Don’t Fall Into These Laser Frequency Setting Traps

If the frequency is not set properly, it can cause damage to the equipment or reduce efficiency.The book explains common mistakes, such as blindly increasing the laser frequency or ignoring environmental factors, and gives readers the practical skills needed to avoid these pitfalls, prolonging the life of the equipment and improving processing results.

Why are there problems with frequency settings?

Many of my friends who work with lasers think that "the higher the frequency, the better," but the result is that they end up burning the material or shortening the life of the equipment.In fact, the frequency setting must be adjusted according to the type of material, the processing goal, and even the ambient temperature.Here are some of the more common ones.

Mistake 1: The higher the frequency, the better the effect?

The cost of blindly pursuing high frequencies.

Some people think that the higher the frequency, the more concentrated the laser energy, and that the processing speed will definitely be faster.But in fact, if the frequency is too high, too much energy is accumulated in a given period of time. For example, when carving metal, the surface might be burned through, and when cutting acrylic, the edges might turn yellow.The degree to which different materials withstand frequency varies greatly. It's like cooking. If you need a low flame, a high flame will only burn the food.

Correct way: First try it on a small area.

If you get a new material, don't rush to adjust the parameters.First, cut a small corner piece, and gradually increase the frequency, observing the cutting and carving effect.For example, wood is usually processed with medium to low frequencies (20-50kHz), while fine etching may require frequencies of 80kHz or higher.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the influence of temperature.

How can the figures be different in summer and winter?

If you work in a place where the temperature fluctuates greatly, be aware that the laser beam's power will vary with the temperature.For example, if the room temperature is 35 ° C in summer, and you still use the frequency set for winter, the cooling fan may not be able to cope, and the laser tube will overheat and degrade.One user reported that a batch of material was frequently losing its signal in the summer. It turned out that the frequency wasn't being adjusted downward to compensate for the higher temperatures.

A small trick for dynamically adjusting the frequency.

I recommend checking the temperature of the equipment every two hours. If the heat sink is hot to the touch, lower the frequency by 10-15 %, and then restore the frequency when the temperature falls.Equipment that must be used in a high temperature environment for a long time should be equipped with an auxiliary cooling device.

Mistake # 3: Using a single standard to the end.

The thickness of the material has changed, but the parameters remain the same.

Have you ever had the experience of being able to cut a 3-millimeter-thick piece of wood with no problem, but when you try to cut a 5-millimeter-thick piece, the wood starts to smoke? When the material is thicker, the laser needs more time to penetrate it. If the frequency is kept high, the energy will be overly concentrated on the surface.It's like trying to pierce a balloon with a needle. If you use too much force, you'll just bounce off.

The formula for rapid matching parameters.

Remember this: For every 1 mm increase in material thickness, the recommended frequency should be reduced 5-8 kHz, and the speed should be reduced accordingly.For example, if the original setting for 2mm steel plate was 60kHz, then for 5mm steel, one could start at 45kHz and then fine-tune to the optimum setting.

How should frequencies be allocated scientifically?

Three steps to avoid the pitfalls.

1. **Consult the manual**: Don't just let the recommended parameters in the equipment manual gather dust. Especially consult the parameters for commonly used materials that have been tested by the manufacturer.

2. Keep a record: After each successful processing, record the material brand, thickness, environmental temperature and humidity, and frequency of use, in order to build up your own database.

3. Listen to the sound: During the process, listen to the sound of the laser head. A steady "z-z-z-z-z" sound is normal, but if the sound is intermittent or explosive, stop the process immediately and check the disc.

The last point to remember is that when you encounter a parameter problem, don't try to solve it on your own.Sometimes, just upgrading the control software can solve compatibility problems.If you want your laser to last a long time, keep it well maintained and adjust its parameters according to the science.