Winter Precautions for Laser Equipment

As winter approaches, laser cutting machines face the challenge of extreme cold. Improper use can result in minor issues affecting normal equipment operation and subsequently impacting customer production schedules. More severe consequences may include damage to the laser source and chiller, causing unnecessary property loss for customers. To prevent such occurrences, customers must adhere to the following precautions when operating chillers during winter:

1. The ambient temperature for laser chillers must remain above 0°C. This is primarily to prevent water freezing within the water circuit system when the chiller is idle, especially in colder regions like northern areas. Freezing can disrupt normal operation and, in severe cases, damage the entire refrigeration system.

2. When the ambient temperature is between 0°C and -10°C, if both the laser machine and chiller cease operation (e.g., due to power outage) without antifreeze added, immediately drain all water from the water circuit system. Use compressed air or nitrogen (at approximately 5 bar pressure) to purge water from the laser unit. Manually drain water from the chiller pump and piping. The chiller will not cause equipment damage due to freezing during normal operation.

III. The operating environment temperature for laser cutting machines must not fall below -10°C.

IV. Drainage Methods:

1. Laser Unit Drainage: Disconnect water lines, then use compressed air or nitrogen (at approximately 5 bar pressure) to blow into the inlet and outlet ports for about one minute to completely drain water from the laser unit.

2. Water Tank Drainage Method: Open the drain valve at the bottom of the water tank to empty it. If necessary, tilt the water chiller to position the drain outlet as the lowest point. Drainage from Piping: Use compressed air or nitrogen (pressure approx. 5 bar) to blow through the low-temperature water and high-temperature water inlet/outlet ports for about one minute each. Drain water through the water tank's drain outlet. Pump Head Drainage: Each pump head has a drain screw at its base. When the water chiller requires prolonged shutdown or transportation, open the pump head drain screw to completely drain the water from the pump. Ideally, use compressed air or nitrogen (pressure approx. 5 bar) to blow out any remaining water, then tighten the drain screw securely. Draining Filters and Deionized Water Tanks: Open the drain valve at the bottom of the filter or deionized water tank, or remove the acrylic cover to drain residual water.

3. Laser Cutting Machine Tool Drainage Method: Blow compressed air through the inlet and outlet ports for 2 minutes.

V. Winter Startup Inspection Points and Procedures for Laser Chillers:

1. After starting the chiller's cooling water pump and ambient temperature (external optical path) water pump, first check the readings on the cooling water pressure gauge and ambient water pressure gauge. If pressure or flow alarms occur, carefully inspect the water circuit system for any unopened valves or potential ice buildup, and promptly diagnose and address the issue. If ice buildup is confirmed, immediately notify and coordinate with Pentium Laser for assistance—never attempt to resolve it independently!

2. If the cooling water temperature remains below the laser system's minimum startup threshold and fails to rise after prolonged operation, Increase both the cooling water and ambient water setpoints by 5°C. For other issues, refer to the manual or contact maintenance personnel. Finally, adjust both setpoints back to their specified values (typically 20-25°C for cooling water and 25-35°C for ambient water). For details, follow the Top Optics Laser official account.