Material appears scuffed and scraped across the surface. *This can occur with resins that are softer in the green state.* ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-8heCfY158Sa6kPRaurJeo-20250318-181449.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915985/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scratch-01.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-2R5zpNxhJeSFqAgTc-3n_-20250318-181459.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915983/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scratch-02.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-e__-bA2WJVVJpcx4BR9af-20250318-181508.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915979/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scratch-03.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-LKs5e9OgwazvoW4MVVfK3-20250318-181518.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915981/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scuff-01.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-KmGSKgsJo-XSW6ya3lfkM-20250318-181527.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915987/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scuff-02.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-XVmBZalVYTH1ulaTt99yK-20250318-181535.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915989/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scuff-03.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-ZDw_7RwAr4WJGvdHFSetG-20250318-181542.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915982/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scuff-04.png) - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-daR_UIlREv6Hou4RC4occ-20250318-181550.jpg"} [Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915991/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/Scuff-05.png) - 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 If any of these conditions apply to your print, take the corrective action and reprint to see if the problem is resolved. :::::ExpandableHeading ### Post-Processing ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem - Handle parts in the **green state** with care. Parts held on the faces instead of edges can show smudges from gloves. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/holding-part.png" size="70" width="800" height="819" position="center" caption="Hold parts on edges instead of faces" alt="Hold parts on edges instead of faces" showCaption="true"} ::: :::: - Handle parts with caution during **washing**: - Avoid over-packing parts if you are washing them off the platform. - Begin with light pressure in the compressed air cabinet and increase pressure intensity gradually. - Use recommended RPMs on the orbital shaker, increasing gradually if parts are not losing adhesion to the platform. - Use all **tools with caution** near the parts. ::::: :::hint{type="info"} If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com). ::: # Explanation & Causes ## Explanation - Parts are more fragile in their green state and can pick up damage during processing: - Parts bump into one another during washing (when washed off platform). - Parts are blown off the platform in the compressed air cabinet. - A tool or baking implement scrapes the part. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem * Parts held on the faces instead of edges can show smudges from gloves. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Hold parts on edges instead of faces](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Scratches-Scuffs/holding-part.png "Hold parts on edges instead of faces") ::: :::: ## 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 | | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Reckless handling | Parts are blown off the platform in the compressed air cabinet. | Parts blown off the platform can run into items that can cause scratches, such as the platform or the air gun. | | | A tool or baking implement scrapes the part. | Tools scraping across green state parts can leave permanent marks. | | | Parts held on the faces instead of edges can show smudges from gloves. | Minor amounts of residual resin on the surface can appear different when held tightly with a gloved hand. | | Washing setup | Parts bump into one another during washing (when washed off platform). | Some resins are softer in the green state, so when parts bump into each other in this state, the can leave permanent scratches. |