Since the temperature often reaches below 0 degrees in winter, the water freezes. The volume of the water channel of the laser welding machine is fixed. After freezing, it will expand and cause irreversible damage to the internal water channel and optical cable, which will bring great losses to the majority of users. Therefore, in winter, the appropriate antifreeze should be selected according to the ambient temperature, and the maintenance of the laser in winter should be done well.

A. Selection, ratio and addition of antifreeze

Suitable environment: ambient temperature below 0 degrees

When the ambient temperature is 0 degrees and below, it is recommended that users add antifreeze to the cooling water of the laser welder. After adding antifreeze, the freezing point of the water can be lowered, so that the cooling water does not freeze.

a. Selection of antifreeze

There are many types of antifreeze on the market, it is recommended that you choose AntifrogenN antifreeze from Clariant. Clariant Laser Antifreeze is a pale yellow liquid.

b. The ratio of antifreeze

Clariant antifreeze is added in a ratio of 3:7 (30% antifreeze, 70% deionized water). After adding antifreeze, it can resist minus 20 degrees without freezing.

c. How to add antifreeze correctly

1. Power off all equipment (water cooler, laser, etc.), open the drain valve of the water cooler to empty the water in the water tank, and then clean the water tank with water and empty it.

2. Remove the filter element of the water cooler and the filter element of the laser water inlet, clean and install it.

3. Pour the well-matched antifreeze and deionized water into the same container, stir evenly, and then pour into the water tank of the chiller. (It is strictly forbidden to pour it directly into the chiller, so that the antifreeze cannot be fully dissolved in the water, and it is easy to generate flocs to block the filter screen and filter element)

d. Precautions

1. Any antifreeze cannot completely replace deionized water and cannot be used for a long time throughout the year. After winter, it is necessary to clean the pipeline with deionized water or pure water, especially the filter element of the water cooler and the filter element of the laser water inlet, and restore the use of distilled water or deionized water as the coolant.

2. If the fiber laser welding machine is shut down for a long time (such as during the Spring Festival shutdown) or before the laser is transported, the cooling water in the equipment must be drained, and the residual water in the equipment (including the laser and the chiller) must be blown out with compressed air to prevent the interior from freezing damage the device.

B. Maintenance of water cooling system

Suitable environment: available all year round

As we all know, lasers rely on cooling water to dissipate heat, and the maintenance of the water cooling system is also an indispensable part of the daily maintenance of the equipment. So what should we pay attention to in the daily maintenance of the water cooling system?

a. Selection of cooling water

Distilled water or deionized water is used. The reason for choosing these two kinds of water is that distilled water or deionized water is not easy to produce scale during the circulating heating process. It is strictly forbidden to use bottled pure water and tap water.

b. Replacement cycle of cooling water

It is recommended to replace it every 3 months. The water tank of the water cooler is not sealed, and it is exposed to a dusty environment for a long time. Dust, metal chips and bacteria enter the cold water and cause the water to deteriorate.

c. Steps to replace cooling water

1. Disconnect the power supply of the equipment and the water cooler.

2. Drain the water in the water cooler and laser, clean the water tank and drain the water.

3. Clean the water filter, filter element of the water cooler (some water coolers do not have a filter element, please consult the water cooler manufacturer for details) and the filter screen of the laser water inlet.

4. Install the filter screen and filter element.

5. Pour distilled water into the water cooler to reach the standard level.

6. Turn on the water cooler to circulate the water, check the liquid level display of the water cooler, and add distilled water if the liquid level drops.

Note: To prevent the growth of bacteria and algae, 10% alcohol can be added to the cooling water.