Laser tube
The most capricious element of laser equipment operating on a gas mixture (and this is the most common type of machines) is the emitter. It is the conditions of its storage that should be given the most attention. First of all, we are talking about the liquid that is poured into the cooling circuit. If the apparatus is supposed to stay in an unheated room for a long time, the water in the tube should be completely drained.
Optics
It is desirable to wrap all elements of the optical system with a polyethylene film. This will protect the thin and sensitive sputtering on the reflectors from external influences.
Power supply
In order to avoid unforeseen situations that may lead to equipment failure (short circuit, etc.), it is necessary to disconnect the laser machine from the mains for the period of downtime.
General maintenance of the equipment
Before preservation of the equipment, it is necessary to clean it, both internally and externally. Finally, the equipment should be covered or packed with a material impervious to dust and light.
Reconnecting the laser machine after a prolonged shutdown
In order for the laser equipment to work correctly after reconnection, the following operations should be performed:
▪️ check the connection of the laser tube contacts to the ignition unit;
▪️ supply coolant to the laser tube
▪️ make sure that there are no scratches or other damage on the surface of the reflective mirrors and the lens for focusing the beam above the material surface;
▪️ adjust the optical system;
▪️ check that all moving elements move freely on the guides (lubricate if necessary);
▪️ check the tension of the drive belts;
▪️ tighten all bolted connections;
▪️ level the machine horizontally if measurements show that the working plane is not correctly aligned.
Important: It is strictly forbidden to turn on the laser machine immediately after moving it from an unheated room to a working room.
