1. Common Symptoms
- Cutting slow more before.
- The cut is thinner than before and does not penetrate the full material thickness.
- Piercing not stable.
- Burrs increase.
- Cutting path does not penetrate completely.
- Cutting quality decreases after the material contacts the Cutting Head.
2. Inspect the Protective Lens
Check for dust, smoke, oil, burn marks, dark spots, blurred marks, cracks, or coating damage. A dirty or damaged lens can affect beam transmission and focusing.
3. Check Cutting Head and nozzle
Check the alignment, protective lens, nozzle, ceramic ring, height sensor, and the condition of the Cutting Head after a collision. Make sure the nozzle is the correct type, the optical path is properly aligned, the lens is clean and undamaged, and all components are installed correctly.
4. Check air support
Check the assist-gas type, gas pressure, flow rate, tubing, filter condition, and any leaks or corrosion. Even when the laser source is operating at full power, incorrect or unstable assist gas can still cause poor cutting quality.
5. Check the Chiller
Check coolant temperature, flow, pressure, coolant condition, filters, and alarms. Unstable cooling can affect laser-source stability.
6. Check the QBH and Optical Path
Check the QBH and delivery fiber according to safe technical procedures. If there are burn marks, smoke, a burnt odor, coolant leakage, or suspected fiber damage, stop laser testing and inspect the optical path.
7. Check Focus
An incorrect focus position reduces energy density at the cutting point, which can widen the kerf, increase burrs, and prevent complete penetration. Check the focus position, Cutting Head height, height sensor, and optical alignment.
8. Check parameters Cutting
Check power, speed, focus, gas pressure, piercing parameters, nozzle condition, and cutting height. Confirm alignment and monitor the laser source output; a weak beam may occur even when the source appears normal.
9. Check the Laser Source Output
After ruling out external factors, inspect the laser source output. Record the model, stable power, alarms, Ready/Enable status, temperature, and measured output power using an appropriate method.
Inspection Process
When Should the Machine Be Stopped?
Stop the machine immediately if there is smoke, a burning smell, rapid lens damage, burn marks around the Cutting Head/QBH, suspected fiber-delivery damage, coolant leakage, a serious alarm, or any abnormal condition following a collision.
A weak laser beam can have multiple causes. Identify the root cause before replacing components; this reduces unnecessary costs and minimizes machine downtime.