--- title: Smokiness slug: troubleshooting/smokiness description: Discover effective solutions for addressing the "Smokiness" part defect from Carbon DLS printing. This comprehensive document explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and understand the root causes. docTags: createdAt: 2025-01-29T21:17:57.763Z --- ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Smokiness** Marbled pattern of light and dark swirls on the part surface. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Smokiness Example](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Smokiness/Smokiness-example.jpg) ::: :::: # How to Identify Smokiness can be diagnosed as follows: - Swirl patterns are most visible on large flat surfaces. ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-GRsnUYjM40O5nSJcES6d_-20250319-012534.jpg"} **[Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Smokiness/Smokiness_01.jpg)** - Inconclusive ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dptYqcTHPbVZhe3zuNg4v-dYi-Gltq66z0tgkA-YSfe-20250319-012534.jpg"} **[Cause](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Smokiness/Smokiness_02.jpg)** - 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 Accessory 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"} ### Resin Expiration ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem Verify that the resin lot is not expired. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Resin Expiration](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/Resin-Expiration.jpg) ::: :::: ::::: :::::ExpandableHeading{isOpen="true"} ### Dispensing and Mixing Protocol Follow the recommended dispensing and mixing protocol for your [resin](docId\:qsOQBEdCnaBfdx656tlY6) and dispensing method. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem [Cartridge Dispensing](docId\:FdA6pRA3_XHQoAx3hOwS3) Follow instructions for the dispenser you are using, paying extra attention to these items. ![Cox Dual Drive Cartridge Dispenser](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/Cox-Dual-drive_1000px.png "Cox Dual Drive Cartridge Dispenser") ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/battery_DSC1503_900px.jpg" size="70" width="900" height="900" position="center" caption="Check Battery Level" alt="Check Battery Level" showCaption="true"} ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/speed_DSC1501_900px.jpg" size="70" width="900" height="900" position="center" caption="Check Speed" alt="Check Speed" showCaption="true"} ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/burn-off_900px.png" size="70" width="900" height="900" position="center" caption="Follow Burn Off Protocol" alt="Follow Burn Off Protocol" showCaption="true"} ::: :::: *** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem [Bulk Mixing](docId\:mAobJIQt6KrrINH11_E8d) Follow instructions for the mixing solution you are using: a **vortex, overhead, or planetary mixer**, and pay extra attention to these items. ![Vortex Mixer](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/radia-vortex-mixer_900px.png "Vortex Mixer") ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/dispensing-Part-A-into-paint-can-01-A6400107-900px.jpg" size="70" width="900" height="900" position="center" caption="Measure Ratios Carefully" alt="Measure Ratios Carefully" showCaption="true"} ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/Vortex-mixer-cover-01.jpg" size="70" width="900" height="900" position="center" caption="Follow Speed and Mixing Time Protocol" alt="Follow Speed and Mixing Time Protocol" showCaption="true"} ::: :::: *** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem [MMD - Mix, Meter & Dispense](docId\:KrednAwCCr0lrA06LK-0E) Follow instructions for the MMD you are using and pay extra attention to the settings used. ![Par-3CM MMD](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/PAR-3CM-hero-01-DSCF1810-3000p.png "Par-3CM MMD") ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/_Common-troubleshooting-for-all/MMD-testing-flow-DSCF1793-900px.jpg" size="70" width="900" height="900" position="center" caption="Ensure Proper Ratios and Recommended Settings" alt="Ensure Proper Ratios and Recommended Settings" showCaption="true"} ::: :::: ::::: :::::ExpandableHeading{isOpen="true"} ### Stir Resin ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem If resin is susceptible to visible smokiness, additional stirring of the resin before the next print can help alleviate the issue. Reference [causes](docId\:YdA2UszCK78EJhePKj2NL) to address the root problem. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Stir Resin](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Smokiness/Smokiness-Resin-Stirring_v0102_150px-12f.gif) ::: :::: ::::: :::hint{type="info"} If problems persist, please reach out to [Carbon Support](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com). ::: # Explanation & Causes ## Explanation ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem When resin is not properly mixed, this can be visible in the finished part, similar to the swirling pattern seen in this photo of stirring two resin colors. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Two colors of a resin not fully mixed](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Troubleshooting/Part-Defects/Smokiness/poorly-mixed_IMG_2066..jpg "Two colors of a resin not fully mixed") ::: :::: :::hint{type="info"} RPU may be more susceptible to mixing issues. ::: ## Causes ### 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 | | --------------------------- | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Resin is not mixed properly | Resin lot is expired | When resin has expired, the Part A and/or B of a two part resin may be thicker than normal and may not mix properly with normal protocol. | | | Mixed too quickly | Regardless of the mixing method used, if the process is completed too quickly, the resin will not have time to fully mix. | | | Mix ratio is wrong | If the Part A and B of a two part resin are not mixed at the proper ratio then normal protocol may not ensure a complete mix. | :::hint{type="warning"} Mechanical properties of the material are also likely to be off. :::