Part Defects

Vertical Channel

9min

Vertical Channel

Recessed lines in the part that appear parallel to the Z axis (build direction).

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How to Identify

Vertical channel can be diagnosed as follows:

  • Looks like a score line on the surface
  • Appears as a long channel on vertical planes or a short channel on curved/sloped surfaces

Troubleshooting



Try the following actions in order.

  1. Hardware Checks
  2. Diagnostics

Hardware Checks

If any of these conditions apply to your print, take the corrective action and reprint to see if the problem is resolved.

If the defect appears again upon reprint on the same part, in the same location, proceed to diagnostics.



Diagnostics

If the above checks & actions did not resolve the issue or do not apply to your print, the following diagnostics may further inform what is causing the issue.

If problems persist, please reach out to Carbon Support.

Explanation & Causes

Explanation

Vertical channels occur when UV light is blocked, inhibiting curing in the blocked pathway. This happens in the same place on every layer, which explains why the defect is vertical.

The UV light can be blocked by

  • A piece of dust or debris
  • A damaged window
  • A dead pixel in the light engine's projector (rare)
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Causes

Hardware

The printer or cassette is dirty or requires maintenance to resolve the defect.

Occasionally, a defect may indicate the printer requires servicing [Check Name Here]

Root Issue

Problem

Why Defect Presents

Cleaning

- Cassette window is dirty

- Deck glass is dirty (M1/M2)

- Projector lens is dirty (M3/M3 Max/L1)

A dirty or faulty cassette is blocking UV light, inhibiting curing at the defect.

Window Damage

-

A dirty or faulty cassette is blocking UV light, inhibiting curing at the defect.

Dead Pixel

Faulty Light Engine

A dead pixel is not shining UV light, inhibiting curing at the defect.