Cleaning the Optical Path

The cleanliness of the projector optical path must be maintained to ensure accurate and clean 3D printed parts.

It greatly helps to use a flashlight or the light from your smartphone and shine onto the components mentioned below to better identify any type of smudges. For glass surfaces, you can use IPA and a soft, lint-free cloth or optical cloth, and a final wipe with window cleaner to remove any potential streaks. For the projector lens, we would recommend wiping it with a dry cloth.

Scattering

Scattering happens when the light ray from the projector is deflected (scattered) on its path towards the image projection plane.

Inhomogenous Scattering

Scattering over specific areas of the build area or varying degrees of scattering is mostly caused by ‘dirt’ (resin, oil, fingerprints, dust) somewhere along the path of light.
This form of scattering typically cannot be detected just by looking at the focus image, you will need to inspect your printed parts to diagnose this problem.

Flakes or skins are the most common symptom of scattering.

Base plates are typically exposed for a longer duration and you may only notice scattering issues at the base plate.

On MAX and PRO 4K

Your build tray might be leaking resin onto the glass, please inspect the glass underneath the build tray.
Ensure to check around the glass, as capillary effects may siphon fluids onto the glass.

On PRO 2

First check the safety tray glass as it is subjected to dirt and it is located in the middle of the optical path, which magnifies light scattering issues.
The slider glass may be dirty, please inspect the glass underneath the build tray, from both sides.
Lastly check the projector lens located underneath the safety tray for dust.

On PICO 2

First check the safety tray glass as it is subjected to dirt and it is located in the middle of the optical path, which magnifies light scattering issues.
Check the projector mirror located underneath the safety tray.
Lastly check the projector lens located opposite of the mirror.

Homogenous Scattering

Scattering overall the build area results in overgrowth of parts and sometimes skins to form over the side surfaces of your parts.

Focus Image

You may find the projector is out of focus due to physical movements or a change in the image projection plane.

Overexposure

The higher the Exposure Time, the more Blurring you will get. This can be seen in a homogeneous broadening of the Baseplate