In the past, laser machines were only used in manufacturing, however the development of the technology has meant that it is possible for DIY fanatics to use them at home. Buying the device and using it is one thing, but something many people don’t realise is that they need cleaning.
Depending on the materials you are using, smoke and dust may sometimes be released. Although this is generally not in large quantities, over time this can build up on your laser machine. If you want your device to be in good working order for years to come, you need to make sure you are cleaning it on a regular basis.
However, instruction manuals very rarely show you how to do this. Essentially, users know they should be cleaning their laser machines, but have no idea how to go about it. Keep reading to find out how to clean your laser machine.
Step 1: Check mirrors
When you are cleaning your laser machine, you will need to start by cleaning the mirrors. The type of appliance you have will determine how many mirrors you have as some have more than others. However, most devices have three.
The first mirror you need to look for is located at the back of the device. This mirror doesn’t get much dust during the process, so it only needs to be checked once a year. You will probably find that it isn’t very dusty, so you will only need to give it a quick wipe.
The second mirror can be found on the left of the machine, across the X axe. During heavy slicing, this can be exposed to dust and smoke. Therefore, this will need to be checked monthly.
The third mirror is right above the light beam point, meaning it is exposed to lots of dust and smoke. If dust collects on it, the light beam may struggle to focus. This means that you should be checking this mirror every time you want to use the device.
Step 2: Clean the lens
The lens is arguably the most important part of your laser machine as it is the part that helps you to focus the light beam. The lens is also the piece that is exposed to the most dust and smoke during cutting; it is also the most fragile part.
If you forget to regularly clean the lens, dust can build up and result in the light beam burning the surface of the lens. As this part is incredibly expensive, this is something you will want to avoid.
It is actually really quick and simple to clean the lens, all you need to do is use optical cleaner. Place a tiny drop onto the lens and rub it off with some anti-static paper.
Step 3: The laser machine
How often you need to clean your device will depend on how much use it gets, but it is generally recommended you do this between every 3 to 6 months.
The device itself isn’t that fragile and cleaning it is relatively simple. All you will need is some warm water, paper towels and Q-tips. However, if the device is particularly dirty or sticky, you can use chemical cleaner.
The main thing to remember when it comes to cleaning the device is that you need to be thorough. You need to make sure that you are getting into all the little corners and crevices of the device and removing any dried dust or smoke stains.
The idea of taking your laser machine apart and cleaning it may seem daunting, but it is actually much simpler than you may think. Ensuring it is always clean will also extend the lifespan of your device.
