FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING bursts of compressed air for cleaning the filter . A pulse pipe is a manifold that delivers the compressed air through orifices to the filter media . Check for alignment to ensure that solenoids are delivering air effectively to dislodge dust from the filter surface .
Fan motors
Regular maintenance of fan motors is essential to keep your laser system running efficiently . A weekly inspection of the blower helps to identify potential issues before they escalate , ensuring smooth operation . Key areas to check include excessive vibration , amp draw and the condition of the drive belt .
Fans should be inspected for material build-up and corrosion , as both can negatively impact airflow and system efficiency . When filters are clean , the system automatically adjusts fan speed to maintain optimal airflow . However , as filters accumulate dust , the drive compensates by increasing fan speed , which can put additional strain on the system . To prevent excessive dust accumulation in the workspace , regular maintenance and timely filter replacements are essential .
Maintenance schedules
The frequency of maintenance checks will vary , depending upon the nature of the check ,
Image : Shutterstock . com .
An engineer repairs a laser cutting head on large CNC computer numerical control printing and cutting machine .
your cutting volume and the material that your shop is cutting .
In general , you should perform a quick and simple cleaning and visual inspection daily to ensure optimum performance . For instance , keeping lenses clean and the nozzle clear of debris are daily concerns .
Weekly and monthly checks include cleaning optical components . It is also important to check coolant levels as well as hoses and cables on chiller components to ensure proper circulation .
Annual or periodic maintenance includes a detailed check of your laser source and any electrical connections , switches and control panels .
It is useful to check with your machine tool supplier for detailed preventive maintenance advice . A checklist of what should be checked and when is a useful tool in your shop to ensure that equipment is maintained at proper intervals .
Be sure to contact a qualified technician to perform complex repairs or when major malfunctions occur .
It is easy to believe that as long as your laser is cutting cleanly , a critical failure is not possible . But without properly maintaining the laser head , the machine tool ’ s mechanical components , the pallet changer and the dust collector , a failure could be closer than you think .
No-one can afford downtime in this environment of just-in-time delivery of components . Make sure your laser keeps you as productive as possible by giving it the attention that it requires . n
EDITOR ’ S NOTE A version of this article was first published in Laser Focus World ( January 2025 ).
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