Proper Use & Maintenance of Optical System for CO2 Laser Engraver Cutter Machines

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Optical lenses in CO2 laser systems are consumables. The correct use and maintenance of optical lenses is of great significance in extending the lifespan of the laser source and reducing the running cost of lens.
When laser is used for cutting, engraving or marking, a large amount of gas and dust are released from the surface of material which will cause damage to the lens. The contaminants absorb energy from the laser beam and cause the local temperature of the lens to rise, resulting in a thermal lens effect of the optical lens. Before the formation of thermal stress in lens, the operator should disassemble and clean the lens. During the replacement process, attention must be paid to the lens to avoid damage and pollution arising from placement, inspection and installation of the optical lens. After the new lens is installed, it should be cleaned regularly.
installation, cleaning procedures of Optical lens
1) Do not use suction or air blowing equipment to avoid contamination of the lens;
2) take both ends of the edge of lens with thumb and forefinger;
3) The lens should be placed in a dry, clean place for inspection and cleaning. There should be several layers of cleaning paper towels or lens tissue on the surface of the table;
4) avoid talking above the lens and keeping food, beverages and other potential contaminants away from the working environment.
Correct cleaning method
The purpose of cleaning is to remove contaminants from the lens and not to cause further contamination and damage to the lens.
Firstly, use air ball to blow off the floating items on the surface of lens, especially the particles and debris. Do not use compressed air in the production line because it contains oil and water droplets, which will increase the contamination of the lens.
Secondly, clean the lens gently with absolute alcohol. The lens must be cleaned under illumination condition with absolute alcohol and circularly moved from the center of lens to the edge. Once the lens paper is dirty, it must be replaced. Cleaning should be done for one time to avoid scratches. When contaminants and lens damage cannot be removed by washing, for example, film burns caused by dirt, film stripping caused by condensation or condensation, the only way to restore the performance is to replace the lens.
Settings of cooling system for laser source
CO2 laser can be 100% absorbed by water. Therefore, when laser is used under circumstances that condensation exists on exit lens and beam-expanding lens of laser source, the lens will break down and be damaged due to excessive heat absorption.
The temperature of the cooling water must vary according to changes in ambient temperature and humidity.
Firstly, take closed loop cooling system with distilled water for cooling.
Secondly, the ambient temperature for the laser source should be controlled within the range of 5-40 ° C. If necessary, air conditioning system should be used. The ambient humidity must be <80%.
Thirdly, the temperature of cooling water should be set as follows:
When the ambient temperature is between 10 and 35 °C, the temperature of cooling water should be equal to the ambient temperature;
When the ambient temperature is between 5 and -10 °C, the temperature of cooling water should be kept at 10 °C;
When the ambient temperature is between 35 and 40 ° C, the temperature of cooling water should be kept at 35 °C.
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