Effects of and Countermeasures for Temperature Variation on Laser Energy

Fluctuations in room temperature directly affect the stability of the laser's energy output, causing a decline in processing accuracy or damage to the equipment.The study will explore the concrete impact of temperature changes on laser energy. It will also provide practical solutions, such as selecting temperature control equipment, optimizing the workshop environment and adjusting operating procedures, to help businesses improve their laser processing efficiency and extend the life of their equipment.

Why would the temperature of the workshop affect laser power?

We all know that laser equipment is "sensitive" and especially so with high power types.A difference of just a couple of degrees in the workshop temperature can cause the laser's output energy to fluctuate up and down.For example, in the summer when the temperature is high, if the cooling system can't keep up, the temperature inside the laser tube will rise and the quality of the beam will immediately deteriorate, causing the edges of the cut or mark to become ragged.And if it is too cold, then the mirrors can get fogged up in the initial stages of operation, which has a direct impact on the stability of the beam.

The three main problems of temperature fluctuations.

1. Wavelength drift: Just as the pitch of a guitar string changes with temperature, the wavelength of a laser beam will drift from its set value.

2. Reduced cooling efficiency: When the ambient temperature is above 30 ° C, the cooling system's load increases by 20 % or more, directly affecting the length of time that continuous operation is possible.

3. Material thermal deformation: When processing metal, for every 5 ° C rise in the temperature of the workshop, materials may expand to a level of error of 0.1 mm.

The practical solution to the problem of temperature control in the factory.

Don't think that a few degrees here and there doesn't make much of a difference. Last year we did some work for an auto parts factory, and we found that once we stabilized the temperature in the workshop, the scrap rate of their laser cutting dropped directly from 8 % to 1.2 %.For more details, read on.

Step 1: Put on the "thermal underwear.

Providing an independent water cooling system for the laser is a basic operation, but many people overlook temperature control.They recommend installing industrial air conditioning in the equipment area, set at 22 ± 2 degrees Celsius.Remember to avoid placing them in a direct draft, as the temperature difference will cause condensation.

Second, the factory layout must be considered.

I've seen too many factories put their laser machines beside ovens or air compressors, which is just asking for trouble.The best thing to do is to set up a separate laser processing area and use fireproof curtains to physically separate it from the rest of the factory.The floor should be covered with anti-static rubber mats, which can both absorb vibrations and help keep the room warm.

Step 3: Cultivate the habit of daily testing.

A thermometer is hung next to the control panel, and the temperature and humidity are recorded in the morning, noon, and evening.If the conditions are right, the factory can use a networked temperature control system, and the owner can monitor the temperature at various points in the factory on his mobile phone.When abnormal vibrations are detected, the machine should be shut down and checked before continuing.

What to do in special cases.

Last year I was in a client's workshop when the power suddenly went out.Their immediate three actions are worth studying.

1. Immediately turn off the laser power to prevent overload.

2. Use industrial fans to enhance air circulation.

Place ice packs around the equipment to cool it (wrap them in towels to prevent moisture).

The temperature was allowed to drop below 30 degrees before gradually restoring low-power operation. This method successfully prevented more than NT $ 2 million in equipment damage.