I. Safety Precautions (Top Priority)
Laser Radiation Safety
Absolutely No Direct Eye Contact: Laser beams and their reflected light, even diffuse reflection, can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the eyes. When the laser is in operation, all personnel must wear protective eyewear matched to the laser wavelength.
Work Area Isolation: The laser processing area must be completely enclosed and equipped with interlocking safety doors (the laser automatically stops emitting light when the door is opened). Clear warning lights and "Laser Danger" signs must be displayed to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering.
Avoid Reflection Hazards: Materials and fixtures within the processing area should be made of light-absorbing or diffuse-reflective materials. Avoid using specular-reflective materials to prevent accidental laser reflection from causing injury or equipment damage.
Electrical Safety
Professional Grounding: Equipment must be grounded by a professional electrician according to regulations to prevent the risk of electric shock and reduce electrical interference.
Regular Cable Inspection: Regularly inspect power cords, control lines, etc., for aging or damage to prevent leakage or short circuits.
Power-Off Maintenance: Before performing any internal inspections or maintenance, always completely disconnect the power supply and allow a period of time for internal capacitors to discharge completely. Fire Prevention
Laser processing generates high temperatures, which may ignite processed materials (such as plastics, fabrics, and wood) or surrounding flammable materials.
Fire extinguishers must be available near the workbench.
The processing area should be kept clean and free of oil, paper, and other flammable debris.
Special attention should be paid to the potential fire risk posed by molten spatter when processing highly reflective materials (such as copper and aluminum).
Hazardous Gases and Dust
Laser processing (such as marking, cutting, and welding) generates harmful metallic dust and fumes.
A high-efficiency ventilation and dust removal system must be installed and kept running throughout the process to exhaust fumes and dust outdoors or filter and purify them, protecting the respiratory health of operators and preventing dust contamination of the laser's optical components.
II. Daily Operation Precautions
Power-On and Power-Off Sequence
Strictly adhere to the manufacturer's specified power-on and power-off procedures. Incorrect sequences (such as sudden power outages) may damage the laser and power supply system.
Typical power-on sequence: Power on main power -> Power on cooling system -> Power on laser -> Start control software. Typical shutdown sequence: Close control software -> Turn off laser power -> Allow cooling system to run for 5-10 minutes (to remove residual heat) -> Turn off cooling system -> Turn off main power.
Cooling System Management
Water quality is critical: For water-cooled systems, deionized or purified water must be used. Tap water or mineral water is strictly prohibited. Impurities and minerals will form scale, clogging water passages, corroding components, severely affecting cooling efficiency, and even causing laser overheating alarms or damage.
Water temperature control: Ensure the cooler is working properly and stabilize the water temperature within the set range (usually 20°C-25°C). Water temperatures that are too high or too low will affect the stability of laser output and beam quality.
Flow rate and pressure: Regularly check the cooling water flow and pressure to ensure they are normal, ensuring that heat inside the laser is effectively removed.
Fiber Optic and Optical Component Protection
Prevent Fiber Optic Bending: Laser transmission fibers are extremely fragile. Strong pulling or small-radius bending is strictly prohibited (bending radius should typically be greater than 15-20cm). Otherwise, internal fiber optic breakage may occur, causing signal attenuation or even laser damage.
Keep Output Head Clean: The laser output head (QBH/LLK, etc.) end face must be kept absolutely clean to avoid dust and oil contamination. A contaminated end face will absorb a large amount of laser energy, leading to end face burn-out. Use specialized cleaning tools and anhydrous ethanol for cleaning, following the prescribed procedures.
Matching Processing Parameters
Set laser power, speed, frequency, and other parameters appropriately according to the processing material, thickness, and process requirements. Avoid prolonged operation at maximum power.
When processing highly reflective materials (such as gold, silver, copper, and aluminum), the initial power should not be too high to prevent reflected light from returning to the laser and damaging optical components.
III. Regular Maintenance and Care
Daily Inspection
Check cooling water level and temperature.
Check the surface and interior of the equipment for obvious dust and foreign objects.
Listen for any abnormal noises during equipment operation.
Periodic Maintenance
Clean Optical Lenses: Regularly clean focusing lenses, protective lenses, etc. If any contamination or damage is found, clean or replace immediately according to procedures.
Replace Cooling Water: Replace the deionized water in the cooling system according to the manufacturer's recommended interval (usually 6-12 months), and clean the water tank and water lines.
Clean Fans and Filters: Clean the cooling fans and dust filters of the laser cabinet and electrical cabinet to ensure good heat dissipation.
Check Fiber Optic Interfaces: Regularly check fiber optic interfaces for looseness or contamination.
IV. Operating Environment Requirements
Temperature and Humidity: The equipment should be installed in a cleanroom with constant temperature and humidity. The ambient temperature is typically required to be between 15°C and 30°C, and the relative humidity below 70% (non-condensing). Excessive humidity can cause condensation on optical components and short circuits.
Power Supply Stability: Power supply voltage fluctuations should be within the equipment's allowable range (e.g., ±5%). Unstable voltage will severely affect the laser's lifespan and output stability; a regulated power supply should be provided if necessary.
Vibration Prevention and Cleaning
The equipment should be installed on a stable foundation to avoid strong vibrations.
Keep the environment clean and reduce dust, especially metallic dust.
Summary: Key Points (Quick Summary)
Safety First: Protective eyewear, area isolation, fire and electrical safety.
Cooling is Paramount: Use only deionized water, monitor water temperature and level, and do not immediately shut off the water supply after shutdown.
Fiber Optic is Lifeline: Do not bend or pull; keep the end face clean.
Environment is Guarantee: Constant temperature and humidity, stable voltage, clean and dust-free environment.
Standardization is Fundamental: Strictly follow the manual for operation and perform regular professional maintenance.
Following these precautions will not only ensure the safety of operators but also maximize the lifespan of the fiber laser and guarantee long-term stable processing quality. If the equipment experiences an unsolvable malfunction, always contact a professional technician for assistance.