No matter if you have a CO2 or Fiber laser, understanding preventative maintenance is a critical step in getting the most out of your investment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the often overlooked of laser preventive maintenance.
On a daily basis, it’s important to ensure that the laser nozzles are properly aligned, and the cutting head and height sensor are clean and free of dust build-up. Also check the water level in the chiller, confirm that operating air supply lines are free of moisture and contaminants. You should also confirm assist gas and purge gas supply levels. These steps take only a few minutes to perform but you would be surprised at how often they are overlooked.
At the same time there are a number of steps that should be performed on a monthly basis.
- Slats should be cleaned or replaced if broken or worn down
- Remove excess laser dust and slag from inside the machine
- Air filters and chiller condenser coils should be inspected and cleaned
- Confirm set-point temperatures on the chiller and replace water and add treatment chemicals as needed
- Check auto-lubrication reservoir levels and follow factory lubrication intervals
- Inspect hoses for holes and signs of wear
- Check the dust collector and empty the dust container
- Inspect the laser safety enclosure for cracked or broken windows
- Reload factory tech tables (cutting conditions library) and sub-routine programs
Contributor
Patrick Medlin, President, Advanced Technology Sales & Service. ATS serves fabricators throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Advanced Technology Sales & Service
1130 Tarrant Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27409
Tel: 336-393-0030
