The main components of laser cutting machine
Before understanding how to extend the life of a CNC laser cutting machine, we need to understand the main components of a laser cutting machine. The main components of the laser cutting machine are the circuit system, transmission system, cooling system, light source system, and dust removal system. The main daily maintenance components are the cooling system (guarantee constant temperature effect), dust removal system (guarantee dust removal effect), optical path system (guarantee beam quality), and transmission system (focus on ensuring normal operation). In addition, a good working environment and correct operating habits are also beneficial to prolong the service life of the laser cutting machine.
Measures to prolong the service life of laser cutting machine
When we need to use the laser cutting machine for work, we must push the beam before starting the machine, try to move it back and forth, and turn on the power after moving left and right without abnormal noise. After completing the work of the day, clean up the materials and wastes generated in the machine that day. This protects the machine’s kinematics from damage by foreign objects. Cleaning the moving parts of the machine keeps the machine in good working order. The specific method is as follows:
Maintenance of the cooling system
The water in the chiller must be replaced regularly, and the general replacement frequency is one week. Before the machine works, make sure that the laser tube is filled with circulating water. The quality and temperature of the circulating water will directly affect the service life of the laser tube, so it is recommended to use pure water or distilled water, and keep the water temperature below 35°C. If the cooling water is not replaced for a long time, it is easy to form scale and block the waterway, so the cooling water must be replaced regularly.
The cooling water is responsible for removing the heat generated in the laser tube. The higher the water temperature, the lower the light output power (15-20℃ water temperature is the best). When the flow of cooling water is stopped, the heat in the laser cavity will cause the tube section to burst and even damage the laser power supply. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether the cooling water is unblocked at any time. When the water pipe bends or falls off and the water pump fails, it must be repaired in time to avoid damage to the laser cutting machine.
Maintenance of dust removal system
After the fan has been used for a long time, a lot of dust will accumulate in it, which will affect the exhausting effect and generate noise. When it is found that the suction power of the fan is insufficient and the smoke exhaust is not smooth, the fan must be cleaned. When cleaning the fan, you need to turn off the power first, remove the air inlet and outlet ducts on the fan, remove the dust inside, then turn the fan upside down, turn the blades inside, and then install the fan until it is cleaned. Under normal circumstances, the maintenance cycle of the fan is about one month.
The optical path system keeps the lens clean
After the laser cutting machine works for a period of time, due to the working environment, a layer of ash will be adhered to the surface of the lens, thereby reducing the reflectivity and light transmittance of the reflective lens, and ultimately affecting the cutting efficiency and cutting accuracy. At this time, you need to use absorbent cotton dipped in ethanol and carefully wipe along the center of the lens to the edge. When cleaning the lens, pay attention to:
- The lens should be wiped gently, and the surface coating should not be damaged;
- The wiping process should be handled with care to prevent falling;
- When installing the focusing lens, be sure to keep the concave surface facing down;
In addition, minimize the use of ultra-high-speed perforation. Using regular perforations can extend the life of the focusing lens.
Maintenance of the drive system
The laser cutting machine will generate smoke and dust in the long-term cutting process, and the fine dust will enter the equipment through the dust cover and adhere to the guide rail frame. The long-term accumulation of fine dust will increase the wear of the guide rail. For the relatively precise accessories of the guide rail, the deposition of a large amount of dust for a long time will have a great impact on the machining accuracy of the equipment and will form corrosion spots on the surface of the linear axis of the guide rail, shortening the equipment life. service life. Therefore, in order to ensure the normal and stable operation of the equipment and the processing quality of the products, it is necessary to do a good job in the daily maintenance of the guide rails and linear axes, and regularly clean the dust.
After removing the dust, grease the frame and lubricate the rails with lubricating oil. Each bearing should also be lubricated regularly to maintain flexible transmission, and precise processing, and prolong the service life of the machine tool.
Good working environment
The workshop environment should be kept dry and well ventilated, and the ambient temperature should be between 4°C and 33°C. The equipment should be prevented from condensing in summer, and the laser equipment should be prevented from freezing in winter.
The laser cutting machine should be kept away from electrical equipment sensitive to electromagnetic interference to prevent the equipment from being subjected to electromagnetic interference for a long time. High power disturbances can sometimes cause machine failures. Although rare, it should be avoided as much as possible. Therefore, laser cutting machines should be kept away from large electric welding machines, giant electric mixers, and large power transmission and transformation equipment. Strong vibration equipment is even more self-evident, such as forging presses, vibration caused by short-distance motor vehicle walking, etc. The obvious shaking of the ground is very unfavorable for high-precision cutting.
Master skilled operation skills
After purchasing a CNC laser cutting machine, it is not recommended to put it into use immediately. Operators need to undergo complete and systematic training to operate the machine for cutting operations.
Other considerations
- Apply a little lubricating oil on the screws, including the screws on the laser tube bracket and the screws on the first reflector, to facilitate disassembly and assembly during maintenance. Be careful not to add lubricating oil to timing belts, drag chains, air pipes, motors, sensors, lenses, and wires.
- Do not place any items in the machine to avoid unnecessary damage to the machine.
- Use cotton cloth to clean the dust and foreign objects on the metal tanker, metal shaft, slider, and linear guide, then add lubricating oil and perform a no-load reciprocating motion.
During the working process of the laser cutting machine, the operator must observe the working condition of the equipment at any time. If an abnormal situation occurs, all power should be cut off immediately, the fault should be eliminated in time, and corresponding measures should be taken actively. In addition, it is also necessary to regularly count the use of the machine and record each part of the laser cutting machine. If it is found that the cutting effect is reduced, the cause should be investigated in time to prevent problems before they occur.
Do not cut the material until it is determined whether the material can be irradiated or heated by the laser to avoid the potential hazard of fumes and vapors that could damage the laser equipment.
If you can make good use of the above tips, Baokun Laser believes that your laser cutting machine can be used longer and work more efficiently.
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