Laser Cutting Machine Daily Maintenance Guide: Key Steps for Efficient Operation

Laser Cutting Machine Daily Maintenance Guide: Key Steps for Efficient Operation

Every laser cutting machine is a high-precision device. Only with daily and meticulous maintenance can it maintain optimal cutting quality over time, reduce failure rates, and lower costs. The following is a daily laser cutting machine maintenance procedure, summarized based on our years of technical experience, to ensure stable and efficient operation.

1. Optical Lens Cleaning (Most Critical!)

Maintenance Reason:

During the cutting process, the high-energy laser beam vaporizes metal, creating splatter and dust that adhere to the focusing lens and protective lens.

Oil, dust, or scratches on the lens can cause laser scattering or energy loss, directly affecting cutting performance and, in severe cases, burning the lens.

Specific Procedure:

A. Turn off the machine power and wait for the laser to completely cool (approximately 10 minutes).

B. Use a dedicated dust-free wipe dampened with 99.7% or higher purity anhydrous alcohol (do not use ordinary paper towels or cloths containing cotton fibers).

C. Wipe the lens in a single direction (avoid rubbing back and forth), drawing a spiral pattern from the center outward. 

D. Inspect the lens surface:

If there are obvious burnt spots or cracks, replace it immediately.

If the protective lens is slightly fogged, you can flip it over and use the reverse side. However, if both sides are deteriorated, it must be replaced.

Note:

A. Do not touch the lens directly with your fingers. Fingerprint oils and grease can cause uneven laser absorption and ultimately burn the lens.

B. When installing the lens, ensure that the sealing ring is not deformed to prevent dust from entering due to a loose seal.

2. Nozzle Inspection and Cleaning (Directly Affects Cutting Quality)

Maintenance Reason:

After long-term use, the nozzle may accumulate carbon deposits or become clogged by metal splatter, resulting in uneven flow of the auxiliary gas (oxygen/nitrogen), affecting the smoothness of the cut edge.

Steps:

A. Remove the nozzle and inspect for burnt spots, deformation, or carbon deposits.

B. Gently clear the nozzle orifice with a thin copper wire or a special cleaning needle. Avoid using sharp metal tools (to avoid scratching the inner wall).

C. Blow away any remaining metal shavings with compressed air.

Recommendation: Replace the nozzle every three months (depending on frequency of use). Long-term nozzle wear can cause laser spot distortion and reduce accuracy.

3. Clean the cutting platform and guide rails (to prevent equipment accuracy degradation)

Maintenance Reason:

Debris left on the worktable after cutting aluminum, stainless steel, and other materials not only affects workpiece positioning but can also scratch the surface. Long-term accumulation can even reflect the laser beam and cause accidental injury.

Operation Procedure:

Before leaving get off work each day, use a vacuum cleaner or soft-bristle brush to remove metal powder, oxide slag, and debris from the cutting table.

Check guide rail lubrication:

After cleaning the guide rail surface, apply a special guide rail oil (such as WayLube or Mobil Vactra #2).

Do not overuse oil, as this will cause dust to accumulate and accelerate wear.

Inspect the rack/screw drive system to ensure there are no foreign objects stuck.

Consequences of long-term neglect:

Debris accumulation → Uneven workpiece placement → Risk of cutting head collision

Dry guide rails → Increased servo motor load → Damage to the drag chain or slide

4. Cooling System Check (Extending Laser Life)

Maintenance Reason:

The laser/optical components generate high temperatures during operation. Inadequate cooling can significantly shorten their lifespan and even cause the laser module to burn out.

Operation:

A. Check the chiller water level (use deionized water or a dedicated coolant).

B. Check the water temperature for stability (recommended 22 ± 2°C; if it is too high, check the chiller fan or filter).

C. Clean the filter monthly to prevent scale clogging and reduced cooling efficiency.

Emergency Procedure:

If the chiller alarm sounds "FLOW ERROR", check whether the water pump is running and whether the pipes are clogged or leaking.

5. Gas Supply Check (Ensure Cutting Stability)

Maintenance Reason:

Insufficient nitrogen/oxygen purity (such as water or oil mist) can cause oxidation, drossing, or insufficient energy on the cut surface.

Specific Inspection Items:

✅ Pressure gauge reading (usually 1.2-1.5 MPa nitrogen is required for aluminum cutting, while 0.8 MPa oxygen is acceptable for stainless steel).

✅ Check the air pipe for leaks (apply soapy water to test).

✅ Check that the air dryer is properly removing moisture.

6. Safety Function Test (Protecting Equipment and Operators)

Press the emergency stop button to ensure the equipment immediately shuts off power.

Check that the protective cover interlock switch is sensitive (stops when the door is opened).

Observe that the exhaust system is effectively exhausting fumes (to prevent the risk of dust explosions).

Summary: Establish a maintenance log to prevent future problems.

It is recommended to record maintenance data daily (such as lens condition, air pressure, water temperature, etc.) to create a health record for the equipment and identify potential problems in advance.