Laser Machine Maintenance: Mirrors, Lenses & More (2018)

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A full, easy to understand explanation of how to maintain and clean your laser machine, mirrors and lenses.
Find out what to clean, when and how often to keep your Laser machine in top condition.
The .dxf file for the lens holder shown in the video can be downloaded here: thinklaser.com/...
Welcome to the 44th in our series of videos that aim to teach you how to use a laser cutter.
In this video, Russ Explains how best to maintain your laser cutting and engraving machine to ensure optimum performance and maximise the life of your machine.
Please Subscribe, leave comments and let us know what topics you would like to see in future videos.
thinklaser.com/....
Presented by Russ from Sarbar Multimedia ( / sarbarmu.. ) and using Thinklaser's Lightblade 4060 - 60 watt flatbed laser system you will be taken in easy stages through
- Machine Set-up,
- Use of the RDWorks Software,
- Maintenance and Alignment
- Troubleshooting
- Building projects
- Laser Safety
- Laser theory
- Laser Cutting
- Laser Engraving
- Materials
- Hints and Tips
If you are new to the world of lasers and are thinking of dipping your toe in the water and purchasing your first laser machine, check out these videos to determine it's right for you and avoid the potential pitfalls awaiting you.
Even if you are a seasoned laser user, we're sure there will be something in this series that will catch your interest, particularly if you are a user of the RDWorks software.
No matter what brand of laser system you currently own, many of the topics to be covered will be of direct interest.
If you are currently in the market for a laser system, please get in touch and ask about our Lightblade range.
Lightblade 3040 - 40 watts (300 x 400mm working area)
Lightblade 3040 - 60 watts (300 x 400mm working area)
Lightblade 4060 - 40 watts (400 x 600mm working area)
Lightblade 4060 - 60 watts (400 x 600mm working area)
Lightblade 6090 - 60 watts (600 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 6090 - 80 watts (600 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 6090 - 100 watts (600 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1290 - 60 watts (1200 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1290 - 80 watts (1200 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1290 - 100 watts (1200 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1290 - 130 watts (1200 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1290 - 150 watts (1200 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1490 - 60 watts (1400 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1490 - 80 watts (1400 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1490 - 100 watts (1400 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1490 - 130 watts (1400 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1490 - 150 watts (1400 x 900mm working area)
Lightblade 1610 - 60 watts (1200 x 1000mm working area)
Lightblade 1610 - 80 watts (1600 x 1000mm working area)
Lightblade 1610 - 100 watts (1600 x 1000mm working area)
Lightblade 1610 - 130 watts (1600 x 1000mm working area)
Lightblade 1610 - 150 watts (1600 x 1000mm working area)
Optional pass-through port available
If you need something bigger, specials are available up to 1500 x 3000mm bed size.
EFR & Reci tubes used
Finance Available
Looking to mark or engrave metals?
Need YAG or Fibre lasers?
Looking for laser automation or integration?
Check out our Lightwriter models at thinklaser.com/....
Lightblade Learning Lab Series - www.youtube.co....
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Website: thinklaser.com/
Lightblade | Laser Cutting | Laser Engraving | Flatbed Laser | RDWorks | Laser cutting Tutorials | Thinklaser | How Does a Laser Cutter Work | Laser Cutting Process | Laser Cutting Software | How A Laser Cutter Works | How To Use A Laser Cutter | How To Use A Laser Engraver | How to Use a Laser Cutting Machine | RDWorks Tutorial | RDWorks Learning Lab | Laser Cutter | Laser Cutting Machine | Laser Engraving

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7 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 91

@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145 3 года назад

A very good video for all those hans on makers digging into highly physical machines like lasers. First time I heard one telling that mirrors and lenses might be burnt in by condensates. Thumbs up. You do a good job for those non technicians to releaf their creativity.

@acdii 5 лет назад

As always, very informative. Thinklaser did good having Russ as their video spokesman! I learned so much in such a short period of time that I now refer to Russ as the Professor of Laser.

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Acdii, Thanks for your kind words. Russ has been of great assistance to Thinklaser. Regards Gareth @ Thinklaser

@jaimeelson1 4 года назад

Great video!! Very clear and to the point. I wish you lived down the street and ran laser cutter classes. Thanks

@ctinet5852 2 года назад

Good afternoon, I'm from Brazil, congratulations on the video, another subscriber.

@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145 3 года назад

Your videos are the best I could find so far in the world weired web of incompetence with megaphones 🤣. Very nice. Exactly the detail level needed, no useless boring philosophies just straight forward good info. Carry on. Many will thank you. Very British.

@jonathanking6546 2 года назад

Is there any chance or problem with cross contamination by dipping the the cleaning cotton ball back into the alcohol? Also, since alcohol is fairly cheap in the USA, so could I dip and soak the lens? This was such a great video and so informative. I am trying to buy my first machine used and will watch this video a couple times if I get it because I really had no idea how to clean and maintain the machine. I am buying my machine used so it probably has problems, but now I know what to look for and what to use to clean it. Thank you so very much. I have a much greater understanding about these machines.

@thetinman1001 4 года назад

Hi Russ. I am trying to find the DXF file for the lens holder without any success. The site link that was included with this video is no longer valid. Any change you ca assist me here and point me in the proper direction? Thanks Tim

@Hanszweidrei 4 года назад

Sehr gute, klare und anschauliche Einweisung, vielen Dank !

@gerritstrydom77 5 лет назад

I really wish my clients would put this much effort into cleaning their machines, it would make my job so much easier. Thank you for the awesome video.

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Gerrit, If done on a regular basis, it doesn't really take up that much time. Maybe you could supply your customers with a monthly maintenance checklist to get the ball rolling? Gareth @ Thinklaser.

@gerritstrydom77 5 лет назад

@@Thinklaser Thank you very much, i will do that. Have a wonderful day and please keep posting videos :-)

@horypeti28 2 года назад

Very informative series. As I know, when you insert the lens back into the head, convex surface should facing upward to laser beam and concave facing to engraved surface. Otherwise thank you.

@artkidsout 4 года назад

Only thing I would add is regular alignment check. Just a soft test at the cutting head to be sure everything is still skookem and tuned.

@zawilious 2 года назад

So for the tube window lens , we can only use isopropyl alcohol ?

@Lasercuttinglk 4 года назад

Hello Sir Thankyou verymuch for the nice and easy step explanation of how to clean laser cutting machine👍great job

@tugboatpatriot9482 5 лет назад

Another great one I just watched from you Russ. Thanks.

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Tugboat Patriot, Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed. Gareth @ Thinklaser

@daviddth99 3 года назад

Great video, thanks. The only thing that made me cringe was spraying your dry lubricant in the laser area, especially after you have cleaned your mirrors and lenses.

@croquislopez7941 5 лет назад

Excellent video, thank you very much for sharing your experience. I will put into practice their advice. A cordial greeting from Argentina.

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Croquis, Thanks for the kind words. We're glad to help out. Regards Gareth

@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145 3 года назад

Do you think it helps putting some air nozzles to the mirrors to keep away condensates?

@SeanChYT 4 года назад

What purity of IPA is that? I tried to google the Servisol IPA 170 product but found no clear answer. I have some 99% IPA on hand, if that is suitable.

@jackflash6377 4 года назад

Acetone destroys ABS plastic. Use caution when cleaning plastic parts such as nozzles

@katndog1 3 года назад

you said something that I can't figure out what you meant. to clean the class directly from the laser head itself, use nothing or what to clean it.. acetone or alcohol?

@flamingomtn 5 лет назад

I hope everyone pays attention to keeping their file system cleaned out. I learned that the hard way and will never be able to use a file on a thumb drive again. The machine is fine as long as I send the files directly from the computer but the internal memory is tanked.

@Rrevo 3 года назад

Is there a more accessible product like the whatman 105 lens tissues I can find in smaller quantities? Perhaps a type of product I should be looking for?

@ThomasWozak 3 года назад

thanks Russ, great as allways!

@neatpleats11 6 лет назад

Russ, you almost said "Welcome to another RD Works". I could see it coming... LOL

@Thinklaser 6 лет назад

Hi Scott, This is Gareth@Thinklaser. Russ is the consummate professional, so it is unlikely to happen, he also controls his own editing so even less chance lol.

@jeremykush4932 3 года назад

It seems the link for your lens holder no longer works. Is there a new link available, by chance, please?

@invaziq 3 года назад

Great video, so thankful, now I can cut again without a llot of power.. : )

@MentallFloss 5 лет назад

I usually clean the lens without removing it from the nozzle using the cotton stick very gently and then spraying inside with compressed air it comes out perfect every time. It also saves me time as I photo engrave and cut thousands of 12x8cm ply pieces every month so I usually clean the lenses 2 or 3 times a month. But I have been using ethyl alcohol up until now have I damaged the lens ? I want to replace the lenses and am looking for a good lens kit with 38mm lens can you please advise what type of lens I should buy and if possible where to buy it ? Thank you very much I have learned A LOT from your videos

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Mentalfloss, Ethyl alcohol should be fine, it's acetone that can damage the lens surface. Russ has developed a compound lens assembly which contains a 1.5" lens, a 2" lens and a laser nozzle assembly for around $50 from Cloudray. Regards Gareth @ Thinklaser.com

@MentallFloss 5 лет назад

@@Thinklaser Thank you, good to know I also do the same with the tube lens it comes out perfect every time

@JAY2011IRL 4 года назад

Where do you buy this cleaning kit? So its not necessary to remove mirrors for the cleaning process? so I don't have to realign them, Cheers Jason

@vaughanza 4 года назад

Thanks, Russ Great video

@tashariggins4721 3 года назад

Hi! My estop has malfunctioned so you have any advice on how to repair?

@JAY2011IRL 4 года назад

Can I use any lense cleaning tissue ? Or does it have to be specific for co2 laser

@iviastergrade205 4 года назад

Cant seem to find that spray where i'm from....Can I replace DM-90 Dry film lubricants with WD-40?

@3_TM 6 лет назад

I love him! Great video, thank you!

@Thinklaser 6 лет назад

Hi 3TM, Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed. Gareth @ Thinklaser

@3_TM 3 года назад

@@remyraphael9080 You are leaking your own password with this shit. It's just scam.

@kenscraft49 3 года назад

Been watching a lot of your programs, but I have a major problem. when I push the x and y button on my control pane it is like an automatic, it starts from the back and just keep on going to the front, the same when I press the side arrows, it does not stop, can you please tell what the problem and how can I fix it? thanking you. Ken from Brisbane

@jackwilborn2353 3 года назад

Having no clue about your machine, I'd venture to say it's not configured correctly. What type of machine and controller do you have? Does it home properly when you power it up? These answers would help anyone who's trying to help you. Good luck, take care.

@kenscraft49 3 года назад

@@jackwilborn2353 Sorry Jack, I have a red and black 80W Chinese laser 644xg. it does not home . and to reset the parameters is useless as the controller does not function at all, therefore I cannot set the correct parameters, I did line up my mirrors and that is working perfectly as is the beam, but all else does not work. I really do need help, Thank you

@fyrstorm2010 6 лет назад

Very interesting video as always.

@Thinklaser 6 лет назад

Thanks James, it's appreciated.

@lococlaudito 5 лет назад

Hello Russ, its a awesome video. As always. Can you tell me what kind of material did you used for the prefilter? And is there another video which shows the assembly? Thank you very much

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Claudio There are a couple of videos on the Pre-filter: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VvmBNL_udFs.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WAdlRW54hWg.html Regards Gareth @ Thinklaser

@BaitELFann 5 лет назад

thanks for those good tips , one question would it be ok to use ethanol alcohol 99% instead of isopropyl ? I use it for cleaning the lens never had problem , but the tip of the tube is little bit pricey so I would be grateful if ethanol alcohol id fine for it ?

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Osama, The main benefit with IPA is that it totally evaporates at room temperature and doesn't leave a residue. I'm not sure ethanol alcohol has the same benefits. Regards Gareth @ Thinklaser

@freddotu 6 лет назад

Another valuable and useful video. Do you think denatured alcohol will work as well as isopropyl alcohol?

@Thinklaser 6 лет назад

Hi Fred, The key factor with using IPA is that it evaporates leaving no residue of itself behind. From what I have read about Denatured alcohol, it's treated with poisons such as methanol, benzene and pyridine (to stop it being drunk), these additives may well leave some form of residue behind on the mirrors and lenses. Also methanol is highly toxic, so I'd prefer to use something more benign. Gareth @ Thinklaser

@RoadstarRider1 5 лет назад

Hey Russ ... I haven't removed or cleaned my laser head / lens yet (4 months) and figure it's about due. After removing the air assist, to remove the Lens and nozzle assembly do you unscrew it from it's mount? This video did not show you unscrewing it so that's why I ask. My laser head appears very similar to yours. I have a 6040 Chinese laser. Thanks !!

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Tim, On the Thinklaser Lightblade machines, you unscrew the main nut in order to drop the nozzle and lens tube. You then unscrew the nozzle from the lens tube in order to get access to the lens. Gareth @ Thinklaser

@starshinewatchdog8058 4 года назад

I love you Russ ❤️😍😘

@thejammer3359 4 года назад

is PDS EQUIPMENT A dealer for your company

@MentallFloss 5 лет назад

regarding the lubricant I am using the berner silicone based spray lub which is also kind of dry would you recommend this lub ?

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Mentalfloss, While Silicone is a great lubricant, it needs to be totally dry (as explained by Russ) for use on the slides, otherwise, it will just attract dust. Regards Gareth @ Thinklaser

@MentallFloss 5 лет назад

@@Thinklaser I see, so this spray is fine as it attracts absolutely no dust in the slides they are like new machine is almost 5yo and has worked a lot. And I have to say in favor of chinese lasers it is still on the first tube 80W Yongli still going strong, (knock wood) I do keep it on good condition though very rarely go over 85-90% power Only thing I have replaced so far is the controller for a better one brought lightobject's T9 DSP and am quite happy with it I am replacing the mirrors and lens now changing into 38mm Focal lens Thank you very much for your kind replies

@RobinsonHooi 5 лет назад

good video! how should i know if the CO2 deplete?

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Robinson, Thanks for getting in touch, Gareth @ Thinklaser here. The only way you will know if your CO2 is depleting is that you need to change the power settings on a job that used to work ok. So for example, if you have checked and cleaned the optics and alignment and you still need to decrease the speed or increase the power on a job that used to work ok, then your tube could be losing a little power. It's easier to check if you have a laser power meter of course.

6 лет назад

can you direct me to another source for the lens holder download? the link provided is a series of numbers and "APS GEOMETRY" when i open it in Adobe Illustrator CS5.

@Thinklaser 6 лет назад

Hi Spongeworthy, It looks like AI only imports older DXF formats, try this link for a .ai file, thinklaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lens-Holder.ai please note I do not have AI so I was not able to check the file, but it does import ok into RDWorks. Gareth

6 лет назад

Aloha Gareth! It worked. Just had to resize the design for my lens size. Mahalo, Jeff

6 лет назад

Thank you very much.

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

You're welcome

@RobinsonHooi 5 лет назад

actually what is the function of the blue hose beside the laser tip?

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

That is the hose for the air assist supply. The air assist has three key functions. 1. It gives a positive pressure at the nozzle, limiting the amount of smoke and debris coming in contact with the lens. 2. It blows away smoke from the laser beam which can give a better cutting performance for certain materials. 3. It disperses flammable smoke from the laser beam, reducing the risk of it igniting. Gareth @ Thinklaser

@RickEverett 6 лет назад

Hi Russ. Is the process for cleaning the lenses transferable to the Chinese Laser systems? Also, I am able to keep all files I use, on a USB stick and the PC they are created on, so not really necessary to keep them on the machine, I delete all files after use, I guess it is something I have been doing since day one so I am use to it. As soon as I saw your filter in the machine, I immediately thought of my AC unit and the plastic, washable filter in it. Have you thought about a reusable filter, and do you think it would be as good for collecting the particulate matter? I assume something is better than nothing. Thank you for the video, as always. Rick

@Thinklaser 6 лет назад

Hi Rick, Gareth @ Thinklaser here, The lens cleaning process is certainly transferable to the Chinese laser systems. The low cost of the filter material Russ uses means it only costs a few pence each time to change and the used material is very easy to dispose of safely afterwards. Cleaning a reusable filter may cause more issues than it is worth. Gareth @ Thinkllaser

@RickEverett 6 лет назад

Gracias, my friend!

@Thinklaser 6 лет назад

You're welcome Rick

@xenon2008 4 года назад

Hi! I have got my first co2 Laser and look your Videos.. the Link to this awesome Lens Holder doesnt work any more. Would it be possible to reupload or send me this via Mail please? Kind Regards from Austria

@user-sm5qz3oc6l 3 года назад

Hello, Sir.I am a professional CO2 laser cutter.We can exchange whatsapp +8613127135107.Can give you some information, answer your questions online.

@thebeststooge 6 лет назад

I thought the air assist was to keep the smoke, and debris, from getting to the lens?

@Thinklaser 6 лет назад

Hi, The air assist does give a positive air pressure to reduce smoke and debris getting to the lens, but the lens will still get dirty over time. Especially if you reduce the airflow for improved engraving performance. Gareth @ Thinklaser

@pjpc14 5 лет назад

Hi Russ, Where can I get one of these kits?

@Thinklaser 5 лет назад

Hi Paul, You can get them from Thinklaser, just drop us an email with your request at info@thinklaser.com. Gareth @ Thinklaser

@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145 3 года назад

Do you worry about dust? Those ChiLasers offer no sealings but hundreds of doors at the cabinet...

@northcoastaudiovisualncavc9706 4 года назад

Ohhh.. nooo.. I've seen so many people clean laser optics like this 😭 I will make a video of how to do it correctly

@SeanChYT 4 года назад

What's wrong about it?

@denisw398 4 года назад

@@SeanChYT don't hold your breath for any good advice, he hasn't done much todate!

@SeanChYT 4 года назад

@@denisw398 Good advice. I got a very good impression from Russ' presentation in this video. He really seems to know his stuff.

@PanEuropeanSTRider 3 года назад

Hev yoo spent a lot o' yer life near Lowstuff bor? I do like watching your videos; saved me a lot of time and no doubt money too that would have been spent figuring stuff out for myself.