Solving Common Problems in Laser Marking Fixtures

They provide a practical solution to the common problems of fixture vibration and misaligned markings, from basic checks to precise adjustments.It includes tests for fixture installation stability, calibration techniques, and daily maintenance points to help users quickly identify problems and improve machining precision.

Why does your laser marking always have problems?

Many experienced technicians have encountered this problem: The machine's parameters are set correctly, but the pattern comes out crooked, or even goes off into the area of a neighboring workpiece.In fact, 80 % of the problems were caused by the clamping device--either it wasn't clamped tightly enough, or it wasn't positioned correctly.Today we're going to talk about how to get rid of these bothersome little problems once and for all.

If your clamps are shaking like a sieve, check these three places first.

Are all the nuts and bolts tightened?

Don't laugh! I've seen too many people lose their entire clamping fixture because of a single missing screw.The vibration from the trains can loosen screws and bolts, and cause other problems.I suggest that after each batch is completed, a torque wrench be used to check each joint, with emphasis on the base and the movable joints.

Is the base level?

An uneven workbench is like a three-legged stool, and everything placed on it will wobble.He uses a level to check the four corners of his workbench, and if there is more than 0.1 ° of error, he pads it out.There is a small trick to this: If you put double-sided tape on the bottom of the fixture and then attach it, you can effectively reduce micro-vibrations.

The material was either too tight or too loose.

Don't think that the tighter the better! Overly tight clamping can deform the material and cause vibrations when the clamps are released.If you can move the workpiece by hand more than one millimeter, adjust the spacing of the clamps.For metal parts, a clearance of 0.3-0.5 millimeters is suggested, while for plastic parts, a margin of 0.8 millimeters or so should be added.

The three main culprits.

The reference points have been obscured.

The laser head finds its way around the disc based on those reference points.If the target is covered with grease or debris, it is like shooting blindfolded.The most important thing is to be very careful, and to wipe down the machine with a dust-free cloth soaked in alcohol before you start work every day.

Worn locating pin.

Over time, the locating pins will wear out and develop grooves. Don't wait until they're completely destroyed to replace them! Once a month, use calipers to measure the diameter of the pins. If the tolerance exceeds 0.02 mm, replace them with new ones.I've got a tip for you to save money: Turn the worn-out pins around and use the other end.

The software is not synchronized.

After changing the fixture, you must never start work directly. You must reestablish the coordinate system.There was one old hand who got burned by not changing the parameters after changing the clamping device; the result was that 200 phone cases in a row came out defective.Remember to make small adjustments to the X / Y axis offsets each time, and to print a test point after each adjustment.

Here are four tips for everyday care.

Oil the tracks once a week.

Don't wait until the tracks are squeaking to think about maintenance! Use 32# track oil, applied in a thin layer.If I see any grease buildup, I immediately take a cotton swab dipped in kerosene to clean it off. Otherwise it will affect the precision of its movement.

Inspect pneumatic components monthly.

Special attention should be paid to the air hose connections in pneumatic fixtures, as leaks can cause unstable clamping force.You can test the seals by putting soapy water on them. If bubbles form, you should replace the seals.Remember to drain the air compressor's reservoir every day, as moisture in the air is the greatest enemy of the cylinders.

A quarterly maintenance list.

1. Take apart all the movable joints.

2) Replace the aging earthquake-proof rubber pads.

3. Calibrate the laser positioning sensor.

4. Check whether the circuit connectors have oxidized.

Following these steps will reduce the problems you encounter with clamps by half.Good equipment is something that has to be maintained; it can't be used without being cared for.The next time you run into an inaccuracy problem, don't be so quick to blame your equipment. It may just be that your fixture is acting up.