Five Common Mistakes Made by Beginners Operating Laser Marking Machines and How to Avoid Them

When novices first get their hands on a laser engraver, they often make mistakes with the parameters or choose the wrong material.The five most common mistakes are summarized, along with practical tips for avoiding them, including how to adjust the focal length and how to maintain the equipment. These will help beginners quickly become familiar with the equipment, improving their efficiency and safety.

Mistake 1: Setting parameters by instinct.

Many beginners will just randomly adjust the power and speed, resulting in either scorching the material or making the mark too faint.

Solution: First understand the nature of the material.

Different materials require different parameter combinations.For example, metals usually require higher power and a slower speed, while plastics require lower power to avoid melting.I suggest first using scraps to do a small-scale test, and record the results of different parameters.

A practical tool.

Most laser marking machines come with a software package that includes a database of material parameters. Users can simply select the preset values and make minor adjustments, which is much easier than trying to figure it out on their own.Remember to save the configuration files after every change in parameters so you can call them up the next time you encounter a similar material.

Mistake 2: Ignoring focal length.

The focal length is off, like taking a photograph without focusing. The pattern is blurry and the lenses may be damaged.

Quick calibration tips.

A metal plate is prepared, and the machine 's red light is used to locate the area to be cut.The laser head is moved up and down until the beam spot is the smallest and brightest.It is important to get into the habit of recalibrating the machine each time a new batch of material is used, especially when the thickness of the workpiece changes.

Mistake 3: Incorrect surface treatment of materials.

Marking directly on an uneven or coated surface will at best result in an incomplete image, and at worst damage the laser head.

A key step in pre-processing.

Metal parts are first sandblasted or oxidized, and wood is planed and smoothed.If the workpiece is greasy, clean it thoroughly with alcohol.Note: Some coated materials (like anodized aluminum) require consultation with the manufacturer to determine whether direct marking is possible.

Mistake Four: Working continuously without rest.

Some people think that the machine does not need rest, but the result is that the lens fogs up and the laser tube deteriorates.

The scientific timetable.

After two hours of continuous work, the computer will shut down for 15 minutes to allow the heat dissipation system to work.In summer, the length of time that workers can work at a stretch should be shortened, and cooling equipment should be installed if necessary.The temperature of the cooling water is regularly checked, and if it exceeds 35 ° C, work is immediately stopped.

Mistake # 5: Neglecting daily maintenance.

Waiting until the lens is dirty to clean it, waiting until the rails are jammed to oil them--this kind of reactive maintenance is the most damaging to equipment.

The recommended maintenance cycle.

Before going home each day he would clean the laser head with a dust-free cloth, and he would lubricate the guide rails once a week and clean the cooling fan once a month.The smoke exhaust pipe should be cleaned regularly, and any buildup of soot should be removed. Soot not only reduces efficiency, but can also cause fires.