Buying a laser engraver is a big investment. You want to make sure that you maximize the lifespan of your CO2 laser machine. You also want to ensure it has proper tube functionality to help the engraver perform at full capacity.

However, installing and replacing your glass laser tubes can feel intimidating. This guide will empower you with all the insight and tips you need for your laser engraving business and make sure that laser power is at 100%.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER CO2 LASER TUBE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

Purchasing a good-quality laser is only the first step. You also want to make sure that your laser engravers work at full proficiency. One of the most important ways to achieve that is to ensure your glass CO2 laser tubes are in working order.

Precision laser cutting depends on the condition of your laser tube. Tubes are filled with a mixture of gases, light goes through them, and they are an important part of laser systems. The laser spot size is affected if you have a dead laser tube.

Maintaining your glass tube and installing it correctly can save you a lot of money and time. OMTech gives you the best selection of advanced laser engravers, and we want to help you maintain them.

INSTALLING A CO2 LASER TUBE: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

You're going to have to install your CO2 laser tube and replace it eventually. You can follow these easy steps.

PREPARING THE WORKSHOP

First, you need to prepare your workshop and make sure it's clean. Make sure you have everything you need to replace the laser tube and install a new one.

SAFETY MEASURES

There are a few safety measures to keep in mind. For one, you shouldn't run your laser without the tube in place. Disconnect the fiber laser engraver from power sources and wait a few hours to ensure no residual currents remain in the tube.

Tubes can be very fragile. Be careful when handling and removing the tube since it can easily shatter from too much force.

REMOVE THE OLD LASER TUBE

Next, remove the old laser tube. You might need to cut the old soldering to expose the wires.

MOUNTING AND SECURING THE NEW LASER TUBE

You're now ready to mount and secure your new laser tube. If you buy a replacement laser tube from OMTech, you'll find all the wires you need included in the package. You'll also get instructions to mount the new laser.

ALIGNING MIRRORS AND CALIBRATING OPTICS

You might need to align your mirrors and calibrate the optics after you've replaced the laser tube. You can do that by putting a piece of tape on the guide hole for the mirrors. Then you can press the pulse button on the controller and make sure it's aligned correctly. Laser sources and their route should be in sync. 

TESTING AND FINE-TUNING THE LASER SYSTEM

After everything's connected and aligned, you might have to fine-tune your fiber laser systems with the help of your computer program and do a few test engravings to ensure everything's working correctly.

REPLACING A CO2 LASER TUBE: WHEN AND HOW

It's important to know when to replace your CO2 laser tubes. Otherwise, your engraving won’t be as clear and defined. It can even affect your engraving machine.

SIGNS OF A FAILING LASER TUBE

There are a few signs to look out for.

• ·Your laser engraving machine pauses or resets for no reason.
• The laser beam quality is weaker than normal, or the color of the glow changes.
• Materials that normally cut easily suddenly don’t cut.

These signs indicate it's time to replace your laser tube.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF OLD LASER TUBES

You need to make sure that you properly dispose of your old CO2 laser tubes. It's possible to recycle them into something else, such as lamps. But it depends on the type of laser tube that your machine takes.

OMTech can help you with your laser tube recycling needs.

CO2 LASER TUBE MAINTENANCE: EXTEND LIFESPAN AND ENSURE EFFICIENCY

Regularly maintaining your laser will help extend the lifespan and make sure it works at optimal efficiency. There are a few things you can do.

REGULAR CLEANING AND INSPECTION ROUTINE

Make sure that the glass tubes are clean of dust and dirt. Inspect them regularly. You might have to clean them more often, depending on the materials you cut.

COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND FLUID REPLACEMENT

The water-cooling system and the CO2 laser tube go hand in hand. To extend the lifespan of your tube, the cooling system needs to be maintained.

Replace the water at least monthly even if it doesn’t seem dirty. The laser cutter needs to remain cool.

CLEANING AND ALIGNING OPTICS FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE

You also need to keep the mirrors clean and make sure that the optics are correctly aligned. Handle the mirrors carefully. The fiber laser head can't become off-target. Clean it carefully.

EXPERT TIPS FOR PROLONGED CO2 LASER TUBE LIFESPAN

There are a few expert things you can do to prolong your laser tube lifespan even further. These are some things to consider.

POWER CYCLING AND RESTING INTERVALS

The fiber laser system works in short intervals. If an engraving has a lot of spacing, it has more stop-start moments. These resting cycles can have a big impact on your laser tube lifespan.

AVOIDING OVERHEATING AND THERMAL STRESS

Lifespan can be cut down when the tube overheats often. Make sure your cooling system is effective.

QUALITY POWER SUPPLY AND STABLE OPERATING CONDITIONS

Your laser engraving machine should not cut out too often. Doing so adds to the wear on the tube and the engraver. A strong power supply and strong operating conditions are important to stop power cuts.

PICK THE RIGHT LASER TUBE FOR YOUR CO2 LASER MACHINE

It's important to pick the correct laser tube for your laser cutter. OMTech has a large variety. We can help you choose the right tube and give you even more tips and tricks for your laser technology needs.