The Three Keys to the Cooling System of a Laser Marking Machine

The cooling system of a laser engraver has a direct impact on the machine's lifespan and efficiency.Starting from the actual needs of users, the article shares three key points about improving the cooling system, including optimizing the cooling structure, choosing the fan wisely, and regular maintenance.

Why is it so important to change the cooling system?

When laser marking machines are operated for long periods of time, heat dissipation is poor, which can cause the temperature of the core component to soar. In minor cases, this can affect the accuracy of the marking, and in severe cases it can burn out the laser tube.Many users have told me that their machines started to report errors after a year. In most cases, the problem is that the fans are not keeping up.Don't rush out to buy new equipment. First try to see if the cooling system can be "rescued"!

Key point one: Optimize the heat dissipation structure.

The design of the air ducts has to be scientific.

The air ducts of older machines are like mazes, with hot air circulating inside the machine and unable to escape.The company suggested that the intake and output vents be reoriented to run in a straight line, and that a partition be installed to separate the hot and cold air. The company said that the change would improve cooling efficiency by 30 % or more.

Don't skimp on the heat sink.

Some manufacturers, to save on materials, use thin aluminum, and these heat sinks will warp after six months of use.When I was modifying the unit, I chose to use thicker copper heat sinks. They are more expensive, but they will last three or four years without degrading.

Key point two: Choose the right type of fan and parameters.

Don't just look at fan speed.

High-speed fans are noisy and consume a lot of electricity. The crucial thing is to look at the air volume and pressure parameters.For example, a 5,000-rpm turbine fan can be quieter and have a higher air volume than an 8,000-rpm axial fan.

Two fans are better than one.

A backup fan is installed next to the main fan, and a temperature-controlled switch automatically switches to the backup fan when the main fan fails.This means that even if the main fan fails, the equipment won't be immediately shut down, and is especially suitable for factories that run 24 hours a day.

Key point three: Maintenance is important.

Cleaning the stove is a monthly chore.

The most extreme case I've seen was a computer whose heat sink was clogged with dust, leaving only hair-width gaps.All you need is a small paintbrush and a handheld vacuum cleaner, and you only have to spend 10 minutes a month cleaning.

Thermal grease should be changed every year.

The heat-conducting silicon grease that is used to conduct heat between the laser tube and the heat sink has hardened up and is as solid as cement, so no heat can be transferred.Don't be stingy with your US $ 5 or so of thermal grease. Changing your thermal grease once a year can extend the life of your computer by two years.

Finally, don't forget to use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the key components.Under normal operating conditions, the temperature of the laser tube should be kept under 45 ° C; any higher indicates there is still room for improvement.