Daily Maintenance Guide for Laser Cutting Machines – Hailei Laser

Laser cutting technology has become an essential tool in the metalworking industry, offering advantages such as high speed, smooth and flat cut surfaces, minimal heat-affected zones, reduced material deformation, narrow kerf width with no burrs, high processing precision, excellent repeatability, and non-damaging treatment of material surfaces. Today, we will discuss the daily maintenance and care procedures for laser cutting machines.

Daily Maintenance Procedures:

1. Water Replacement and Water Tank Cleaning

   (Recommended: Clean the water tank and replace the circulating water once a week.)

   Important: Ensure the laser tube is completely filled with circulating water before machine operation. Water quality and temperature directly affect the lifespan of the laser tube. We recommend using purified water and maintaining the water temperature below 35°C. If the temperature exceeds 35°C, replace the circulating water or add ice to reduce the temperature. (We recommend using a chiller or dual water tanks.)

   Cleaning the Water Tank:

   • Turn off the power and disconnect the inlet water pipe.
   • Allow water from the laser tube to drain automatically into the tank.
   • Open the tank, remove the water pump, and clean off any accumulated dirt.
   • Thoroughly clean the tank, refill with fresh circulating water, reinstall the pump, reconnect the inlet pipe, and organize all connections.
   • Power the pump independently and run it for 2–3 minutes to ensure the laser tube is fully filled with water.
2. Fan Cleaning

   Prolonged use causes solid dust to accumulate inside the fan, resulting in increased noise and reduced efficiency in exhaust and odor removal. When you notice weak suction or poor fume extraction:

   • Turn off the power.
   • Disconnect the inlet and outlet air ducts from the fan.
   • Remove internal dust, then invert the fan and manually rotate the blades until thoroughly cleaned.
   • Reinstall the fan securely.
3. Lens Cleaning

   (Recommended: Clean daily before operation; ensure the machine is powered off.)

   The laser engraving machine includes three reflective mirrors and one focusing lens:

   • Mirror 1: Located at the laser tube’s emission outlet (top-left corner of the machine)
   • Mirror 2: At the left end of the gantry
   • Mirror 3: On top of the fixed part of the laser head
   • Focusing lens: Located in the adjustable lens housing beneath the laser head

   The laser beam is directed and focused through these mirrors before exiting the laser head. Dust or contaminants on the lenses can reduce laser power or cause lens damage.

   • For Mirrors 1 and 2: No need to remove. Gently wipe from the center outward in a circular motion using lens cleaning paper moistened with cleaning solution.
   • For Mirror 3 and the focusing lens: Remove from their mounts, clean using the same method, then reinstall carefully.

   Important Notes:

   • Wipe gently to avoid damaging the anti-reflective coating.
   • Handle with care to prevent dropping.
   • When reinstalling the focusing lens, ensure the concave side faces downward.
4. Guide Rail Cleaning

   (Recommended: Clean every two weeks; perform with machine powered off.)

   Guide rails and linear shafts are critical components providing guidance and support. High machining precision requires excellent guiding accuracy and smooth motion. During operation, corrosive dust and smoke from processed materials accumulate on rail surfaces, reducing precision and causing pitting, which shortens equipment lifespan. Proper maintenance ensures stable operation and consistent product quality.

   Tools Needed: Dry cotton cloth, lubricating oil

   • Linear Guide Rails (X-axis in YM series): Move the laser head to the far right (or left), locate the linear rail, wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth until clean and shiny, then apply a small amount of lubricating oil (sewing machine oil recommended; avoid engine oil). Gently move the laser head back and forth several times to distribute the oil evenly.
   • Roller Guide Rails (Y-axis in YM series): Move the gantry to the inner side, open both side covers, locate the rails, and wipe clean the contact areas between rails and rollers using a dry cloth. Move the gantry to clean remaining sections.
5. Tightening of Screws and Couplings

   After prolonged operation, screws and couplings in the motion system may loosen, affecting mechanical stability. Regularly inspect transmission components for unusual noises or abnormalities. Tighten all screws periodically using appropriate tools. The first tightening should be performed approximately one month after initial machine use.

6. Optical Path Inspection

   The optical path system relies on reflection from mirrors and focusing by the lens. While the focusing lens remains stable, the three reflective mirrors are mechanically mounted and may shift over time. Although misalignment is uncommon, we recommend checking the optical path before each operation to ensure proper alignment.

Hailei Laser specializes in a wide range of industrial laser equipment, including laser marking machines, laser welding machines, laser spot welders, laser cutting machines, laser tube cutters, and laser cleaning machines—offering dozens of product series. Supported by a team of highly skilled technicians, we deliver reliable performance, technical expertise, and high operational efficiency.