Common Laser Cutting Machine Faults And Troubleshooting Methods

Laser cutting machines are widely used for precision cutting and engraving. However, occasional faults can occur, affecting performance. This guide outlines common laser cutting machine issues and effective troubleshooting methods.

1. No Laser Emission During Operation

Possible Causes:

1. Check if the laser tube is emitting light at the output port.

2. If no light is emitted, verify whether the water circulation is functioning properly (ensure smooth water flow in the outlet tube).

3. If water circulation is normal, check if the laser power supply fan is running.

4. Press the laser power test button. If there is still no laser output, there may be a power issue.

5. If the laser emits light during testing but not during normal operation, other system faults may exist.

6. If bypassing the water protection signal wire does not restore laser function, further inspection is required.

Troubleshooting:

• Check for damaged mirrors or misalignment in the optical path.

• Clean the water pump and unclog the water pipes.

• Replace the laser power supply if faulty.

• If the issue persists, either the laser power supply or laser tube may need replacement.

• Replace the water protection device if defective.

• Inspect and replace the control card or wiring board if necessary.

2. Machine Does Not Start

Possible Causes:

1. Check whether the indicator lights on the control panel are functioning.

2. If lights are on, verify software settings, especially on new machines.

3. If settings are correct but the machine does not start, there may be a hardware failure.

Troubleshooting:

• Check the power supply system and main fuse.

• Ensure the correct parameters are entered in the software.

• Inspect the control card or driver for faults.

3. Inconsistent Laser Output (Intermittent Firing)

Possible Causes:

1. Dirty or damaged mirrors, or a misaligned optical path.

2. Water circulation issues, such as intermittent flow.

3. Faulty water protection system.

4. Possible issues with the control card, laser source, or laser tube.

Troubleshooting:

• Clean or replace the mirrors and realign the optical path.

• Clean or replace the water pump and clear the water pipes.

• Replace the water protection device.

• Test and replace faulty components if needed.

4. Shallow Engraving or Cutting Depth

Possible Causes:

1. Incorrect working current, speed, or high water temperature.

2. Insufficient cutting depth despite normal settings.

3. Inconsistent cutting depth.

4. If the ammeter reaches 20mA but the cutting depth is still insufficient, laser power may be weak.

Troubleshooting:

• Increase current, reduce speed, and replace the cooling water.

• Adjust the engraving resolution.

• Check and clean or replace mirrors; realign the optical path if necessary.

• If the laser tube is aging, replace it.

5. Machine Stops Engraving or Produces Errors Mid-Process

Possible Causes:

1. Poor grounding—check that the ground resistance does not exceed 5 ohms.

2. Computer power-saving settings (such as sleep mode) may disrupt operation.

3. Errors in the original design file, including open paths or missing strokes.

4. The issue may only occur with specific design files.

5. If the issue persists across multiple designs, hardware problems may be present.

Troubleshooting:

• Improve the machine’s grounding to meet safety standards.

• Disable sleep mode and power-saving settings.

• Correct errors in the design file.

• Reprocess faulty design data.

• Inspect the computer’s serial port or the engraving machine’s control card.

6. Incorrect Output Dimensions

Possible Causes:

• The pulse equivalent settings in the machine software may be incorrect.

Troubleshooting:

• Enter the correct pulse equivalent values in the settings.

7. Abnormal Machine Reset

Possible Causes:

1. If the machine moves in the correct direction but does not stop at the limit switch, software settings should be checked first.

2. If only the laser head fails to reset, the tension wheel may be stuck, the motor shaft may be broken, or the parameters may be incorrect.

3. If the machine moves in the wrong direction and crashes into the frame during reset, software or hardware issues may exist.

4. If a GN model fails to reset, check for loose or damaged 68-pin data cables and adapter boards.

Troubleshooting:

• Replace the control card or faulty limit sensors.

• Replace the tension wheel or small motor and adjust parameters.

• Correct software settings to ensure proper reset behavior.

• Reconnect or replace damaged data cables and adapter boards.