Practical Tips for Laser Cutting Machines | Operation, Maintenance, and Performance Optimization—Perfect for Both Beginners and Experts

Three things must be done before starting up to reduce the failure rate.

Check the optical path and lens

• Check the protective lens for oil stains, scratches and dust. Dirty lenses will cause yellowing and light breakage. Use special lens paper dipped in anhydrous alcohol to wipe gently.

Confirm air pressure and water quality

• Cut carbon steel to check the oxygen pressure, stainless steel/aluminum with nitrogen, insufficient air pressure is easy to hang slag; the water temperature of the chiller is kept at 20-28 ℃, and deionized water is added in time if the water level is too low.

Calibration table and plate

• The plate shall be laid flat without warping as much as possible to avoid head collision, impenetrable cutting or rough edges.

Cutting quality improvement tips

1. Different materials correspond to different parameters

• Thin plate: increase the speed, increase the air pressure, the section is more smooth
• Thick plate: reduce the speed and increase the power appropriately to prevent the cut through

2. Correct selection of nozzle model

• Small nozzle for small hole cutting.
• The deformation and blockage of the large nozzle for thick plate cutting will directly lead to eccentric cutting and slag hanging.

3. Avoid over-burning of sharp corners and rounded corners

• When cutting sharp corners, accelerate or add micro rounded corners appropriately to prevent local overheating, melting and deformation, and improve the accuracy of parts.

Maintenance tips to extend equipment life

1. Clean up waste and smoke and dust in time

• Clean up the waste residue on the bed surface every day to prevent machine clamping and abrasion of transmission parts.

2. Regularly lubricate the guide rail screw

• Check whether the protective cover is damaged, prevent foreign matter from entering, ensure smooth operation and avoid abnormal noise.

3. Regularly replace the filter element and protective mirror

• The air filter element and water mist separator shall be replaced on time. The protective mirror is a vulnerable part. In case of blackening and bursting, it shall be replaced in time to protect the laser.

Quick resolution of common problems

1. Cut through

→ Check whether the lens is dirty

2. Slag hanging on rough cut surface

→ Adjust the speed, air pressure, clean the nozzle and lens

3. The equipment reports an error/does not emit light

→ Process according to alarm code

Keep in mind safe operation

• Wear protective glasses, do not look directly at the laser
• Do not reach into the operating area
• Turn off the laser first, then turn off the chiller.