The White Rabbit's Guide to Laser Marking Machines: Maintenance and Care

If you are a beginner, how can you extend the life of your laser marking machine? Here are five practical maintenance tips to help you keep your machine in tip-top shape, covering such key steps as daily cleaning, mirror maintenance, and cooling system maintenance.

Why is maintenance more important than repair?

Many of my friends who have just begun using laser markers think that "if it works, it works." But they find that after only six months they are encountering problems such as blurry markings and a machine that jams.It's really just like changing the oil in a car. The dust and heat generated by a laser every day can have a direct impact on accuracy and lifespan if not dealt with promptly.The machines we buy at great expense, if they are maintained for ten minutes a day, can save a lot of money in repairs.

These three steps are performed every day.

The lens and focusing screen should be cleaned.

When you're engraving, metal dust will stick to the lens just like dandruff. Remember to use the dust-free paper and alcohol provided by the manufacturer to wipe the lens from the center outwards in a circular motion.Never use paper towels, as the fibers will scatter the laser beam and the edges of the tattoo will look like they were eaten by a dog.

Work table waste disposal.

Before leaving work, he uses a vacuum cleaner to suck up the metal shavings from the work area, especially those in the grooves of the tracks.Last week one of our clients had a piece of debris get caught in the drive belt, which caused the entire guide rail to become scratched. It cost more than NT $ 2000 to replace the parts.

Clean the air ducts.

If the sides of the case are hot to the touch and making a buzzing noise, it is probably because the ventilation holes are clogged.Using a small paintbrush to clean the air vents will help prevent 80 % of all overheating problems.

Weekly maintenance.

Don't neglect the lubrication of the guide rails.

Remove the side cover to reveal the silver-colored metal tracks. Use a non-woven cloth to clean off the old grease, then apply a thin layer of white grease.Don't put it on too thick, otherwise it will melt in the summer heat and get dirty.

The water tank inspection requires great care.

If the water level is below the minimum mark, add distilled water.If you see cotton-like floating objects in the water, it's time to change the water. The water is just like the tapioca pearls in a bubble tea; if left for too long, it will breed microorganisms that will clog up the pipes.

Software system self-test.

On the weekend, when you have some spare time, you run the diagnostic program that comes with the system.The key is to check if the power curve of the laser is smooth, just as a healthy electrocardiogram shows regular fluctuations.

Secrets of deep care.

Laser beam alignment.

Take a piece of white paper and place it on the work table. Draw a 10-centimeter square on it.If there is a noticeable difference in the width of the lines, the customer should call the manufacturer to get remote guidance on how to adjust the light path.Don't try to take it apart yourself!

A total dusting of the machine.

Clean the circuit board with a can of compressed air (keep the can 20 cm away from the board), especially around the power module.Those who can afford it can buy an anti-static vacuum cleaner; when using it, remember to wear a face mask to avoid the dust causing you to sneeze.

Inspection of spare parts.

Open the accessory box and check to see if the spare lenses have any mold spots and if the spare pump hose has become brittle.These things aren't used every day, but if you need them in an emergency and find that they've gone bad, you'll wish you had never been born.

By following these guidelines, you will discover that the marking speed of your machine can be maintained at more than 90 % of a new machine's, and the number of unexpected breakdowns will be cut in half.After all, machines are just like people. If you treat them with care, they will work hard for you.