Laser is the core component of laser cutting machine equipment. Laser has high requirements for the use environment. “Condensation” is most likely to occur in summer, which will cause damage or failure of the electrical and optical components of the laser, reduce the performance of the laser, and even damage the laser. Therefore, scientific maintenance is particularly important, which can not only effectively avoid various equipment problems, but also extend the service life of the machine.
Definition of condensation: Put the object in an environment with a certain temperature, humidity and pressure, and gradually reduce the temperature of the object. When the temperature around the object drops below the “dew point temperature” of this environment, the moisture in the air gradually reaches saturation until dew precipitates on the surface of the object. This phenomenon is condensation.
Definition of dew point temperature: From the application point of view, the temperature that can make the air around the working environment precipitate “condensed water dew” is the dew point temperature.
1. Operation and environmental requirements: Although the optical fiber transmission cable of the optical laser can be used in harsh environments, the laser has high requirements for the use environment.
If the value corresponding to the intersection of the laser ambient temperature (air-conditioned room temperature) and the laser ambient relative humidity (air-conditioned room relative humidity) is lower than 22, there will be no condensation inside the laser. If it is higher than 22, there is a risk of condensation inside the laser. Customers can improve this by lowering the laser ambient temperature (air-conditioned room temperature) and the laser ambient relative humidity (air-conditioned room relative humidity). Or set the cooling and dehumidification functions of the air conditioner to keep the laser ambient temperature no higher than 26 degrees, and keep the ambient relative humidity less than 60%. It is recommended that customers record the values of the temperature and humidity table every shift to find problems in time and prevent risks.
2. Avoid frost: Avoid frost inside and outside the laser without air conditioning
If a laser without air conditioning is used and exposed to the working environment, once the cooling temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the laser’s internal environment, moisture will precipitate onto the electrical and optical modules. If no measures are taken at this time, the surface of the laser will begin to condense. Therefore, once frost is seen on the laser housing, it means that condensation has occurred in the internal environment. Work must be stopped immediately and the working environment of the laser must be improved immediately.
3. Laser requirements for cooling water:
Cooling water temperature has a direct impact on electro-optical conversion efficiency, stability and condensation. Therefore, when setting the cooling water temperature, attention should be paid to:
The cooling water of the laser must be set above the dew point temperature of the most stringent operating environment.
4. Avoid condensation in the processing head
When the season changes or the temperature changes greatly, if the laser processing is abnormal, in addition to the machine itself, it is necessary to check whether condensation occurs in the processing head. Condensation in the processing head will cause serious damage to the optical lens:
(1) If the cooling temperature is lower than the ambient dew point temperature, condensation will occur on the inner wall of the processing head and the optical lens.
(2) Using auxiliary gas below the ambient dew point temperature will cause rapid condensation on the optical lens. It is recommended to add a booster between the gas source and the processing head to keep the gas temperature close to the ambient temperature and reduce the risk of condensation.
5. Ensure the enclosure is airtight
The enclosure of the fiber laser is airtight and is equipped with an air conditioner or dehumidifier. If the enclosure is not airtight, the high-temperature and high-humidity air outside the enclosure can enter the enclosure. When it encounters the internal water-cooled components, it will condense on the surface and cause possible damage. Therefore, the following aspects should be noted when checking the enclosure airtightness:
(1) Whether the cabinet doors exist and are closed;
(2) Whether the top hanging bolts are tightened;
(3) Whether the protective cover of the unused communication control interface at the rear of the enclosure is properly covered and whether the used one is properly fixed.
6. Power-on sequence
When the power is off, the enclosure air conditioner stops running. If the room is not equipped with an air conditioner or the air conditioner does not work at night, the hot and humid air outside can gradually penetrate into the enclosure. Therefore, when restarting the machine, please pay attention to the following steps:
(1) Start the main power of the laser (no light), and let the chassis air conditioner run for about 30 minutes;
(2) Start the matching chiller, wait for the water temperature to adjust to the preset temperature, and turn on the laser enable switch;
(3) Perform normal processing.
Since laser condensation is an objective physical phenomenon and cannot be avoided 100%, we still want to remind everyone that when using the laser: be sure to minimize the temperature difference between the laser operating environment and its cooling temperature.
Post time: Sep-03-2024
