Curious about laser maintenance? Do you wear safety goggles at your workplace, as we do? If you do, then you must have observed how quickly they get dirty, dusty, and grimy. Maybe few people would not bother with the fog while working, but most of us prefer to keep our glasses clean. When we see better, we work better.
It is the same for any laser machine. The light from the laser passes through an optical window and reaches the workpiece. If the window is not cleaned or wiped properly, the light beam might deflect or lose the majority of its application properties. To prevent that, we do laser machine maintenance. Yes, you heard it right- It’s Maintenance, Maintenance, and Maintenance.
Why Laser Maintenance Is Important
The efficiency and productivity of your laser machine depend largely on frequent laser maintenance. Although it might come under service contract and 24-hour help service, it is always a smart move to follow simple steps of cleaning to ensure no delays in the deliveries and tempers fray.
Not only will this ensure enhanced longevity of your laser machine, but also saves your money in pocket because time is money. It is not a tough job and can save you from a lot of hassles in the future. Here are some maintenance tips for your laser machine to maintain its output and be competent throughout.
The external Up-keeps of Laser Maintenance
Maintaining your AP Laser machine would hardly take 5 minutes a day. The brain (control board) and other electronics are totally protected within their insulated housing at the rear of the machine. Internal parts do not need user intervention.
Your day-to-day maintenance is highly reduced by our extraction system or exhaust system. A routine check-up is therefore limited to external cleaning of engraving areas, mirrors, and fume extraction outlets.
For added convenience, AP laser machines are provided with a special toolbox with a cleaning kit including cotton buds and denatured alcohol.
The Optics Wipe
Before the operation and after 8 hours of solid laser application, be sure to visually inspect all the optical lenses out. It means bird watching all the three mirrors and focal lenses. Look for smudges, debris, or any kind of residual.
Wipe them with cotton buds and denatured alcohol provided to you. Always bear in mind that a clean machine gives better results. Accumulation of unwanted particles on it could lead to scratches and damage to the lens and mirror, overall degrading the quality of the desired product.
Caution: Always remember to put the curved side up (towards the beam) and the flat side down (towards the work)
Oils well that ends well
Lubricants are key in preventive maintenance in any shop that uses machining tools. Laser machines, after being used for a while could lead to guide rail corrosion or rusting. If proper 3 in 1 oil is not used along the rails, the laser path and feed will be affected and so will be the result.
Roll the gantry and move the slider back and forth to apply it evenly on all surfaces. Keeping parts properly lubricated helps to reduce friction and wear. It can prevent rust and lock-ups. When moving parts are kept moving with clean lubricant, it puts less stress on the motor thereby extending its life potentially.
Renewing water cycle
Laser engraving machines often use recycled distilled water which acts as a coolant for the laser beam. Continuous and long-term use of this water may lead to contamination or white scale in a tube.
After certain use for about 2-3 weeks (depending on the usage), discharge the water and add a new stream of distilled water. Water tank cleaning is essential for the long life of the machine. Make sure to check and ensure the tightness of hose joints to avoid leaks. The laser tube will perform in its best condition.
Service by AP Lazer technicians
To prevent the risk of production downtime and to receive expert advice on laser integration, Choose an AP Lazer laser-certified technician. They will do the general inspection and keep your machine in optimal condition. AP Lazer provides a customized servicing package at a fixed price for your laser machine. Please contact us now for a specific quote.
Getting the best out of it
Our machines can do a myriad of laser applications and it can be achieved without any hurdle if good maintenance discipline is followed. In addition to the checks every machine tool needs, the beam generation and delivery system require regular attention. Well-maintained equipment breaks down less and produces a high-quality result. If you will look after your machine, it will look after you.
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