Laser Machine Service near Southbourne, on 4 x Universal laser machines – Bourne Community College
A visit to our new customer, Bourne Community College was requested as the customer was wishing to have their 4 Universal laser machine serviced. The customer had 2 x VLS350 30 watt laser units and 2 x VLS360 50 watt laser units. The laser service of the Universal laser machines was conducted by our highly experienced service engineer ‘Gavin Edwards’.
Upon arrival at Bourne Community College the laser machines were visually inspected. The laser service visit included: –
1st Universal VLS 350 – 30 watt
The very first thing that was noticed about this machine upon it’s inspection was that the main lid glass was badly damaged. This was not able to be replaced at the service visit as this is not something that is normally found. The customer was advised that the glass should be replaced for safety reasons.
The inside of the chamber was also inspected, it was seen that the honeycomb bed was heavily damaged also.
It was found that the extraction unit was not being used, instead there was an inline fan which was vented out of the window, however this still blew smoke back into the classroom. The extraction unit had to be powered though for the inbuilt air compressor to operate. The extraction unit only had a pre-filter fitted inside which was dated 2018.
The remainder of the service items were carried out with only minor issues : –
- Inspected and Cleaned Mirrors
- Inspected and Cleaned focal lens – Contaminated but able to be cleaned
- Inspected and Cleaned protective window and laser nozzle – Also contaminated
- Inspect, Clean and Lubricate all Linear/Guide Rails
- Inspect, Clean and tension belts
- Checked and Cleaned Laser Source
- Cleaned all Fan Filters
- Calibrate Bed Level
- Checked the beam alignment – Need small adjustment
- Inspected Interlocks and Chiller Alarms
- Inspected and checked electrics, sensors and switches
- Safety Interlocks Inspection & Test
The laser power was measured at the exit aperture of the laser nozzle. This was shown to be reading 36w @100% power at the nozzle.
This filter was installed and a number of test runs were completed on the machine as a whole and the machine performed satisfactorily following adjustments.
2nd Universal VLS 350 – 30 watt
This unit also had a damaged honeycomb bed, but was not as badly damaged as the other units. As with the other Universal VLS 350 unit, the extraction unit was not being used. Only the air compressor to supply the air assist system. Upon checking the air assist system, it was noted that no air was exiting through the nozzle. This was causing flare ups in the material that was being cut. This was explained to the customer and was advised to not use the machine until further investigation was carried out into the cause of the blockage.
The remainder of the service items were carried out with only minor issues : –
- Inspected and Cleaned Mirrors
- Inspected and Cleaned focal lens
- Inspected and Cleaned protective window and laser nozzle
- Inspect, Clean and Lubricate all Linear/Guide Rails
- Inspect, Clean and tension belts
- Checked and Cleaned Laser Source
- Cleaned all Fan Filters
- Calibrate Bed Level
- Checked the beam alignment – Need small adjustment
- Inspected Interlocks and Chiller Alarms
- Inspected and checked electrics, sensors and switches
- Safety Interlocks Inspection & Test
The laser power was measured at the exit aperture of the laser nozzle. This was shown to be reading 25.5w @100% power at the nozzle.
1st Universal VLS 360 – 50 watt
The first Universal VLS 360 laser machine was inspected as with the other laser units the honeycomb bed was damaged. Some screws were also missing from the rear covers of the laser machine. As with the other machines above. The extraction unit was not being used for extraction, but for powering the air compressor. As per the last VLS 350 machine, there was no air coming from the exit aperture of the nozzle. The airline adaptor was found to be the issue and needed some small adjustment to fix
The service items were carried out with only minor issues : –
- Inspected and Cleaned Mirrors
- Inspected and Cleaned focal lens
- Inspected and Cleaned protective window and laser nozzle
- Inspect, Clean and Lubricate all Linear/Guide Rails
- Inspect, Clean and tension belts
- Checked and Cleaned laser source
- Cleaned all Fan Filters
- Calibrate Bed Level
- Checked beam alignment – adjustment required on mirror 1 and 2
- Inspected Interlocks and Chiller Alarms
- Inspected and checked electrics, sensors and switches
- Safety Interlocks Inspection & Test
The laser power was measured at the exit aperture of the laser nozzle. This was shown to be reading 48.9w @100% power at the nozzle.
The machine was tested and was shown to be operating as expected following the laser service work
2nd Universal VLS 360 – 50 watt
The second Universal VLS 360 laser machine was inspected and was also found to have a badly damaged honeycomb bed. Some screws were also missing from the rear covers of the laser machine. Unlike the machines above. The extraction unit was being used correctly,
Upon continuing the service the beam was found to be not passing through the nozzle. The nozzle was removed and the beam was firing straight. But with the nozzle fitted it was completely hitting the side of the nozzle. On these machine this is all part of one assembly and therefore unable to be adjusted. Adjusting mirror 1 was attempted but found to make no improvement. A different mirror 3 assembly was used and this resolved the issue immediately. This was discussed with the customer and was put down to recently changed lens maybe fitted incorrectly.
The service items were carried out with only minor issues : –
- Inspected and Cleaned Mirrors
- Inspect, Clean and Lubricate all Linear/Guide Rails
- Inspect, Clean and tension belts
- Checked and Cleaned laser source
- Cleaned all Fan Filters
- Calibrate Bed Level
- Checked beam alignment – adjustment required on mirror 1 and 2
- Inspected Interlocks and Chiller Alarms
- Inspected and checked electrics, sensors and switches
- Safety Interlocks Inspection & Test
The laser power was measured at the exit aperture of the laser nozzle. This was shown to be reading 48.9w @100% power at the nozzle.
The machine was tested and was shown to be operating as expected following the laser service work
Any of the consumable items mentioned above, Lens, Mirrors, Laser tubes, Power supplies are all available and can be bought separately in our online shop.
If you would like further information on our Laser Machine Service near Southbourne capabilities or anywhere else in the country, or any other Laser Training requirement or Laser Application, please request a call back or, talk to one of our service engineering specialists by going to our contact page – link below.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I improve Inconsistent Cutting Depth?
Check for debris or dust on the mirrors and lenses.
Ensure that the cutting bed is level across the entire work area.
How do I stop the laser from cutting unevenly?
Check that the work bed is level; an uneven bed will affect cutting depth.
Ensure the material is flat and secured in place on the bed.
How to stop the laser head dragging on Material
Check the height adjustment of the laser head and set the correct z-axis distance.
Verify that the workpiece is secured properly on the bed.
