How to Identify and Test a Faulty check CO2 laser tube

If your machine is having issues, you might need to check CO2 laser tube quickly and safely. Problems often come from too much current, incorrect high voltage settings, or the laser being activated too frequently. Old tubes and faulty power supplies can also cause the machine to fail. Always wear proper safety gear before you check CO2 laser tube. Feiju Laser offers expert help and advice for these kinds of problems.

• Too much current can shorten the lifespan when you check CO2 laser tube.
• Incorrect voltage settings may damage the tube.
• Frequent activation of the laser wears out the tube.
• Old tubes and bad power supplies lead to more issues.

Key Takeaways

• Look for weak output signs like slow cutting or uneven engraving. These signs can mean there is a problem with the CO2 laser tube.
• Check the tube by looking for cracks, discoloration, or burn marks. If you see damage, the tube may not be safe to use.
• Do regular maintenance like cleaning optics and checking coolant levels. This helps your laser tube last longer.
• Always stay safe by wearing protective gear and following the right steps when testing the CO2 laser tube.
• Call Feiju Laser for expert help if you see cracks, leaks, or if your laser tube keeps having problems.

Signs of a Faulty Tube

Weak Output

If your laser is not working well, it may have weak output. The machine might cut slower than it used to. Sometimes, it cannot cut through materials like before. You might see light or uneven marks when engraving.

• The laser cuts slower than normal.
• It cannot cut through materials at the same settings.
• Engraving marks look faint or uneven.
• The cutting power is lower.
• Engraving quality is not steady.
• Cutting speeds are slower.
• Some cuts do not go all the way through.
• Engravings look faded.
• The tube may look discolored or have burn marks.

If you see these things, check CO2 laser tube for problems.

Tube Color Change

A good CO2 laser tube is clear inside. If you see dark spots or color changes in the glass, the tube may be bad. Sometimes, you might see cracks or the laser beam looks weak or flickers.

Some signs of a bad CO2 laser tube are:

• The electrode tube is not lined up right.
• There are cracks in the glass.
• The laser does not cut or engrave as well.
  The user said the electrode tube was not in the right place and there was a small crack in the glass. These show the tube has problems.

Arcing and Burn Marks

Arcing and burn marks mean there could be electrical trouble. You might see burn marks at the tube ends or sparks when the machine runs.

• A loose connection at the tube end can cause arcing. Fix this by making the connection better and covering it.
• Dirty cooling water that carries electricity can also cause arcing.
• A tube that is going bad can make these problems worse.
• Arcing can happen if the tube is faulty and the laser power supply is not connected right.
• A short in the high voltage transformer can cause arcing, often because the transformer is broken or has been damaged by sparks.
• The wires for the laser power supply can get damaged or have burn marks.

Poor Cutting Performance

If the tube is old or broken, cutting may not work well. Thick sheets may not get cut all the way through. Different materials need different power to cut right.

If you see these signs, fix the problem soon to keep the machine safe.

How to Check CO2 Laser Tube

Visual Inspection

Start by turning off your machine and disconnecting the power. Always work in a well-lit area. You need to check CO2 laser tube for any visible damage before running any tests. Look closely at the glass, electrodes, and all structural parts. If you see cracks, scratches, or other imperfections, the tube may be unsafe to use. Any visual flaw means you should not use the tube.

Here is a quick checklist for your inspection:

• Examine the glass for cracks or scratches.
• Check the electrodes for signs of wear or misalignment.
• Inspect all seals, especially the diode seal, for wear that could cause CO2 leakage.
• Look for any discoloration or burn marks.
• Make sure the tube is not too old. Most tubes start to fail after 5-8 years.

You can use this table to help identify specific visual signs:

If you find any of these issues, do not continue with further tests. Replace the tube or contact Feiju Laser for advice.

Power Test at Low Setting

After a successful visual inspection, you can check CO2 laser tube performance with a low-power test. You need a laser power supply, a cooling loop, and a safety enclosure for this step. Always follow Feiju Laser’s recommended procedures for safe testing.

Follow these steps:

1. Set the dial face pointer to zero. Adjust it if needed.
2. Choose the measurement spot, ideally directly from the CO2 laser.
3. Place the black body of the laser probe in the path of the unfocused laser beam.
4. Turn on the laser beam for the correct time. Use a stopwatch for accuracy.
   • For tubes over 100W: test for 15 seconds.
   • For 50–100W tubes: test for 30 seconds.
   • For 10–50W tubes: test for 60 seconds.
5. Turn off the laser. Wait for the dial to reach its maximum value, then record the measurement.
6. If you need more readings, let the black body cool to room temperature before testing again.

Tip: Always use the correct test duration for your tube’s power range. This helps prevent overheating and ensures accurate results.

Safety Precautions

Safety must come first when you check CO2 laser tube. You work with high voltage and powerful beams, so you must protect yourself and others.

• Never work alone. Use the buddy system, especially after hours or in isolated areas.
• Do not test the tube if you feel tired or are taking medication that affects your judgment.
• Remove rings, metallic watchbands, and other metal objects before working with electrical equipment.
• Keep a Class ABC or CO2 fire extinguisher within 5 meters of your workspace.
• Make sure all electrical equipment is properly grounded.
• Do not handle electrical parts with wet hands or body.
• Learn CPR rescue procedures for high voltage shock victims.
• Keep combustible materials away from capacitors and the laser area.
• Watch for charring or flare-ups during cutting.

Note: Feiju Laser recommends always using a safety enclosure and following all local safety regulations during testing.

Cooling System Check

A good cooling system keeps your CO2 laser tube working well and lasting longer. Overheating can cause the tube to lose power, cut poorly, or even fail early. You must check the cooling system before and during every test.

• Make sure the cooling water bucket stays below 20°C (68°F).
• The ideal water temperature is between 16°C (61°F) and 24°C (75°F).
• Avoid overheating, condensation, or freezing in the cooling system.
• For 80W–100W tubes, keep the water flow rate at 2 liters per minute.
• For K40 tubes, use a flow rate of 1 liter per minute.
• Check that the cooling loop is free of blockages and leaks.

A well-maintained cooling system helps the tube run at stable temperatures, prevents thermal damage, and ensures the best cutting and engraving results.

If you follow these steps every time you check CO2 laser tube, you will keep your machine safe and working at its best. Feiju Laser recommends regular checks and maintenance for all users.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Interpreting Test Results

When you finish your tests, you need to understand what the results mean. If you see weak output or uneven marks, you should start with these steps:

1. Clean the optics. Use optical grade wipes to remove dust from mirrors and lenses.
2. Check alignment. Place thermal paper in each corner of the workspace. If you see more than one mark, realign the mirrors.
3. Inspect sensors. Look at the lid and water sensors. If the control interface shows a red status, fix the sensor before using the machine.

If you still notice problems after these steps, you may need to check CO2 laser tube for deeper issues.

When to Contact Feiju Laser

You should reach out to Feiju Laser for expert help in these situations:

• Your laser tube does not last as long as expected.
• Cutting performance drops and you cannot fix it.
• You see cracks or leaks in the tube.
• The machine fails to start or the beam is weak.

Feiju Laser can provide professional diagnostics and recommend safe solutions.

Regular Maintenance Tips

You can extend the life of your laser tube with regular care. Follow these tips:

• Clean the lens every day. A dirty lens reduces power and accuracy.
• Clean mirrors daily to keep the beam strong and steady.
• Clean the air assist nozzle weekly to prevent clogs.
• Use original spare parts from trusted manufacturers.
• Replace consumable parts as needed.
• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance plan. Include cleaning, lubrication, and inspection.
• Keep your workspace clean and free of dust.

Here is a table to help you remember how often to perform key maintenance tasks:

Regular cleaning and inspection help prevent failures and keep your machine working at its best.

You can keep your CO2 laser tube working well by following these steps:

1. Power off your machine and wait ten minutes.
2. Set up wires and meter for current measurement.
3. Confirm all connections before testing.
4. Test at low power and check for 28 mA output.

Quick-Reference Checklist:

• Interlocks
• Optics
• Alignment
• Burn marks
• LEDs on tube

Check your tube every week for dust or loose wires. If you see weak power or cracks, contact Feiju Laser for expert support.

FAQ

How often should you check your CO2 laser tube?

You should inspect your CO2 laser tube every week. Regular checks help you spot problems early and keep your machine running safely.

What safety gear do you need when testing a laser tube?

You need safety goggles rated for infrared lasers, insulated gloves, and a lab coat. Always use a safety enclosure to protect yourself from high voltage and laser exposure.

Can you use tap water in the cooling system?

You should not use tap water. Tap water can cause mineral buildup and damage the tube. Use distilled water for the cooling system to keep your laser tube in good condition.

What does a color change inside the tube mean?

A color change often means the tube is failing. You might see dark spots or cloudy glass. Replace the tube if you notice these signs.

Tip: If you see cracks or leaks, stop using the tube and contact Feiju Laser for expert help.

How do you know if the power supply is faulty?

If you see these, test the power supply or ask Feiju Laser for support.