3 Methods for Testing Laser Power

The laser power drop-off directly affects the performance of the equipment. Three practical testing methods are provided, covering tool use, comparative testing, and long-term maintenance skills, to help users quickly locate the cause of the drop-off and take appropriate action, thereby extending the life of the laser.

Why should people worry about the power of their laser diodes dropping?

Laser power inevitably declines with use, for example, cutting speed slows down and marking becomes less precise.In most cases, this is caused by aging components, dirty lenses, or heat problems.If left unchecked, this not only affects work efficiency, it can even cause the equipment to be prematurely retired.Regular checks can detect problems early and save on expensive repairs.

Method 1: Measuring with a power meter.

Don't be lax about tools.

Choose a reliable optical power meter with a range that covers the power output of your laser.Remember to calibrate your equipment in advance, or you could be misled by the errors.

The operation is simple.

After turning off the laser, the probe is aimed at the output window. When the laser is turned on again, the stable value is recorded.If the performance parameters drop more than 10 %, it's time to find out what the problem is.

Be safe, don't be lazy.

You must wear protective goggles! High-powered lasers can damage the eyes, so don't take any shortcuts or cut any corners.

Method two: Find the difference by comparing the processed results.

The test is done using a fixed set of parameters.

Using the same batch of materials, the same speed, and the same power setting, the same pattern is processed at different times of day.If the cut mark is shallow, or the mark is blurred, the power may have decreased.

Taking pictures is more direct.

The author suggests using a mobile phone or a microscope to photograph the details of the specimen, so that you can clearly see the changes when you compare the before and after pictures.This method is particularly suitable for users who don't have professional equipment.

The other items in the test are designed to confuse the subject.

If the effect of the laser is found to be less than expected, first check whether the mirrors are dirty or whether the cooling system is working normally. Don't jump to the conclusion that it is a power problem.

Method three: Record data regularly.

Establishing a health record for the equipment.

Each month at a set time they record the laser's operating current, water temperature, and output power, and make a line graph of the data, which makes it easier to detect trends.

The focus is on abnormal fluctuations.

If the data "plummets" suddenly, it may be a malfunction of the power module or optical system, and the machine must be stopped immediately for inspection.

A conservation program.

The inspection is arranged for a week before the major maintenance, so that any problems that are discovered can be dealt with during the maintenance, without delaying the production schedule.

Which is the best for you?

If you have professional equipment, the first choice is to use a power meter, which is the most accurate method. For day-to-day monitoring in the workshop, the comparative method is the most convenient. If you are a high-end maintenance team, it is recommended to combine all three methods.Whatever you choose, it's most important to develop a habit of regular check-ups, and not wait until the machine "breaks down" before regretting that you didn't get it checked sooner.