Seven Key Steps to Laser Engraver Maintenance

The daily maintenance of a CO2 laser marking machine directly affects its lifespan and the quality of its work. The key points include seven critical areas, including the cleaning and maintenance of the lenses, the checking of the cooling system, and the lubrication and maintenance of the guide rails.In routine operation, it is necessary to use special tools to clean the optical components, and to regularly check the operation of the cooling system. At the same time, a standardized system of recording equipment usage is also in place.A reasonable maintenance schedule can effectively prevent sudden breakdowns, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure long-term stability of marking results.

Daily cleaning is a must.

Dust on the outside and inside of the computer can impair the efficiency of the cooling system, so it is best to wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth after every session.Be especially careful around the laser head and the lens area. Use a special, dust-free cotton swab and dip it in a little alcohol to wipe the surface of the lens. Never use a regular paper towel and scrub hard, because it is easy to scratch the lens.

Check the condition of your lenses regularly.

The lenses of a laser are its "eyes," and the mirrors are its "ears.

Check the clarity of the light.

Each month check the lens for fogging or spots against a light. If you discover anything unusual, immediately contact a professional to handle it.

Adjusting the angle of the lenses.

After moving or shaking, the beam may be offset. It is suggested that every three months a red-light indicator be used to check whether the beam is centered.

The cooling system must be given special attention.

The carbon dioxide laser is most afraid of high temperature.

Water level in the cistern is monitored.

Check the coolant level every week, and add distilled water if it is below the mark.

Clean the heat dissipation filter.

The metal filter in front of the heat sink fan tends to clog up easily, so it should be removed and blown out with a compressed air gun. In summer, it should be cleaned every two weeks.

Lubrication of the rails is important.

The X and Y axis rails are directly related to the accuracy of the engraving. First, wipe off the old grease with a lint-free cloth, then apply a thin layer of white grease.Never use butter or motor oil, as they are likely to attract dust and form a greasy paste.

The voltage must be stable.

A voltage fluctuation of more than ± 10 % can damage the laser, so a reliable online UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a must.During a thunderstorm, unplug the power cord. After a power outage, wait five minutes before turning the machine on again.

Don't mess with the software parameters.

The speed and power settings are all set properly at the factory. If you must adjust them, it's recommended that you only change one parameter at a time and record the results.If the mark suddenly becomes faint, first check the focus and then consider adjusting the power.

Keep good records.

Keep a small notebook to record each maintenance date, and the model numbers of any parts replaced.When there is an unexpected breakdown, these records help maintenance personnel quickly identify the problem, and are more useful than oral descriptions.