Fiber laser cutting machines are used in various applications throughout the year, and regular maintenance is essential to keep them in top condition. This is especially prominent in winter or in areas where it is too cold. In order to avoid downtime and unnecessary losses, be sure to take appropriate anti-freezing measures. Here are some tips for maintaining fiber laser cutting machines in winter or cold areas.
Since the temperature drops sharply in cold conditions, operating the fiber laser cutting machine at a significant temperature below 0°C will undoubtedly cause problems. Once the cooling water freezes, its volume will expand, which will cause the internal pipes of the laser or water cooling system to rupture or deform. In turn, this will further damage other core components and cause significant losses.
How to maintain the fiber laser cutting machine in cold conditions?
Please follow the following tips to properly keep the fiber laser cutting machine in a cold environment:
- Keep the working temperature above 0℃
In order for the fiber laser cutting machine to operate normally in winter, it is best to improve the heating facilities in the workshop and ensure that the ambient temperature is kept above 0°C.
If there is no heating equipment in the workshop, and the ambient temperature may be lower than 5°C. Keep the cooler running for 24 hours.
At the same time, in order to save energy, the temperature of low-temperature water and normal-temperature water should be adjusted to 5-10°C to ensure that the cooling water circulates and the temperature is not lower than the freezing point.
For users who add grease to the screw, please don’t forget to clean it. Otherwise it will freeze motion; when adding grease, make sure that the temperature in the workshop reaches the minimum lubrication temperature.
- Empty the cooling water after use
After daily use, drain the cooling water from the pipeline. Use an air pump or compressor to effectively discharge water. In addition, if necessary, remove the chiller or water pump and place it in a hot place to prevent the circulation equipment from freezing.
- Drainage method
The main drainage parts of the laser water cooler and water tank: water tank, pipes, pump head, filter, deionized water tank (optional accessory), disconnect the power supply of the drainage device.
Water tank drain: Open the drain valve (or drain plug) at the bottom of the water tank to drain the water in the water tank. If necessary, you can tilt the water cooler to a certain angle to clean the drain.
Drainage of pipes and lasers: first unplug the four-way water pipe, and then use compressed air to blow from the drain and outlet of the pipe for one minute to force the water stored in the pipe to flow back to the water tank and the drain. Water from the water tank drain .
Unscrew the filter element in the chiller and drain the water in the filter element.
Open the water tank cover and observe whether there is water in the water tank (you can use compressed air to connect the water supply port and blow it back again, and then press the remaining water into the pipe, laser (pipe) and pump (return to the water tank, and then discharge from the water tank drain Water). If available, tilt the cooler slightly to allow the water to run out or dry it with a dry towel.
Drain the pump head: unscrew the screw under the pump to drain the water in the pump. It is best to blow off the remaining water on the pump head with compressed air, and then tighten the drain screw.
Drainage of filter and deionized water tank: Open the drain valve at the bottom of the filter and deionized water tank or the plexiglass shell to remove residual water.
- Add antifreeze to the cooling water
If there are frequent power outages or the cold water cannot be drained every day, antifreeze must be used. Antifreeze usually consists of alcohol and water. It requires high boiling point and flash point, high specific heat and electrical conductivity, low temperature viscosity, low foam, corrosion to metal parts and rubber hoses. When selecting or preparing antifreeze, its freezing point should be 5°C lower than the lowest temperature of the working environment.
- Use ethanol for short-term freeze protection
If a power failure occurs and the cooling water cannot be drained, temporary antifreeze is required. You can add ethanol (alcohol) to deionized water or purified water. The addition amount shall not exceed 40% of the volume of the water tank. Paint and rubber parts are corrosive and corrosive to metals, so they cannot be used for a long time. You must drain and clean the cooling pipe with purified water or deionized water within a week. If you still need antifreeze, you must choose a special antifreeze.
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