Common Problems and Solutions with CO2 Laser Marking Machines

This guide covers common problems with CO2 laser engravers, such as poor engraving quality, inability to start the machine, and reduced laser power. It provides detailed steps for troubleshooting and solutions to help users quickly resolve common problems, while also sharing practical tips for extending the life of the equipment.

What if the carving is unclear?

Possible reasons.

If the pattern is blurred or the lines are not continuous, first check to see if the lens is dusty or fogged.After long use, lenses and mirrors can become dirty, affecting the laser's light transmission rate.

Solutions.

Using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, wipe the lens surface gently, taking care not to scratch the coating.Adjusting the speed of the laser or increasing the power level can also help to overcome this problem.If the surface of the material reflects light, try sticking a layer of masking tape over it before carving.

The equipment could not be started up.

Electric power and wiring.

First, check to see if the emergency stop button has been accidentally pressed.Next, check to see if the power plug is loose, especially if the equipment has recently been moved.

Heat dissipation system check.

If the fan isn't running or the airflow is much reduced, it could be that the overheating protection mechanism has been activated.I cleaned the dust off the fan and tried starting it again.If you live in a hot climate, you should install an auxiliary cooling system.

The power of the laser has dropped sharply.

Gas leak detection.

The CO2 laser tube must be filled with a mixture of gases.If the power keeps dropping, apply soapy water to the sealed ends of the laser tube to see if any bubbles form. Bubbles indicate a leak, which will require contacting the manufacturer to replace the seals.

Judging the aging of a laser tube.

The normal life of a laser tube is about 8,000 hours.If the equipment has been used for over three years and the power output has dropped by more than 30 %, then it may be time to replace the laser tube.Avoiding full-power operation for extended periods can effectively extend the life of the system.

Daily maintenance tips.

The technicians must clean off the metal shavings from the machine's slide rails and ball screws with a compressed-air gun once a week, and lubricate the machine's drive components once a month.During the rainy season, he puts some desiccant in the workshop to keep the lenses from fogging.Remember to leave the device on for two minutes after turning it off to help it cool down.