Laser Engravers: Daily Maintenance and Laser Care

He also shared practical tips for cleaning lenses and maintaining lasers with users of laser engraving machines.It includes daily maintenance tips, cleaning equipment selection, and solutions to common problems. It helps to extend the life of the machine and maintain the accuracy of carving.

Why is daily maintenance so important?

The mirrors and lasers of a laser engraver are like the machine's "eyes" and "heart." If they become dusty or age, the engraver may produce blurry results or simply break down.Especially for those who often process wood or plexiglass, dust and smoke easily stick to the lens, and if left for a long time can affect the laser power.We spent a lot of money on this equipment, so don't be too lazy to maintain it!

The complete guide to lens cleaning.

Don't be careless in preparing the tools.

Never clean your lens with the corner of your shirt. Instead, use professional equipment: lint-free cotton swabs, 99 % pure anhydrous alcohol, and a compressed air can.If the lenses have a coating, use a wooden swab to avoid scratching them.

He taught me how to clean the lenses.

First, blow off the surface dust. Then use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to wipe the surface from the center outwards. Let the disc dry naturally, then put it back in the player.The knife should be cleaned at least once a week. If it is in frequent use, then it should be checked every eight hours.If you find a stubborn stain, don't scrape it off. Soak it with a special cleaning agent for three minutes, then deal with it.

The core points for laser maintenance.

Heat dissipation is the lifeline.

Before starting up the machine, check to see that the cooling fan is not making any strange noises, and make sure that the exhaust opening is not blocked by materials or debris.In the summer, it is advisable to use a fan to help dissipate the heat.If the laser is used for more than four hours continuously, it is best to let it rest for 15 minutes.

Be on the alert for power decay.

If you find that the same parameters produce shallower engravings, don't be in a hurry to increase the power. Check first whether the cooling water pipe is clogged or the mirror is out of alignment.It is recommended that you have the actual output measured every quarter with a power meter. If the output declines by more than 15 %, you should contact the manufacturer for repairs.

Don't step in these holes.

Use tap water instead of deionized water to clean lenses → all lenses ruined.

Wear cotton gloves when handling optical components → This makes it even more difficult to remove skin oils.

If the laser alarm goes off and you keep working anyway, you could burn out a US $ 10,000 module.

Develop the habit of cleaning the work table before each shutdown, and regularly check the accuracy of the light path.If you take good care of them, there's no problem in using a machine for five years.If you're not sure about the steps, you can always check the instructions.