As one of the earliest gas lasers developed, the carbon dioxide laser (CO2 laser) is one of the most useful types of lasers for processing non-metal materials. The CO2 gas as the laser-active medium plays an important role in the process of generating the laser beam. During the usage, the laser tube will undergo thermal expansion and cold contraction from time to time. The sealing at the light outlet is therefore subject to higher forces during laser generating and may show a gas leak during cooling. This is something that can’t be avoided, whether you are using a glass laser tube (as known as DC LASER – direct current) or RF Laser (radio frequency).
Any Questions about Laser Machine or Laser Maintenance?
6 Tips to Maximize the Service Life of your Glass Laser Tube:
1. Do NOT turn on and off the Laser Machine too Frequently During the Day
(Limit to 3 times a day)
By decreasing the number of times of experiencing high and low-temperature conversion, the sealing sleeve at one end of the laser tube will show better gas tightness. Turn off your laser cutting machine during lunch or diner break can be acceptable.
2. Turn OFF the Laser Power Supply during the NON-operating time
Even if your glass laser tube is not generating laser, the performance will also be affected if it is energized for a long time just like other precision instruments.
3. Appropriate Working Environment
Not only for the laser tube, but the whole laser system will also show the best performance in a suitable working environment. Extreme weather conditions or leave the CO2 Laser Machine outside in public for a long time will shorten the service life of the equipment and degrade its performance.
• Temperature Range:
20℃ to 32℃ (68 to 90 ℉) air-conditional will be suggested if not within this temperature range
• Humidity Range:
35%~80% (non-condensing) relative humidity with 50% recommended for optimal performance
4. Add Purified Water to your Water Chiller
Do not use mineral water (sprint water) or tap water, which is rich in minerals. As the temperature heats up in the glass laser tube, the minerals scale easily on the surface of the glass that will affect the performance of the laser source indeed.
5. Add Antifreeze to your Water Chiller During the Winter
In the cold north, room temperature water inside the water chiller and glass laser tube might freeze because of the low temperature. It will damage your glass laser tube and may lead to the explosion of it. So please remember to add antifreeze when it’s necessary.
6. Regular Cleaning of the Various Parts of your CO2 Laser Cutter and Engraver
Remember, scales will reduce the heat dissipation efficiency of the laser tube, resulting in the reduction of the laser tube power. Replace the purified water in your water chiller is necessary.
If you have used the laser machine for a while and find out there are scales inside the glass laser tube, please clean it up immediately. There are two methods you can try:
✦ Add citric acid into warm purified water, mix and inject from the water inlet of the laser tube. Wait for 30 minutes and pour out the liquid from the laser tube.
✦ Add 1% hydrofluoric acid into the purified water and mix and inject from the water inlet of the laser tube. This method only applies to extremely serious scales and please wear protective gloves while you are adding hydrofluoric acid.
The glass laser tube is the core component of the laser cutting machine, it’s also a consumable good. The average service life of a CO2 glass laser is about 3,000 hrs., approximately you need to replace it every two years. But many users discover that after using a period (roughly 1,500hrs.), the power efficiency degrades gradually and under expectation. The tips listed above may seem simple, but they will help greatly in extending the useful life of your CO2 glass laser tube.
CO2 Laser Tutorial & Guide Videos
How to Find Focus of Laser Lens?
Perfect laser cutting and engraving result means appropriate CO2 laser machine focal length. How to find the focus of the laser lens? How to find the focal length for a laser lens? This video answers you with specific operation steps for adjusting the co2 laser lens to find the right focal length with a CO2 laser engraver machine. The focus lens co2 laser concentrates the laser beam on the focus point which is the thinnest spot and has a powerful energy. Adjusting the focal length to the appropriate height significantly impacts the quality and precision of laser cutting or engraving.
How does a CO2 Laser Cutter Work?
Laser cutters use focused light instead of blades to shape materials. A "lasing medium" is energized to produce an intense beam, which mirrors and lenses guide into a tiny spot. This heat vaporizes or melts bits away as the laser moves, allowing intricate designs to be etched slice by slice. Factories use them to mass produce accurate parts quickly from things like metal and wood. Their precision, versatility and minimal waste has revolutionized manufacturing. Laser light proves a powerful tool for precise cutting!
How Long will a CO2 Laser Cutter Last?
Every manufacturer investment has longevity considerations. CO2 laser cutters gainfully serve production needs for years when properly maintained. While individual unit lifespan varies, awareness of common lifespan factors helps optimize upkeep budgets. Average service periods are surveyed from laser users, though many units exceed estimates with routine component validation. Longevity ultimately depends on application demands, operating environments, and preventative care regimens. With attentive custodianship, laser cutters reliably enable efficient fabrication for as long as required.
What can a 40W CO2 Laser Cut?
Laser wattage speaks to capability, yet material properties matter too. A 40W CO2 tool processes with care. Its gentle touch handles fabrics, leathers, wood stocks up to 1/4”. For acrylic, anodized aluminum, it limits scorching with fine settings. Though weaker materials limit feasible dimensions, crafts still flourish. One mindful hand guides tool potential; another sees opportunity everywhere. A laser gently shapes as directed, empowering vision shared between man and machine. Together may we seek such understanding, and through it nourish expression for all people.
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Post time: Sep-18-2021