An average Trotec laser machine is designed to last for 10 years. To ensure the longest possible service life for your laser machine, we offer training on the optimal handling of your laser machine, as well as system maintenance through our Technical Support team.
Moreover, in the following section, you will find a number of tips on how you can maximize the lifespan of your Trotec laser.
How to Maximize the Service Life of Your Trotec Laser
Ideal temperature for a laser: 20-25 degrees Celsius
Choosing the Ideal Location for Your Laser
The operating environment is key to optimizing your laser's lifespan. An approximate temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius at normal humidity (40-70% relative humidity) is ideal for the system. Heat, cold, large temperature changes during the machine's operation, as well as direct sunlight have a negative effect on its hardwardware. The higher the laser power, the higher the amount of residual heat emanating from the machine. It is therefore important to maintain the machine at the recommended room temperature. During colder seasons, it is crucial not to operate the laser at a room temperature below 15 degrees Celsius. It should also be noted that the laser requires additional time to reach room temperature (i.e., before resuming full operation, wait in standby mode until the laser source has reached operating temperature.
It is also imperative to ensure that there is a spatial gap between the laser system and any adjacent walls. Gaps provide sufficient circulating air to the laser source.
Regularly Cleaning Your Laser
Cleaning your machine on a regular basis is highly recommended. Material residue can be flammable, and material residue can can block your laser's air ducts. The following components should be frequently checked for dust and debris:
Optical components (lenses and mirrors)
Nozzle
Work area and processing space
Details on cleaning your laser can be found in your operating manual.
Clean your work space regularly
Only Use Materials that are Safe for Laser Processing
Trotec's patented InPack Technology™ protects your laser's motors and electronic components from debris. However, depending on the material being processed, your machine may be affected by accumulated dust or smoke. Therefore, you are strongly advised to clean your work area often to prevent mechanical issues from arising.
To assist you with keeping your work area dust and desris-free, we offer exhaust systems that are designed to work in tandem with your Trotec laser. These systems notify you, via signal or warmining on the display, when a filter should be replaced. Click here to learn more about our Atmos exhaust systems.
In addition, Trotec offers nozzles for Air Assist circulation, which feeds air from the compressor, or external compressed air, to the work surface. The nozzles are part of your laser's air flushing technology, which protects the lenses and mirrors from debris buildup. We would be happy to advise you on exhaust systems, compressed air nozzles and package offers before purchasing.
Use the acrylic slat cutting table for laser cutting acrylic.
Avoiding Flame Formation
Some materials, such as acrylic, tend to flame during laser cutting. To avoid this occurence, we recommend adjusting the suction, Air Assist, and laser parameters. The use of specific work tables (Trotec's Acrylic Cutting Grid Table or Acrylic Slat Cutting Table) is also helpful in preventing flame formation. Be sure to replace molten or dirty acrylic work tables in a timely manner.
Likewise, residue that has fallen into the laser bed can ignite when it is processed. Therefore, consistent cleaning of the work space is important.
Regular Maintenance
Trotec offers a variety of service contracts and maintenance options to maximize the service life of your laser. Our certified service technicians assemble and inspect your system, and provide tips on operating and maintaining your laser. If necessary, we replace wear parts such as lenses.
Which Laser Components are Subject to Wear and Tear?
Optical Components
Optical components, such as lenses or mirrors, are subject to normal wear and tear. However, the rate at which they wear depends on a number of operation-related variables: how long you work with the laser per day, which laser outputs are used, and which materials are processed. In addition, for applications with heavy dust generation or flame formation, the correct use of Air Assist is a significant influencing factor in maximizing the lifespans of your components. Over time, dirty and improperly cleaned laser lenses become increasingly impervious. This can lead to increased heat loss and eventually, if not replaced beforehand, destruction of the lens. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your laser's optical components prevents premature failure.
Laser Source
At the heart of the laser system is the laser source which generates the laser beam. Trotec primarily uses CO2 laser sources with ceramic interiors (Ceramicore®), which are characterized by a particularly long gas filling service life. The longevity of the laser source depends on several factors, of which the most important are the ambient conditions and operating mode. For example, short and dispersed jobs processed at a high power level will burden the laser source more than jobs continuously processed at a medium power level.
Ambient Conditions
With regards to operating temperatures, what applies to the laser system, as described above, also applies to the laser source. Temperatures that are too high or too low can significantly shorten your laser's service life (see above for details).
Contact for Technical Support
Do you have any questions about the service life or maintenance of your laser machine? Our technical support team will gladly assist you.
