When ambient temperatures drop below freezing (0°C / 32°F), the coolant inside a laser source can freeze and expand, posing serious risks to the internal optical and mechanical components. In extreme cases, frozen coolant can rupture pipes and permanently damage the laser, leading to downtime and costly repairs. To prevent such incidents, it’s essential to take proactive anti-freezing measures to safeguard your laser equipment during the cold season.

1.Recommended Working Conditions

To ensure optimal performance and prevent freezing-related issues, keep your laser in the following environment:

• Ambient temperature: 10°C–40°C (50°F–104°F)
• Humidity: 10%–70%

Cooling water temperature:

• Low-temperature circuit: 25°C (main cooling)
• High-temperature circuit: 28°C (QBH/laser head)

2.Daily Operation Precautions

Maintain a controlled environment:

Install the laser in an air-conditioned room to keep the operating temperature between 10°C and 40°C, with humidity below 70%.

Set proper water temperatures:

Keep low-temperature water at 25°C and high-temperature water at 28°C to prevent thermal contraction or expansion that could damage internal components.

Add antifreeze when necessary:

If the ambient temperature is below 0°C, drain the system completely, then refill it with a mixture of 20% antifreeze and 80% purified water.

For environments below –10°C, you may increase the antifreeze ratio (up to 30%).

Note: Antifreeze has lower thermal conductivity and some corrosiveness, so replace it with purified water once winter ends.

3.Long-Term Storage Precautions

If the laser will remain unused for an extended period:

Completely drain all water from the laser and chiller. Use compressed air to blow out any residual water from the internal circulation system to prevent freezing, corrosion, or clogging.

Apply dust protection:

Wrap the laser and chiller with stretch film or cover them with dust-proof fabric to prevent contamination during storage.

4.Draining Procedure

Cabinet-type lasers:

Turn off the power, disconnect water hoses, and blow compressed air into the system to remove residual water.

Rack-mounted lasers:

Follow the same procedure—power off, disconnect, and blow out any remaining water.

Chiller units:

Drain the tank, disconnect the hoses, blow out remaining water, and clean the tank thoroughly.

5.Antifreeze Mixing Ratios

• Below 0°C → Use 20% antifreeze + 80% water
• Below –10°C → Increase antifreeze up to 30%

Select an antifreeze whose freezing point is slightly lower than the local minimum temperature—lower isn’t always better.

Reminder: Antifreeze cannot permanently replace deionized or distilled water. After winter, flush the system and revert to purified water as the coolant.

6.Additional Safety Recommendations

Use a dual-function chiller equipped with heating capability, and keep it running continuously to ensure water circulation.

Before starting the laser in cold conditions, check coolant status. If the system was idle or power was cut off, ensure all water was drained and the system was cleared with compressed air.

If your laser includes an air-conditioning unit, clean the air filters regularly:

• Every 2 weeks (if installed in a temperature-controlled room)
• Weekly (in non-controlled environments)
• Daily (in harsh or dusty sites)

Conclusion

Preventing your laser from freezing isn’t just a maintenance step—it’s essential protection for your investment. By following these guidelines, you ensure stable performance, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of your laser equipment throughout the winter season.

Contact Han’s Laser today to get professional assistance and keep your laser systems running safely and efficiently all year round.