The Choice Between Laser and Mirror Systems

We can provide practical modification solutions and cost-benefit analyses for upgrading lasers and galvanometer systems.This service covers optimization of equipment performance and cost control points, and helps customers extend the life of their equipment and improve processing efficiency through reasonable upgrades, while avoiding over-investment.

Why upgrade the laser and galvanometer systems?

The laser power of many old machines in factories has clearly diminished, or the galvanometers are too slow to keep up with the requirements of new orders.At this point, replacing the machine directly would cost at least several hundred thousand NT dollars, which is too great a burden for a small or medium-sized company.In practice, through targeted modification, such as replacing the laser module or optimizing the galvanometer control algorithm, a little money can go a long way in restoring the performance of old equipment, allowing it to meet the precision requirements of daily production.

How can one choose the right renovation plan?

First, give the equipment a complete checkup.

Don't rush into making changes; first find the core problem.The software is used to test the laser's output stability and to record the error in the galvanometers 'high-speed movement.If the laser head is aging and the energy is insufficient, it may be a matter of replacing the pump source. If the mirror position accuracy is declining, it may be a problem with the driver board or motor bearings.

The production of the new machines is matched to demand.

The most expensive isn't necessarily the best.Factories that use lasers for cutting thin metals focus on upgrading the laser's pulse frequency, while those that use lasers for precision marking prioritize improving the galvanometer's linear compensation function.I have seen some factories that followed the trend and bought high-end cooling systems, but in fact they had low utilization of the equipment, and wasted money.

Three directions for high-quality renovation.

The laser module is replaceable.

Nowadays, the mainstream manufacturers all offer plug-and-play modules, for example, replacing the traditional YAG laser tube with a fiber module, which can increase the power by more than 30 % and reduce energy consumption.You may not have the skill to disassemble and reassemble the equipment yourself, but if you hire a technician from the original manufacturer to come to your house, he can finish the job in two days, saving you 60 % of the cost of replacing the whole machine.

Upgrading the galvanometer system.

Old equipment used analog signals, but with a digital control system, the response speed can be two or three times as fast.This is particularly suitable for the fine processing of materials that require frequent changes of direction, and after modification it even leaves fewer burn marks in corners.

Intelligent monitoring kits can be added to the system.

For a few thousand dollars you can install temperature and vibration sensors, which can be used in conjunction with analysis software to detect early on if the laser is overheating or if the bearings of the galvanometer are wearing out.A customer who makes molds says that this system has cut down their downtime by 70 %.

What should be considered before and after a renovation?

Finding a skilled technician to adjust parameters is very important.A customer once adjusted the laser focusing lens himself, but he didn't calibrate the focal length properly, so the edges of the cut came out like saw teeth.We first test the new machines by processing scrap material. After 200 cycles, we make sure the machines meet the standards for stability before putting them into production.

Maintenance procedures must also be altered to accommodate the change.Although the upgraded galvanometer system is more durable, the mirrors in the optical path still need to be cleaned with a lint-free cloth every quarter.I've seen the most extreme case where a factory saved half a year's maintenance costs, but in the end the accumulation of dust caused a loss of 40 % of the laser's energy.