ISMR March 2025 | Page 36

FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING

Automatic pallet changer on laser cutting system
Strainers and leaks
Y strainers mechanically remove solids and other particles when fluid flows through them . We often receive calls for chiller system blockages and find that the Y strainer is blocked . You can blow them out to achieve a temporary fix , but it is recommended to replace the strainer yearly with water changes .
Inspect the chiller system for leaks . Even small leaks can lead to significant loss of coolant over time , which can drastically impact cooling efficiency .
Dust collection
of the machine which can cause misalignment of the pallet with the machine tool . This can wear the wheels prematurely . A good preventive maintenance practice is to check and realign or level beds to ensure smooth operations .
Measure the step between A / B pallet rails and the processing machine and check that they are within the tolerance value . If there is no step but there is an abnormal sound , look under the table to see if there is any obstacle or damaged section on the wheel .
The chiller
Water conductivity is important for fibre laser systems because it directly affects the performance of the laser . Fibre laser systems , like many other types of lasers , generate a significant amount of heat during operation . This heat needs to be efficiently dissipated to maintain stable and reliable laser performance . Respecting factory water conductivity can reduce the corrosion of metal parts , which can degrade performance of the laser system .
Factory manuals generally recommend water and filter changes every six to 12 months . Some machine-tool builders recommend deionised or distilled water and others recommend additives . Refer to your factory-supplied manual for both water- and filter-change guidance .
Cleaning condenser fins and replacing external filter mats will ensure that the laser is getting sufficient air to cool the water . This is also critical during summer months . Fluctuations in temperature can cause variations in laser output power and beam quality .
Correct cooling water levels help to maintain stable operating temperature , ensuring predictable laser performance .
Image : Shutterstock . com .
Operating an automatic laser cutting machine .
Image : Tecoi .
A well-functioning dust collection system is essential for maintaining a clean and efficient laser-cutting environment . It not only enhances the quality of laser operations but also safeguards both equipment and personnel from hazardous airborne particles .
As one of the most critical components of a laser system , the dust collector requires regular maintenance to ensure safe and optimal performance .
One key factor in assessing dust collector efficiency is pressure drop , which measures the difference in pressure as air passes through the filters . Over time , as filters accumulate dust and debris , airflow resistance increases , requiring more energy to maintain proper ventilation and forcing the fan motor to work harder .
Regularly monitoring the pressure drop indicator gauge helps operators to determine when filters need to be cleaned or replaced , preventing system inefficiencies and maintaining a safe working environment .
Inspecting purging valves
Solenoid valves are triggered in sequence in dust collectors by controlling the powerful
Image : Shutterstock . com .
A laser machine operator performs an equipment cutting head check .
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