The first thing you’ll hear about laser cutting machines is their potential to uplift your revenue. However, on very rare occasions will you hear the bitter truth that you’re duty-bound to keep your revenue afloat. But you’re not expected to jump to the receiving end after buying the laser-cutting machine and sit pretty. Instead, you’d need to care for such a high-end machine for ultimate, long-term benefits.
So, your perspective has to remain the same, right off the bat, to give your laser cutting machine peak performance. Well, we understand that this is enough of a headscratcher. However, it doesn’t have to be! We’re here to give you easy tips and tricks that will help you keep your machine in check constantly.
You’re better off with a laser cut machine than normal cutting machines. For instance, you won’t deal with wear and tear because the machine barely comes into contact with the material. But let’s see how you can prolong the life of your laser-cutting machine.
Key areas to focus on:
Mirrors and Lens
A laser cutting machine works by focusing a high-voltage laser beam onto a series of mirrors and ultimately onto the focal lens. If the mirrors and lens are obscured, the beam may not be as effective as it should be. Yet the two areas are prone to dust, moisture, smoke, and other contaminants. Overt accumulation of these contaminants can tone down the quality of reflections and even damage components.
Cleaning these areas isn’t costly. Use a lint-free or scratch-free cloth with a mirror cleaner or warm water. Wipe these surfaces in circular motions and follow with a dry soft cloth to avoid leaving water traces.
The Exhaust Fan
As the name suggests, the exhaust fan helps remove dust and debris from sticking to the machine. As laser cutting involves cutting, or evaporating unwanted metal parts, the exhaust fan faces fast debris build-up. Hence the a need for regular clean-up so that its performance remains high.
To clean, detach the fan cover and use a hand brush to remove any debris sticking to the fan blades. The process should be easier and faster if you use compressed air.
The Tube Filter
The main threats to these parts are dust and smoke. This doesn’t happen immediately, though. However, over time, the laser and acetone filters will become clogged with dust and smoke. If you wait for clogging, you may need to pay a fortune for professional cleaning. And a little more slacking may leave you with a shut-down. So, set a regular cleaning routine and get a vacuum cleaner.
Use the vacuum cleaner to clean the filters. Stand at a distance and don’t detach the hose attachment. Besides, don’t set the vacuum cleaner to very high pressure. Closely inspect the filters and the hose to ensure they’re free of dust and debris.
The Water Cooler
The water cooler needs to operate at peak to ensure the laser tube doesn’t overheat. So, if your laser cutting equipment comes with this part, you’d need to keep it in regular check. Otherwise, chances are the machine may overheat and eventually damage if left unchecked.
Switch off the machine before removing the cover. Then use a soft-bristled brush to clean the radiator fins off any dust and dirt. Replace the cover and switch on the machine. You also want to inspect the de-ionized water to avoid the formation of bubbles in the laser tube. If unsure, simply drain the old water and add some new de-ionized water.
Preventive maintenance
This is a type of maintenance that solves problems before they arise. Just like “Prevention is better than cure.” Hence, you ensure your machine is in perfect shape, and free from potential dangers. There are a few steps to attain this:
Scheduling check-ups: This involves looking for an expert technician and setting aside a day for a machine checkup. The expert should countercheck all parts of the machine to ensure there are no looming mishaps. For instance, at the end of the day, the power output, machine logs, vibrations, and sounds should be all okay. If they’re able to establish any errors, they should let you know and provide a solution.
Regular inspection for potential problems: Constant usage of your machine will allow you to familiarize yourself with the right sounds and vibrations. So, be on the lookout for potential problems and address them with your technician as soon as possible. In this way, potential issues will be addressed early enough and prevent further damage.
Downtime maintenance: Just like a typical machine, your laser-cutting machine needs some time off the power to “rest” and “recharge.” This helps with better performance and longevity.
Conclusion
Maintaining your laser cutting machine doesn’t have to be costly or hectic. Just be sure to follow the easy tricks and contact a reliable technician where needed. Simple as these tips are, they’ll help reduce major damages and elevate the performance of your machine.