Three Stability Tests to be Conducted after Installing a Laser Marking Machine

A newly installed laser marking machine must pass a stability test to ensure long-term stable operation.These tests help users identify potential problems and improve reliability, and avoid problems that may arise due to improper adjustment.

Why test equipment that is just installed?

Many of our customers think that a new machine is "good to go" as soon as it leaves the factory, but in fact, transportation vibrations, installation errors, or even fluctuations in the workshop's electricity can affect the machine's performance.Last week a customer reported that after only two days of use, the machine was producing unevenly deep impressions, and it was finally discovered that the cooling system was not properly adjusted.So, don't be a slacker--take these three tests!

Continuous operation test.

The training simulates the intensity of the real thing.

On a day when you are not in a hurry, let the machine run for four to six hours at normal power.Two things to watch out for are whether the cooling fan is making any unusual noises and whether the temperature of the laser head is stable.Once, a user had a heat sink installed crooked, and within half an hour the scratches had all run together.

Don't rely on feelings to record data.

Every half hour he takes a photo of the print using his cellphone, and simultaneously records the current value and temperature readings from the control panel.If the user notices that the etching is becoming blurred or the current value fluctuates by more than ± 5 %, he should immediately contact the manufacturer, because this might indicate that the lens has shifted or that there is a problem with the power module.

Material compatibility testing.

Don't just test the sample materials.

Even if your main product is stainless steel, I recommend trying a few other types of scrap metal.For example, will the acrylic turn yellow after being engraved? Will the plating fall off?We have encountered cases where the same parameters were used to etch aluminum and copper, but the results were vastly different. Later we discovered that the focal length had not been calibrated.

The parameters have to be adjusted three times.

Three types of commonly used materials were selected and each was engraved once with the default parameters, once with a 10 % power reduction and once with a 10 % speed increase.If the results are better, it means that the initial parameters were not suitable to the particular environment, and need to be re-optimized.

Environmental testing.

Simulating voltage fluctuations.

Simulate 10 % voltage fluctuations (don't pull the plug!) and see whether the equipment can automatically resume operation after a restart.The machines of a metal works plant shut down during a power fluctuation, causing a batch of parts to be ruined.

Challenging the limits of temperature and humidity.

In summer, they turn off the air conditioning for two hours. In winter, they put a humidifier next to the equipment.Especially in the humid south, it's no laughing matter when your glasses fog up.If the lines of the etching become blurred, remember to check the air-tightness of the optical chamber.

Finally, don't forget to have a fire extinguisher and emergency power switch nearby.If you encounter smoke or unusual noises, don't push your luck. Safety is more important than anything else!