Troubleshooting - 1 of 6Updated 13 November 2026
Troubleshooting Chart
When an impression shows a defect, use the chart to find the cause, apply the fix, and take a new impression.
How to Use the Chart
You treat a defect by finding its cause, never by adjusting the measurement.
| Problem | Probable causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bubbles in the impression | Tip pulled out of the product, injection too fast, nozzle not in contact with the surface | Inject with the tip immersed, rub the walls, use a Fill’in in very small diameters |
| Incomplete polymerization, sticky impression | Grease or acetone on the surface, contact with an inhibitor such as latex, uneven mix, temperature too low, expired product | Degrease with DN1, never acetone. Check the color of the test drop, the temperature and the expiration date |
| Impression stuck to the part | Greasy surface, undercut not anticipated | Degrease with DN1. Recalculate the removal constraint and choose a more flexible product |
| Impression torn on extraction | Product not resistant enough or too rigid, extraction by rotation, grip too small | Recalculate the removal constraint, change product, pull straight with a sufficient grip |
| Inconsistent dimensions | Contaminated surface, extreme ambient temperature, impression not stabilized | Degrease, work at room temperature, about 23°C, and let the impression stabilize thermally before measuring |
| Product ran off before polymerizing | Fluid product used on an external or vertical surface | Use a Pasty or Manual Putty product, or contain the Fluid with a Plastin barrier |
Three Causes Behind Most Problems
Most problems come from one of three steps: degreasing, mixing, or extraction. Whenever an extraction is difficult, check your removal constraint calculation again. And when in doubt, taking a new impression is more reliable than accepting an uncertain result.
Check the Impression Before Measuring
Look for a uniform surface with no area that visibly did not polymerize. Check that there is no bubble in the measurement zone, so no void on the critical area. Make sure there is no residue, meaning no dust and no greasy trace.
Related Pages
- The Impression Stays Sticky or Does Not Polymerize
- The Impression Is Stuck or Tore on Extraction
- Dimensions Vary Between Impressions
- Bubbles or Voids in the Impression
- Polymerization Is Too Fast or Too Slow
Did this article answer your question?