A Monthly Checklist for Maintaining Galvanometer Mirror Systems

As the core component of laser equipment, the galvanometer system requires periodic maintenance to extend its life.The list includes six items to check monthly, such as lens cleaning, calibration tests, and heat dissipation checks.

Why does it matter to maintain the galvanometer system monthly?

The galvanometer system is the "eye" of the laser equipment. Any deviation or accumulation of dust on the mirror will have a direct impact on the processing results.If the machine is not regularly checked, the carving patterns can become blurred, and in the worst case the motor can be damaged.Developing the habit of regularly maintaining equipment can save money on repairs, and also keep the equipment running smoothly.

Six monthly checks.

Checking the cleanliness of the lenses.

First shine a strong flashlight across the surface of the lens. If you see spots or a foggy appearance, the lens needs to be cleaned.Using a cotton swab, apply alcohol to the surface, and wipe from the center outwards in a spiral motion. (Do not use water!Blow the cotton dust away with a can of compressed air, and don't use paper towels, as the fibers can ruin your work.

Testing the speed of the motor's response.

The control software is opened, and the galvanometer motor is made to move rapidly in a figure-eight pattern.If the image appears to jerk or shake, the problem could be a motor bearing that is worn out or a drive signal that is delayed.Don't rush to open up the machine. Try re-plugging the signal cables. About 80 % of "false faults" are caused by poor contact.

The optical path is adjusted.

Place a sheet of white paper on the work table and make a cross mark as a reference point.The low power laser beam is used to draw the same pattern, and the two crosshairs are compared to see if they coincide.If the deviation is greater than 0.1 mm, the lens has to be adjusted. First the screws that hold the lens in place are loosened, and then tweezers are used to minutely adjust the angle of the lens. After each adjustment, the lens has to be tested three times or more.

Check the cooling fans.

If the temperature of the mirror is slightly higher than that of your palm, then everything is normal.If it is too hot, immediately remove the side cover and see if the fan is clogged with dust.You can use an old toothbrush to clean the spaces between the blades, and at the same time listen to the bearings to see if they are making any unusual sounds.It is recommended that you add grease to the fan's axis once a year, rather than waiting until it stops moving.

The mechanical structure is tightly secured.

He uses a small wrench to check the screws that hold the eyepiece and the motor.Pay particular attention to parts with springs, as these are the most likely to loosen.When tightening the screws, be very careful not to over tighten. The aluminum screws are very delicate, and if they slip, you will have to replace the entire support system.

It also records operational data.

He records the condition of the mirror, the error in the calibration, and the temperature of the motor in the maintenance log.By comparing data from one maintenance session to the next, potential problems can be discovered before they become serious.For example, if the temperature of an electrical device rises by 2 ° C per month, this could mean that the heat dissipation system is becoming less effective, and that it might be time to upgrade the fan.

After maintenance, don't forget to test the machine.

After all the tests are complete, don't be in a hurry to put away the tools. First use a piece of scrap to do a 15-minute full-load test, and focus on observing whether the cutting edge is straight and the focal position is stable.If a problem is discovered, then the relevant components are immediately re-inspected. After all, it's better to spend half an hour reworking something than to delay production for two days.