The ability of laser cutting machines to cut various materials perfectly makes these tools essential in today’s industrial world. Many industries can utilize these machines, from automotive to creative industries.
Due to their critical role, the usage of laser cutting machines is relatively high. Therefore, proper maintenance is essential to extend the machine's life and maintain its performance. This article discusses tips on maintaining laser cutting machines, both in terms of daily and periodic maintenance.
Daily maintenance of laser cutting machines should be done after each use. Several tasks should be carried out after operating the machine.
Routine cleaning is the first step to keeping the laser cutting machine operating optimally. If cleaning is not done regularly, dust from the cut materials or other debris may accumulate, potentially affecting the machine’s performance. Some important parts that should be cleaned include:
- Work Table: Clean the work table to ensure that the material is positioned correctly for cutting. Use an industrial vacuum or a soft-bristle brush, avoiding water or harsh cleaning chemicals.
- Focus Lens: Clean the focus lens to maintain laser quality. Use a special lens cleaner and avoid using rough cloths or blowing on it.
- Air Ducts: Ensure that air ducts are cleaned to provide adequate airflow for cooling the laser tube. Use a compressor to clean this part.
- Cooling System: Like the air ducts, the cooling system needs cleaning to ensure optimal cooling of the laser tube. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning.
- Rail Cleaning: Clean the rails to prevent dust buildup and small components from getting stuck. After cleaning, lubricate the rails with hydraulic oil No. 32.
- Chiller Cleaning: The chiller filter needs cleaning as dust can easily get trapped. Use compressed air to clean the dust filter and ensure all small particles are removed from the air inlet and outlet.
- Laser Head Cleaning: Clean the laser head using a soft brush and low-pressure compressed air to remove dust and prevent it from sticking to the laser head.
Applying lubricant to certain parts of the laser cutting machine is essential to ensure smoother and more efficient operation. Lubrication helps reduce wear and extend the machine’s lifespan, particularly for components that experience friction.
Use special lubricants for industrial machines and avoid those containing harsh chemicals. Some parts that need lubrication include rails, gears, and other moving components.
In addition to cleaning and lubrication, visual inspection is also necessary. Ensure that all parts of the laser cutting machine are in good condition, such as checking for frayed cables or ensuring electrical connections are secure.
In addition to daily maintenance, periodic maintenance should not be overlooked. This includes calibration, component replacement, and routine servicing.
This process involves readjusting the machine's parameters to ensure accurate and precise cuts. With frequent use, the machine's accuracy can shift, impacting the quality of the cuts.
Key components like the laser focus and wavelength should be calibrated regularly. Follow the machine's manual for proper calibration procedures and frequency.
This process ensures the laser beam is aligned with the center of the nozzle. Proper centering is crucial for making precise cuts that match the design.
To perform centering, use transparent tape or clear adhesive at the nozzle tip, then click "burst" to execute the centering process.
Like other machines, components of a laser cutting machine have a limited lifespan. Therefore, replacing parts is essential to maintain optimal performance.
Some parts that often require replacement include protective lenses, nozzles, and ceramic rings. If the cut results are inconsistent with the original design or lack precision, check these components.
Periodic servicing is a comprehensive maintenance process for laser cutting machines. However, this should only be performed by skilled technicians. PT Synergis Industrial Utama offers regular duty checks every 3-6 months.
Regular servicing helps prevent future machine failures. The more routine and timely the servicing, the longer the machine’s lifespan will be. Generally, routine servicing is done every 6-12 months, depending on usage intensity.
In addition to daily and periodic maintenance, here are some extra tips for maintaining a laser cutting machine:
Maintaining a laser cutting machine is crucial to avoid unwanted issues. Speaking of laser cutting machines, PT Synergis Industrial Utama is the right place to get them, especially for the Bodor brand, as Synergis is the official distributor of Bodor in Indonesia.
Don’t overlook daily tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, and visual inspections. Also, ensure regular maintenance is performed, including calibration, component replacement, and routine service to maintain the machine’s performance.