How to Reduce Maintenance Costs for Laser Marking Machines

The book explains how to reduce the maintenance costs of laser marking machines by taking three approaches: daily cleaning and maintenance, setting reasonable operating parameters, and replacing parts using a scientific method.The focus was on the importance of preventive maintenance, and shared practical experience in cooling system management and the selection of consumable replacement cycles. It provided a solution to balance equipment life and usage costs, helping users reduce downtime and extend the life of key components.

Daily maintenance is more important than repairs.

Don't think that just because the machine can "stand up to it" you can be lazy. Before starting up the machine each day, take five minutes to check that the lens and rails are clean, and wipe them gently with a lint-free cloth.In particular, when processing metal, flying chips can easily get into the transmission parts. If you just take a quick puff with an air gun before you leave, you can save a lot of trouble with later maintenance.

Operating habits directly affect the life of equipment.

The parameters shouldn't be too "aggressive.

He has seen many people turn up the power to maximum to speed things up.Although this can temporarily boost speed, it causes the laser tube to age prematurely.For example, when marking stainless steel, using a medium frequency and 70 % power will achieve a good balance between the marking effect and the wear on the equipment.

Don't let the machine "starve.

The cooling system is like the equipment's "drinking fountain." Check the water level and the cleanliness of the coolant in the tank regularly.In the summer, when temperatures are high, you should change the water every week to prevent scale from clogging the pipes. This is a lesson that one customer learned the hard way after burning out two lasers.

The time to replace parts is crucial.

Don't wait for the consumables to wear out before replacing them.

After a while, the lens surface will have tiny scratches, and although it still looks as if it can be used, it will actually affect the precision of the marking.It is recommended that you change them every three months, as this is more economical than waiting until they are completely worn out.

The selection of spare parts has its own secrets.

Although original parts are the best, they are also the most expensive. In fact, for items like mirrors, which are easily damaged, using locally made parts that are certified as equivalent can save 30 % of the cost.But I still recommend using the original laser tube, because the cost of labor for one repair is enough to buy half a new tube.