Part Defects

Shift Lines

14min
shift lines shift lines can occur when parts move during printing shift lines how to identify shift lines can be diagnosed as follows lines or bands appear horizontal, or parallel to the build platform shift is directional lines appear proud on one side and recessed on the opposite side of the part lattice struts may not connect properly no material will be missing, just misplaced this is a key difference from layering docid\ f3rkqgeozlwauxwynkdlp which may appear similar cause instability instability solution print preparation or part design cause instability instability solution print preparation or part design cause unknown 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 part defects 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 base slices review the first slice and verify that the part's surface is fully on the platform update the model to have a flat base if that is the intention use the orient feature in carbon software to ensure that your part is on the platform base slices bad slices check for bad slices bad slices look for areas missing in the slice where the defect occurs check for a blank slice (reference project analysis ) repair repair the slicing if bad slices are found try an alternate slicing method (reference print controls ) repair the part in an stl repair program bad slices hardware m1 and m2 printers ensure the platform is seated properly on the kinematic mounts verify platform is installed properly clean the platform's kinematic balls and clean & lubricate the kinematic pin mounts on the platform per maintenance do not do not bake parts on the platform which will cause misalignment of the kinematic balls reference cleaning and installation instructions for your printer m1/m2 printer kinematic mounts 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 orientation change orientation to keep sudden large cross sections on, or near, the platform rather than late in the print change orientation on unstable parts equalize asymmetrical orientations move the part's center of mass closer to the platform reorient tall, thin parts to be shorter orientation supports add more supports for large cross sections later in the print add supports to stabilize part near shift line locations for asymmetrical parts or parts with a center of mass far from the platform for tall, thin parts supports design redesign part to add stability add bevels or fillets to transition to large cross sections gradually add structure such as gussets or ribs to asymmetrical parts or parts with a center of mass far from the platform tall, thin parts design print plan adjustments reference print plan adjustments for guidance on the following parameters 3 pump down parameters platform speed parameters motor down speed other parameters enhanced epu force feedback enabled if problems persist, please reach out to carbon support explanation & causes explanation shift lines occur from instability during printing as a result of print forces and resin moving when a part is unstable, printing forces can move the part out of position such that when the next slice cures, the slices do not line up properly parts especially prone to shift movement tall, thin parts parts with the center of mass far from the platform and/or off center with the base slices epu parts (due to low stiffness) shift lines shift lines are more common on older printers and less likely on newer models in order from more likely more likely to less likely m1 m1 m2 m2 l1 m3/ m3 max causes print preparation or part design how the part is oriented , supported , or designed is causing the defect print preparation or part design cause root issue problem why defect presents slices flat base not snapped to platform the part is rotated slightly such that the platform cross section is not fully adhered without a stable base, the part can move during printing slices bad slice a slice or part of a slice is missing which makes the part unstable without its geometry full intact cross section small to large cross section later in the print forces increase later in the print from large cross sections and this can move the part unstable geometry asymmetrically oriented part parts that are susceptible to lateral forces can move during printing unstable geometry parts with the center of mass far from the platform parts that are susceptible to lateral forces can move during printing tall, thin part tall thin parts are inherently less stable and can move if not prepped for printing properly 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 misalignment improper seating m1 and m2 printers rely on kinematic mounts to keep the part platform properly positioned and stable if the platform in not seated properly on these mounts, the platform itself can move which in turn moves the part during printing print plan adjustments 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 3 pump down platform speed increase increase increased motor down speed increases forces on the part as it moves down to the curing position