A laser tube is a device that converts light energy into laser light. When using it, the following precautions should be taken:

Installation and debugging

Laser tube placement: The cathode end is close to the 1 # reflector (the cathode end is the output end).

Installation of water pipes: Following the principle of "low inlet, high outlet", that is, the inlet faces downwards and the outlet faces upwards. When installing a rubber hose, a small amount of water can be applied to the water inlet first for installation.

Laser tube wiring: First, polish off the oxide layer on the anode and cathode terminals, then wrap the two terminals with thin copper wire and tin them. Next, solder the anode wire of the laser tube by butt welding (without burrs). Finally, seal the anode terminal of the laser tube with silicone 705 and arrange all lines and water pipes neatly and securely.

Optical path collimation: First, ensure that the beam emitted from the laser tube is incident on the central area of the 1 # reflector. Then gradually adjust the 2 # and 3 # mirrors until the laser beam always lands at the same point and enters from the center of the entrance hole in front of the 3 # mirror.

Usage and maintenance

Cooling water requirements:

When using laser tubes in laser engraving and cutting machines, it is best to use pure tap water or distilled water as cooling water, and the water temperature should be controlled between 12 ℃ and 30 ℃, preferably below 25 ℃.

The temperature is high in summer, so it is necessary to change the cooling water frequently. If the temperature is found to be too high, it is necessary to stop the machine and rest before changing the cooling water.

In winter, the temperature is relatively cold. After the machine finishes working, the cooling water inside the laser tube needs to be drained to avoid the laser tube from freezing and exploding.

If water pump circulation refrigeration is used, it is necessary to ensure that the cooling water flow rate is between 2 to 4 liters per minute, otherwise it will cause poor cooling of the water temperature, resulting in a decrease in laser tube power or even damage.

Output port protection:

Prevent contamination of the laser tube output port. Adjusting the optical path or the smoke generated by machine processing can cause the surface of the output port to become blurry, resulting in a decrease in laser tube power. Therefore, the exhaust equipment must be turned on when the machine is working to ensure that there is no smoke.

If the laser output window is contaminated, the outer surface can be gently wiped with degreased cotton or silk cloth dipped in anhydrous alcohol.

Scale treatment:

After a long period of use, there will be scale in the circulation system of the laser tube. It is necessary to regularly clean the cooling tube with 20% dilute hydrochloric acid to avoid blockage.

At the same time, it is recommended to use a water circulation system with cleaner water quality and maintain good maintenance habits, which can prolong the use time of laser tubes.

Other precautions:

The laser tube is made of glass and should be handled gently during installation and debugging to avoid external impact and dirt contamination on the ends of the laser tube.

When installing the laser tube, do not remove the thin metal wire on the electrode casually. It is closely related to the service life of the laser tube and is designed to avoid arcing during operation and prevent burning of the output window surface.

Ensure that the normal operating current of the laser is below 22MA.

The two support points of the laser tube should be located at one fourth of the total length of the laser tube.

Avoid dust accumulation near the high-voltage electrode, keep it dry, and keep the high-voltage end as far away from the metal as possible to prevent high-voltage ignition and discharge.

During the debugging process, adjust the laser support point or rotate the laser orientation to achieve ****** output effect, and then fix the laser.

In summary, the use of laser tubes involves multiple considerations. Following these precautions can ensure the normal operation of the laser tube and extend its service life.