As the weather turns colder and temperatures drop, it is crucial to take proactive steps to ensure the continued smooth operation of your laser equipment. Low temperatures can cause significant damage if not properly managed. This guide provides expert advice on how to protect and maintain your laser systems during the winter months to avoid unnecessary losses.
Optimal Operating Environment for Laser Equipment
Ideal Environment for Laser Equipment Use:
Temperature: 25±3°C (77±5°F)
Humidity: 80±10%
Acceptable Environment for Laser Equipment Use:
Temperature: 5-30°C (41-86°F)
Humidity: 5-85%
Winter Operating Environment:
Laser equipment should never be used in environments where the temperature is below 5°C (41°F). Prolonged exposure to lower temperatures can compromise equipment functionality and lead to damage.
Impact of Low Temperatures on Laser Equipment
Operating or storing laser equipment in environments below 5°C can lead to several issues:
Laser Components: Components such as the laser source and external optics may fail to function properly due to excessively low temperatures.
Water-Cooling Systems: Water cooling lines are especially vulnerable, as freezing water can deform or rupture internal pipes, causing severe damage. If the water cooling system is damaged and the machine is started, it could lead to coolant leakage and damage critical internal components.
To prevent these issues, it is essential to take protective measures, such as adding antifreeze to the water cooling system or employing other antifreeze solutions.
Frost Protection Measures for Laser Equipment (Water-Cooled Systems)
Winter Frost Protection Measures
Maintain Temperature: Install air conditioning or heating systems to ensure the temperature in the operating environment stays above 5°C.
Continuous Operation of Chiller: Keep the chiller running 24/7, as flowing water is less likely to freeze.
Long-Term Storage: If the equipment will not be used for an extended period or if power is lost, be sure to drain the chiller and store the equipment in an environment above 5°C.
Antifreeze Addition: When temperatures drop below 5°C, it is essential to add antifreeze specifically designed for laser equipment.
Antifreeze Usage Instructions
If the temperature may fall below 5°C, it is recommended to add a mixture of antifreeze and water at a ratio of 3:7.
For temperatures below 0°C, strict adherence to antifreeze mixing guidelines is required.
In extremely cold conditions, ensure that the antifreeze is properly mixed and added on time. Refer to the following table for correct ratios.
| Special Antifreeze Mixture Ratio for Laser Equipment | |
| Local Temperature: -42°C to -45°C | 6:4 (60% antifreeze, 40% water) |
| Local Temperature: -32°C to -35°C | 5:5 (50% antifreeze, 50% water) |
| Local Temperature: -22°C to -25°C | 4:6 (40% antifreeze, 60% water) |
| Local Temperature: -12°C to -15°C | 3:7 (30% antifreeze, 70% water) |
Once temperatures consistently exceed 5°C, the antifreeze must be completely drained, and the system flushed with distilled or purified water to return to normal operation.
Chiller Draining Procedure
Step 1: Ensure all power is off before draining. Open the drain valve on the back of the chiller to release residual water.
Step 2: Remove the inlet and outlet pipes on the back of the chiller (label pipes for easy reinstallation).
Step 3: Unscrew the filter element to drain any remaining water.
Step 4: Connect a 0.2MPA (2KG) air source to one end of the water pipe to drain any remaining water in the laser.
Note: If using an air gun, open all connection points (including the water fill port) and blow air from the inlet side only. Avoid using excessive pressure to prevent damage to the laser components. Ensure all water is fully drained to avoid freezing and damage to the cooling system.
Winter Startup Precautions
Step 1: Confirm that the indoor temperature is between 5-35°C before starting the laser equipment.
Step 2: Check that the water cooling system is free of ice. If frozen, do not start the equipment.
Step 3: If ice is present, turn on heating or air conditioning to raise the environment temperature to 5-35°C, allowing the ice to thaw naturally over 4 hours. Do not forcibly remove ice to avoid hardware damage.
Step 4: Once the equipment is ice-free, start the chiller first to preheat the system.
Step 5: Wait until the chiller reaches a stable operating temperature (recommended: 25 ± 3°C) before starting the laser.
Step 6: After powering on, set the laser output to below 30% and let it idle for 10 minutes to warm up before starting normal production.
Frost Protection Measures for Air-Cooled Laser Equipment
Air-cooled systems do not require antifreeze or extensive drainage measures. However, they still need to be protected from freezing temperatures with the following precautions:
Winter Frost Protection Measures
1.Temperature Control: Ensure the operating environment remains above 5°C, either through air conditioning or heating.
2.No Special Protection Needed During Operation: Under normal working conditions, no additional protection measures are necessary.
3.Storage Requirements: When not in use or during a power outage, store the equipment in an environment above 5°C.
Winter Start-Up Procedures for Air-Cooled Equipment
1.Initial Start-Up: After powering on, set the energy to below 30%. Maintain other parameters unchanged.
2.Preheat: Run the system idle for approximately 10 minutes to allow for proper preheating before starting production.
For more detailed guidance on frost protection, maintenance, and other best practices for your laser equipment, feel free to contact Han’s Laser. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your equipment operates efficiently and remains protected against winter-related issues.