Fiber Laser Machinery Maintenance：Tips for Prolonged Performance and Durability

In the realm of modern manufacturing, fiber laser machinery is renowned for its precision, speed, and versatility. However, to maintain optimal performance and ensure consistent results, proper upkeep is essential. Regular maintenance not only extends the equipment’s lifespan but also ensures efficient and accurate operation. This guide delves into the importance of maintaining, offering daily care tips and best practices to keep your equipment in peak condition.

Understanding the Importance of Fiber Laser Machinery Maintenance

Regular maintenance is fundamental to the longevity and performance of a fiber laser machine. Proper care and upkeep are essential to:

• Prevent Downtime: Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they lead to machine breakdowns, thereby minimizing unexpected downtime and production delays.
• Ensure Precision: A well-maintained fiber laser machine maintains its accuracy and consistency, which is crucial for producing high-quality parts and components.
• Reduce Repair Costs: Preventive maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, potentially saving on costly repairs and extending the lifespan of the machine.
• Optimize Performance: Consistent maintenance ensures that the laser machine operates at peak efficiency, providing better cutting speeds and quality.

Implementing a robust maintenance routine is part of the best practices for fiber laser maintenance, ensuring that the machine remains reliable and effective throughout its operational life.

Daily Maintenance Tips

To ensure your fiber laser machine stays in top working condition, it’s important to follow these daily maintenance practices:

1. Inspect the Machine: Conduct a visual inspection of the machine every day. Look for signs of wear, loose components, unusual sounds, or leaks. Identifying these issues early can help prevent larger problems from developing.
2. Check Operational Parameters: Confirm that the machine is running within its specified power settings and cutting speeds. Deviations from these parameters can affect performance and signal potential issues.
3. Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on the machine’s performance throughout the day. If you detect irregularities in cutting quality or machine behavior, address them immediately to avoid further damage.
4. Review Logs: Regularly review the machine’s operational logs for any error messages or warnings. These can offer valuable insights into issues that need attention.

Cleaning the Fiber Laser Machine

Fiber laser machine cleaning is a critical aspect of maintenance that ensures the equipment operates efficiently and prevents contamination that could affect performance. Here’s how to effectively clean your fiber laser machine:

1. Remove Dust and Debris: Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris from the machine’s surfaces, including the cutting area, optical components, and ventilation grilles. This helps prevent accumulation that can affect performance and lead to overheating.
2. Clean Optical Components: The lens and mirrors are crucial for the laser’s performance. Use a lens cleaning solution and a lint-free cloth to gently clean these components. Be cautious to avoid scratching the surfaces.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces: Regularly wipe down the exterior surfaces of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated dirt. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the machine’s finish.
4. Check and Clean Filters: Some fiber laser machines have air or coolant filters that need to be cleaned or replaced periodically. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning or replacing these filters.

Fiber laser machine cleaning helps maintain optimal performance and extends the machine’s operational life by preventing issues related to dirt and debris.

Checking the Cooling System

The cooling system is a crucial part of any fiber laser machine, keeping the laser and other components within safe temperature limits. Proper maintenance of the fiber laser cooling system is vital to prevent overheating and potential damage. Here’s how to keep the cooling system in good condition:

1. Monitor Temperature: Regularly check the cooling system’s temperature to ensure it stays within the recommended range. Overheating can result in decreased performance and damage to the machine.
2. Inspect Coolant Levels: Ensure the coolant levels are sufficient and top them up as needed. Low coolant levels can reduce cooling efficiency, leading to overheating.
3. Check for Leaks: Examine the cooling system for any signs of leaks or damage. Promptly address any leaks to prevent coolant loss and maintain proper system function.
4. Clean Coolant Reservoir: Periodically clean the coolant reservoir to remove sediment or contaminants that may hinder the cooling system’s efficiency.

Regular maintenance of the fiber laser cooling system is essential to prevent overheating and ensure optimal machine performance.

Lubrication of Moving Parts

Proper lubrication is crucial for the smooth operation of a fiber laser machine. Lubrication reduces friction, wear, and potential damage to moving parts. Here’s how to effectively manage lubrication:

1. Identify Lubrication Points: Refer to the machine’s manual to identify all lubrication points, such as linear guides, ball screws, and other moving components.
2. Use the Correct Lubricant: Ensure that you use the appropriate type and amount of lubricant as specified by the manufacturer. Using the wrong lubricant can affect the machine’s performance and longevity.
3. Apply Lubricant Regularly: Follow the recommended lubrication schedule to keep moving parts well-lubricated. Regular lubrication helps reduce friction and wear, enhancing the machine’s performance and lifespan.
4. Monitor Lubrication Levels: Check lubrication levels regularly and top up as needed. Inadequate lubrication can lead to increased wear and potential machine damage.

Effective lubrication is part of fiber laser care tips that contribute to smooth and efficient operation.

Tips on Setting Up a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Establishing a regular maintenance schedule is crucial for consistent machine performance and longevity. Here’s how to set up an effective maintenance routine:

1. Create a Maintenance Calendar: Develop a calendar that outlines daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance tasks. This ensures that all aspects of maintenance are covered and performed on time.
2. Assign Responsibilities: Designate specific maintenance tasks to team members or technicians. Ensure they are trained and familiar with the required procedures and best practices.
3. Track Maintenance Activities: Keep detailed records of all maintenance activities, including dates, tasks performed, and any issues encountered. This helps track the machine’s condition and schedule future maintenance.
4. Review and Adjust: Periodically review the maintenance schedule and adjust as necessary based on the machine’s performance and any new insights gained from previous maintenance activities.
5. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the maintenance recommendations provided by the machine’s manufacturer. These guidelines are tailored to the specific needs of your machine and are essential for optimal performance.

Setting up a regular maintenance schedule ensures that all necessary tasks are performed consistently, supporting long-term machine reliability and performance.

Daily maintenance requirements

1. Lasers and laser cutting machines should keep their appearance clean and clean frequently.
2. Check whether the x, y, and z axes of the machine tool can return to the origin. If there is any problem, whether the origin switch hits the position of the offset.
3. Laser cutting machine chip removal drag chain cleaning.
4. Clean up the debris on the filter screen of the exhaust vent in time to ensure that the ventilation pipe is unblocked.
5. Replace the protective lens, re-calibrate the laser red light center point, and ensure that the laser light is at the center of the copper nozzle (coaxial).
6. The focal length adjustment principle is carbon steel positive focal length, stainless steel, copper, aluminum negative focal length principle.
7. The cutting head replaces the ceramic body and performs the calibration procedure once, and the thin plate and the thick plate must be re-calibrated.
8. Clean the focusing lens. And check whether it is damaged.
9. Check the temperature of the cooling water, the temperature of the laser water inlet is 22℃ s 25℃.
10. Whether each connection part of the oil-free air compressor is loose, and the air pressure in the air storage tank is still, open the drain valve at the lower part of the air storage tank to release the dirt in the tank. The pointer of the pressure gauge moves smoothly. When the pointer of the pressure gauge is zero, the pointer should also point to “0”. Calibrate the pressure switch, but when the exhaust pressure reaches the rated working pressure, the pressure switch should automatically cut off the control loop of the magnetic starter and stop the air compressor. When the exhaust pressure is close to times the rated working pressure, gently pull up the safety valve ejector rod, and the safety valve should produce a discharge action. Each shift should inspect at least twice to check whether there is any abnormal sound or vibration during the operation of the air compressor. When turning off the air compressor again, pay attention to starting and stopping and not using an emergency stop to prevent the air compressor from reversing and returning oil. When turning off the air compressor, close the air valve.
11. Check the freeze dryer and press the start button to see if the indicator light is on. Whether the automatic drainer drains water regularly. In the state of stopped and no compressed air, whether the pointer of the evaporation thermometer is lower than the ambient temperature, about 5-15℃ lower than the ambient temperature is normal. In the state of operation and compressed airflow, whether the pointer of the evaporation thermometer is in the green area.
12. Check the working status of the voltage stabilizer frequently: observe whether the temperature rise of the compensation transformer and the voltage regulating transformer is normal, whether there is overheating, discoloration of the coil, etc.; whether the carbon brush contact is good; monitor whether the input and output voltages are normal; whether there is an overload phenomenon Wait. Once an abnormality is found, it should be dealt with immediately. If you can’t handle it, you can contact the manufacturer to solve it in time to avoid damage to the equipment.
13. Monitor and check whether the switch of the laser mechanical shutter is normal.
14. Switching machine sequence
    a) Startup: power supply 380V, water-cooled unit 220V, voltage stabilizer, air compressor, refrigeration dryer, industrial control host, cutting system, laser.
    b) Shutdown: Follow the reverse order above.
15. Pay attention to the surrounding environment and personal safety when using gas.

Weekly maintenance of cnc fiber laser machine

1. Clean the cutting head to protect the lens.
2. Check the level of circulating water in the chiller.
3. Lubricating oil on the guide screw of the laser cutting machine.

Tips: Do not directly touch the focusing lens, protective lens, QBH laser head, and other optical surfaces to avoid scratches or corrosion on the mirror surface. It is strictly forbidden to clean the surface of the optical lens with water or detergent. The lens surface is coated with a special film. If you use these to clean the lens, it will damage the surface of the lens. Do not place the lens in a dark and humid place, as this will cause the surface of the lens to age. Affect the beam quality.

Monthly maintenance of fiber laser machine

1. Clean the protective lens, verify whether the light path is offset, and make necessary adjustments.
2. Check the travel switch bracket and the striker bracket to prevent the screws from loosening.
3. There should be no foreign matter on the front and rear plates of the bed to avoid scratching with the worktable.
4. There should be no sundries in the rail guard of the bed to avoid damage to the rail seat.
5. Clean the muffler filter with an oil-free air compressor. If the working environment is dusty, it should be cleaned once a week. If the belt is elongated or worn, the motor can be moved to adjust the tightness of the V-belt or replace the V-belt.
6. The freeze-drying machine cleans the automatic drainer, closes the ball valve, and opens the bleed valve so that the pressure in the automatic drainer will be zero.

Three months maintenance of fiber laser cutting machine

1. It is recommended to maintain and maintain the voltage stabilizer every three months. Note that the power supply should be disconnected for maintenance work. The main contents are:
   a) Remove dust and dirt from various parts of the regulator.
   b) Check whether the electrical return contact is damaged, if any, replace or repair it in time.
   c) Check whether the column-type voltage-regulating transformer operates flexibly and whether the carbon brushes are in good condition. Replace damaged or worn-out carbon brushes in time. If there are burns or carbon brush powder on the coil contact surface, use No. 0 fine sand skin to smooth it in time. And remove dust.
   d) Check whether the chain drive system is working properly, add oil to the sprocket, adjust the tightness of the chain (just a little room for movement in the middle of the chain), check whether the carbon brush holder is tilted or stuck, and if found, adjust it.
2. Check whether the chiller is short of water. (The water level cannot be lower than 1/3 of the water tank)

Tips for daily maintenance of fiber laser machine in summer

In summer, as the temperature rises, much mechanical equipment may heat up during use, causing some minor failures. Therefore, in order to avoid failure of the laser cutting machine in summer, we need to pay attention to the maintenance and repair of the laser cutting machine to extend its service life.

Daily maintenance skills of laser cutting equipment:

1. The temperature rises in summer, and the working pressure of the cooling system of the laser cutting machine increases. It is recommended to maintain the pressure of the cooler before the high temperature arrives. Different manufacturers have different equipment pressures. It is recommended to consult the equipment manufacturer’s specific parameters before repairing.

2. Make sure that the laser tube is filled with circulating water before the machine works. The quality and temperature of the circulating water will directly affect the service life of the laser tube. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically replace the circulating water and clean the water tank. This is best done once a week.

3. There will be some mirrors and focal length lenses on the machine. The laser light is reflected and focused by these lenses, and then emitted from the laser hair. The lens is prone to dust or other contaminants, causing laser loss or lens damage. So clean the lenses every day. Notice:

• The lens should be wiped gently, not to damage the surface coating;
• Handle gently when wiping to prevent falling;
• When installing the focusing lens, please keep the concave surface facing down.

4. Due to the high temperature in summer, the deterioration rate of the cooling water will also increase. It is recommended that users of laser cutting machines use distilled water or pure water, and clean the scale regularly, so as not to cause the scale attached to the laser tube to affect the laser power. Different types of laser cutting machines have different methods of cleaning scales, and they need to be operated under the guidance of the manufacturer.

5. Since the dust of the laser cutting machine is mainly metal powder, it is recommended to clean the dust in the electrical cabinet of the laser cutting machine regularly and check the working condition of the cooling fan regularly.

6. In summer, it is very important to prevent laser condensation in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. When the laser cooling water temperature is set lower than the corresponding dew point temperature, condensation is likely to occur. So how should we prevent laser condensation?

Regular maintenance of the equipment can avoid some problems during the use of the laser cutting machine, increase the service life of some parts and equipment, and increase the efficiency of the equipment. Therefore, in addition to the maintenance of the laser cutting machine in summer, We should also carry out regular daily maintenance on the laser cutting machine.

In the long run, keeping fiber lasers well maintained is beneficial to manufacturers. Preventive maintenance will extend the life of the machine, provide the best cutting performance, and save the manufacturer money. Always remember that when your laser operation encounters any problems, the Krrass CNC team will be at your service at any time.

Conclusion

Effective maintenance of fiber laser machinery is crucial for ensuring the longevity, efficiency, and performance of your equipment. By implementing daily care tips, following proper cleaning procedures, maintaining the cooling system, lubricating moving parts, and setting up a regular maintenance schedule, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your fiber laser machinery and keep it operating at peak performance.

Adhering to preventive maintenance practices helps minimize unexpected downtime, reduce repair costs, and ensure consistent, high-quality results. By incorporating these measures into your routine, you can ensure that your fiber laser machinery remains a valuable asset in your manufacturing process, delivering reliable and precise results for years to come.