Monday, October 14, 2024

Laser Cutting Tripping issue & Cutting software error & Wiring error

 

Tripping issue

Solution steps:

  1. Check for short circuits or grounded cables in the main circuit.
  2. Check for short circuits or grounding in the driver power line.

Cutting software error

  1. Uninstall and reinstall the cutting software.
  2. Switch to a lower or higher version of the software.

Wiring error

  1. Check the circuit according to the electrical schematic diagram.
  2. Use a multimeter to test cable continuity and apply the elimination method to find the source of the fault. Troubleshooting Guide
  3. CorelDRAW Error Codes
  4. trotec Laser Error
  5. LightBurn GRBL Errors

Thursday, October 10, 2024

How To Use A Laser Cutter Machine for Beginners?

 

How To Use A Laser Cutter Machine for Beginners?

Laser cutting is a non-contact subtractive manufacturing technology to cut materials in small business and industrial manufacturing applications. The working principle is to guide the output of a high-power focused pro laser beam to melt the material so that the edge has a high-quality surface finish. The industrial-grade maintenance-free laser beam cutting system has outstanding technical advantages, ultra-low power consumption, reduced operating costs, and repeatable and accurate positioning performance, which sets a new benchmark for the cutting of complex patterns and establishes a new standard for process quality inspection.

Before starting, you should do the following preparations:

First, we should check all the connections of the machine (including power supply, PC and exhaust system) are correct and inserted correctly. Visually check the condition of the machine. Ensure that all mechanisms move freely, and check that there is no material under the processing table. Ensure that the work area and optical components are clean, and clean if necessary. For more information on this issue, please read the "General Maintenance" section of the operation manual. Check the exhaust system and start the cooling system if necessary. Check whether the filter and activated carbon of the exhaust system are installed in accordance with the instructions. After checking, close the protective cover.

Next, press the main switch to turn on the main power of the machine. Turn the key switch on the control panel. This is machine-specific and not relevant to all lasers. If all the covers fixed with safety circuit breakers are closed, the system will start to quote after startup. After turning on the machine, the table will move all the way down while the pro cutting head moves to the zero position (located in the upper left corner). When there is a sound and the LED light flashes slowly and steadily, the reference process has been completed correctly and the machine is ready to start operation.

After all preparations are finished, do as the easy-to-follow operation steps:

  • Step 1. Place the raw material to be cut steadily on the table;

  • Step 2. According to the material and thickness of the raw material to be cut, adjust the system cutting parameters of the equipment correspondingly;

  • Step 3. Choose suitable nozzles and lenses, and inspect them to make sure their appearance and cleanliness are intact;

  • Step 4. Repeatedly debug the equipment and adjust the focus point of the cutting head to a suitable position;

  • Step 5. Check and adjust the nozzle of the equipment and adjust it to the center;

  • Step 6. Adjust and calibrate the sensor of the cutting head;

  • Step 7. According to your own working needs, select a suitable gas, and check whether the jet is in good condition;

  • Step 8. Try cutting the raw material to be cut, and observe whether the section is smooth and the cutting accuracy is accurate. If there is a deviation, adjust the equipment parameters accordingly until the proofing meets the requirements;

  • Step 9. Draw and typeset the graphics to be cut, and import them into the cutting system;

  • Step 10. Adjust the position of the cutting head. You can start working after all preparations are done;

  • Step 11. During the operation, the staff needs to be present at the scene to observe the working condition of the equipment, and if there is an emergency, they need to quickly press the brake button;

  • Step 12. When the equipment is stopped, always clean the guide rails, wipe the rack of the equipment, and often apply lubricating oil on the guide rails to ensure that there is no debris;

  • Step 13. The motor ring should be cleaned frequently to ensure the normal operation of the machine and accurate cutting, so as to ensure the quality;

  • Step 14. The staff must use a vacuum cleaner to suck away the dust and debris from the machine every week to ensure the cleanliness of the equipment;

  • Step 15. To ensure the service life of the machine, it is necessary to check the straightness and verticality of its track every six months, and if any abnormality is found, it must be maintained and debugged in time.


Comparison Table: xTool Creative Space vs LightBurn

 

Comparison Table: xTool Creative Space vs LightBurn

Both xTool Creative Space and LightBurn offer unique benefits and cater to different user needs. xTool Creative Space shines with its ease of use, cost-efficiency, and seamless integration with xTool machines, making it perfect for beginners and hobbyists. In contrast, LightBurn excels in versatility, advanced features, and support for various laser machines, making it ideal for professionals and those handling complex projects. By weighing these factors, users can find the software that best fits their individual requirements.

CriteriaxTool Creative SpaceLightBurn
Ease of UseUser-friendly, great for beginnersMore complex, aimed at experienced users
CompatibilityExclusively with xTool machinesCompatible with various laser brands
CostGenerally lowerGenerally higher
Learning CurveEasier to master quicklySteeper learning curve
FeaturesBasic design tools and built-in templatesAdvanced features like vector drawing, extensive customization
User ExperienceSimplified setup and operationAdvanced control and customization
Community SizeSmaller, xTool-centricLarger, multi-brand
File HandlingLimited file optionsBroader file format support
Project SuitabilitySimple to moderate projectsComplex and detailed projects
Platform AvailabilityWindows and macOSWindows and macOS
Customer SupportEasy, specific to xTool machinesBroad, multi-device support

Comparison Table: xTool Creative Space vs LightBurn

Monday, October 07, 2024

How to solve the problem of thermal damage to materials in laser cutting machines

How to solve the problem of thermal damage to materials in laser cutting machines

During the laser cutting process, thermal damage is difficult to completely avoid, but it can be effectively reduced through the following methods:

Optimize laser cutting parameters:

  • Reduce laser power: Reducing laser power can reduce the heat input to the material, thereby reducing the heat affected zone. But this may slow down the cutting speed.
  • Increasing cutting speed: Increasing cutting speed can shorten the interaction time between the laser beam and the material, thereby reducing heat transfer. However, excessive speed can lead to a decrease in cutting quality, such as insufficient penetration or bottom slag.
  • Using appropriate auxiliary gas and its pressure: Auxiliary gas can help blow away the slag and heat in the cutting area, and selecting the appropriate gas type and pressure is crucial for reducing the heat affected zone.

Choose the appropriate laser cutting mode:

  • Pulse laser mode: For highly reflective materials, using pulse laser mode can reduce the dwell time of the laser beam on the material surface, thereby reducing heat accumulation and reflection.

Improve beam quality:

  • Using high-quality optical components: Clean lenses and mirrors can ensure optimal focusing of the laser beam, thereby reducing the heat affected zone. Regularly clean optical components and replace them as needed.
  • Ensure optical path alignment: Optical path alignment is crucial for ensuring the correct focusing of the laser beam. Regularly inspect and adjust the optical path, especially after replacing optical components.
    Choose appropriate materials:
  • Consider the thermal properties of materials: Different materials have different thermal properties. Choosing materials with good thermal conductivity and high melting point can reduce thermal damage.

Other methods:

  • Using a heat sink: Placing a heat sink below the cutting area can help absorb excess heat, thereby reducing the heat affected zone.
  • Using protective film: Covering the material surface with a layer of protective film can reduce heat accumulation and to some extent prevent surface oxidation of the material.

It should be noted that the optimal solution depends on multiple factors, including the type of laser cutting machine used, the type and thickness of the material, and the required cutting quality. Suggest conducting testing to determine the optimal parameters and methods for specific applications.

https://laserqa.com/questions/D1Bh/how-to-solve-the-problem-of-thermal-damage-to-materials

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

Common problems affecting the cutting size accuracy of laser cutting machines

 

Common Problems Affecting the Accuracy of Laser Cutting Machine Cutting Dimensions

There are various factors that can cause deviations in cutting dimensions during laser cutting. Here are some common issues:

Mechanical Issues

  • Reverse clearance:
    Reverse clearance refers to the motion delay caused by the clearance between gears and screws in mechanical transmission systems. This results in a deviation between the starting and ending points of the cutting.

  • Gear and rack meshing problem:
    If the gear and rack meshing on the X or Y axis is improper, it can cause uneven movement, thereby affecting the accuracy of cutting dimensions.

  • Motor installation issue:
    Improper motor installation (such as loose coupling or incorrect gasket installation) can result in inaccurate movement.

  • Guide rail issue:
    Excessive errors in parallelism and perpendicularity of the guide rail can cause deviations in cutting dimensions.

  • Synchronization wheel issue:
    Loose or damaged synchronization wheels can lead to inaccurate cutting dimensions, especially during high-speed cutting.

  • Sliding block issue:
    Loose or damaged sliding blocks can cause jagged patterns to appear during the cutting process, affecting cutting accuracy.

  • Uneven worktable:
    An uneven worktable can cause a change in the focus of laser cutting, thereby affecting the accuracy of cutting depth and size.

Optical Path Issues

  • Misalignment of laser beam:
    Misalignment of the laser beam can cause the cutting line to deviate from the predetermined path, thereby affecting the accuracy of cutting dimensions.

  • Optical component contamination:
    Dust, dirt, or other contaminants on the lens or focusing lens can scatter the laser beam, reducing cutting accuracy.

  • Focusing lens issue:
    Loose or incorrect focal length of the focusing lens can cause deviations in cutting dimensions.

Material Issues

  • Uneven material:
    If the surface of the cutting material is uneven, it may cause a change in the focus of laser cutting, affecting the cutting quality and dimensional accuracy.

  • High reflectivity of materials:
    For high reflectivity materials such as aluminum and copper, laser beams may be reflected, resulting in low cutting efficiency and affecting cutting quality and dimensional accuracy.

Other Factors

  • Improper setting of cutting parameters:
    Cutting speed too fast or too slow, laser power too high or too low, inappropriate air pressure, etc., can all affect the accuracy of cutting dimensions.

  • Control system issues:
    Control card, driver, or motor failures may result in inaccurate motion control, thereby affecting the accuracy of cutting dimensions.

  • Environmental factors:
    Changes in environmental temperature and humidity may affect the accuracy of the machine, especially in places without air conditioning.

Recommendations

To ensure the accuracy of laser cutting dimensions, please make sure to:

  • Regularly maintain the machine, including cleaning optical components, lubricating guide rails, inspecting motors and transmission systems, etc.
  • Select appropriate cutting parameters based on different cutting materials and thicknesses.
  • Ensure that the surface of the cutting material is flat and firmly fixed on the workbench.
  • During the cutting process, closely observe the operating status of the machine, and promptly identify and solve problems.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Comparison Table: xTool Creative Space vs LightBurn

 Both xTool Creative Space and LightBurn offer unique benefits and cater to different user needs. xTool Creative Space shines with its ease of use, cost-efficiency, and seamless integration with xTool machines, making it perfect for beginners and hobbyists. In contrast, LightBurn excels in versatility, advanced features, and support for various laser machines, making it ideal for professionals and those handling complex projects. By weighing these factors, users can find the software that best fits their individual requirements.

CriteriaxTool Creative SpaceLightBurn
Ease of UseUser-friendly, great for beginnersMore complex, aimed at experienced users
CompatibilityExclusively with xTool machinesCompatible with various laser brands
CostGenerally lowerGenerally higher
Learning CurveEasier to master quicklySteeper learning curve
FeaturesBasic design tools and built-in templatesAdvanced features like vector drawing, extensive customization
User ExperienceSimplified setup and operationAdvanced control and customization
Community SizeSmaller, xTool-centricLarger, multi-brand
File HandlingLimited file optionsBroader file format support
Project SuitabilitySimple to moderate projectsComplex and detailed projects
Platform AvailabilityWindows and macOSWindows and macOS
Customer SupportEasy, specific to xTool machinesBroad, multi-device support

Comparison Table: xTool Creative Space vs LightBurn

Friday, September 27, 2024

Laser engraving machine winter protection

 Winter protection for laser engraving machine

  1. If there is absolutely no power outage in the local area, do not turn off the chiller or water pump at night. At the same time, in order to save energy, the temperature of low-temperature and room temperature water is adjusted to 5–10 degrees Celsius to ensure that the coolant is in a circulating state and the temperature is not lower than freezing point.
  2. After daily use, drain the laser, laser output head, and cooling liquid from the water cooler. All cooling water in the laser, laser output head, processing head, and water cooling machine must be completely drained in order to effectively protect the entire water cooling pipeline and related components.
  3. Use antifreeze or glass water as coolant.

When the laser engraving machine is frequently powered off and does not have the conditions for daily coolant drainage, antifreeze must be used. The base fluid of antifreeze is generally composed of alcohols and water. When selecting or mixing antifreeze, its freezing point should be 5 degrees Celsius lower than the lowest temperature of the operating environment.

It can be mixed with glass water at minus 35 degrees Celsius or ethylene glycol in a 1:1 ratio with pure water, and can reach minus 25 degrees Celsius without freezing.

twitter: @LaserQA

websitelaserQA.com

https://laserqa.com/questions/D10e/laser-engraving-machine-winter-protection