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Laser Cutting Machine Maintenance Manual (Operator's Must-Read)

Laser cutting machines are high-precision processing equipment. Proper maintenance not only extends the machine's lifespan but also ensures cutting quality and production efficiency. This manual details the equipment's maintenance procedures, precautions, and common misconceptions to help operators maintain the equipment scientifically and reduce the failure rate.

1. Daily Pre-operation Checklist

(1) Basic Checks Before Starting

✔ Power and Gas Source : Check if the power supply is stable and if the gas pressure meets the requirements (nitrogen 0.8-1.2 MPa, oxygen 0.5-0.8 MPa).
✔ Cooling System : Confirm that the chiller is running normally and the water temperature is controlled at 20-25℃ (high temperature can easily damage the laser).
✔ Guide Rails & Drive Components : Observe if there are any foreign objects or insufficient lubricating oil on the guide rails and screws.

(2) Optical System Check

✔ Laser Head & Nozzle : Ensure there is no collision deformation and that the nozzle is not blocked (affects the uniformity of gas injection).
✔ Lens Cleanliness : Use dust-free cotton swab + high-purity alcohol to gently wipe the lens, avoiding stains that affect the beam quality.

(3) Software and Safety System

✔ Operating Software Status : Confirm that there are no error messages and that the cutting parameters are set correctly.
✔ Safety Protection : Check if the emergency stop button and protective door are functioning normally to prevent accidents.

2. Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly Maintenance Plan

(1) Weekly Maintenance

  • Clean Cutting Head & Worktable : Remove metal residue to avoid scratching the sheet metal.
  • Check Air Compressor & Filter : Drain accumulated water from the air tank to prevent water from entering the laser head.
  • Guide Rail Lubrication : Use special lubricating grease to replenish the guide rails and screws.

(2) Monthly Maintenance

  • Replace Cooling Water : Prevent scale from clogging the pipes (it is recommended to use distilled water or special coolant).
  • Check Optical Path Deviation : Calibrate using a red light positioning instrument to ensure precise laser focusing.
  • Test Laser Power : Detect the output using a power meter to ensure it meets the standard, and adjust if necessary.

(3) Quarterly Maintenance

  • Replace Desiccant : The desiccant in the air path needs to be replaced regularly to prevent moisture from corroding the lenses.
  • Comprehensive Circuit Check : Check for aging wires and poor contact problems.
  • Dust Removal and Heat Dissipation System : Clean the laser and the cooling fans of the control cabinet.

3. Cleaning and Replacement of Lenses, Nozzles, and Circuits

 

(1) Lens Cleaning and Replacement

✅ Procedure ：

  1. Turn off the equipment and wait for the laser to cool completely.
  2. Use a professional lens cleaning kit (alcohol + dust-free cloth) to wipe from the center outwards in a spiral motion.
  3. Check the lens coating for scratches; if there is damage, replace it immediately.

❌ Strictly Prohibited ：

  • Touching the lens directly with your fingers (oil will damage the coating).
  • Using ordinary paper towels or rough cloths.

(2) Nozzle Inspection and Replacement

Nozzle Status Solution
Slight blockage Clean with a 0.3mm cleaning needle
Internal wall wear/deformation Replace immediately (it is recommended to stock commonly used nozzle specifications)
Unstable airflow Check if the sealing ring is aging

(3) Circuit Maintenance Points

  • Power-off Operation : Always disconnect the power before cleaning.
  • Anti-static Measures : Wear an anti-static wrist strap when touching the circuit board.

4. Common Maintenance Misconceptions

❌ Misconception 1: If the lens looks clean, it doesn't need cleaning
→ In reality: Tiny dust particles will scatter the laser, reducing cutting accuracy.

❌ Misconception 2: Any lubricating oil can be used for the guide rails
→ Correct: You must use High-Viscosity Special Grease ，Ordinary machine oil easily absorbs dust.

❌ Misconception 3: Only adding water to the coolant without changing it
→ Consequence: Accumulation of scale leads to reduced heat dissipation efficiency, and the laser overheats and alarms.

❌ Misconception 4: The higher the air pressure, the better
→ Reality: Excessive air pressure will interfere with slag discharge, increasing burrs instead.

5. Recommended maintenance tools and consumables

Category Essential Items Recommended Brand/Model
Cleaning Tools Dust-free cloth, high-purity alcohol, lens cleaning rack Thorlabs, Edmund
Lubrication Consumables Guide rail grease, rust inhibitor SKF, WD-40
Consumables Focusing lens (different focal lengths for backup), nozzle (various apertures) HoneybeeCNC original factory
Testing Equipment Power meter, red light calibrator Coherent, Ophir

Conclusion

Regular maintenance is the key to the long-term stable operation of the laser cutting machine. HoneybeeCNC laser equipment Adopts a modular design for convenient maintenance. A scientific maintenance plan can significantly reduce the failure rate. For technical support or parts replacement, please contact our after-sales service team!

Take Action Now: Print this manual and post it next to the equipment, and assign a dedicated person to maintain the records!