How Does the Cooling System of the Laser Machine Head Work?

The cooling system of the laser machine head is crucial in the laser cutting process because the working environment of the cutting head generates a lot of heat. If the heat is not dissipated in time and effectively, it may lead to the decline of equipment performance, reduced cutting accuracy, and even damage to the laser cutting head. Therefore, the design and function of the cooling system are very critical. The following is the working principle of the cooling system of the laser cutting head:

1. Basic Components of the Cooling System

1.1 Cooling Medium

Common cooling media include water and liquid coolants. Water is an economical and effective cooling medium, and many laser cutting machines use a dedicated water cooling system. In addition, some high-power laser systems may use coolants (such as special antifreeze) to improve the cooling effect.

1.2 Cooling Circuit

The cooling system usually contains a closed loop in which the cooling medium circulates. When the laser machine head is working, the cooling medium flows from the cooling source (usually a cooling water tank or a cooling device) into the inside of the cutting head and flows through sensitive components (such as optical lenses and laser structures) to absorb the generated heat.

Cooling System of the Laser Machine Head

2. Working Principle of Laser Machine Head Cooling System

2.1 Heat Exchange

The cooling channels inside the laser machine head are designed to effectively contact nearby heat sources. When the cooling medium passes through these channels, it absorbs heat, thereby reducing the temperature of the cutting head.

2.2 Flow and Circulation

After the cooling medium flows inside the cutting head, it will be discharged after reaching a certain temperature and returned to the cooling source for recooling. This process can be achieved by a pump, which usually sends the cooling medium back to the cooling water tank for cooling again.

2.3 Temperature Control System

Some advanced laser cutting machines are equipped with temperature sensors and electronic control systems to monitor the temperature of the cutting head in real time and automatically adjust the flow and temperature of the cooling medium. For example, when the cutting load is large or the continuous working time is long, the cooling system may automatically increase the flow of the cooling medium to enhance the heat dissipation effect.

3. Benefits and Precautions

Since the laser machine head uses water as a cooling medium, the operating environment temperature of the laser cutting head should be above 5°C.
A good cooling system ensures that the laser cutting head can still operate stably in a high temperature environment, improving the cutting speed and quality.
The cooling system can extend the service life of the laser cutting machine by reducing the risk of thermal damage and overheating.
The cooling system needs to be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure that the flow of the cooling medium is unobstructed and the water quality of the cooling water tank is clean to avoid pollution and blockage problems.

4. Drainage Steps

When the chiller of the laser cutting machine is drained, the specific steps are as follows.
Open the drain valve of the chiller and drain all the water in the water tank. Some water that is difficult to drain needs to be blown away with compressed air to prevent water from flowing back into the laser and damaging the precision sensor inside the laser. Be sure to close the external water valve. For the disassembled external pipes, be sure to mark them for subsequent recovery!
Note: Pay attention to the leaked water during operation, do not wet other electrical, optical and other precision components, and record the position, switch status and other markings of each water pipe in advance for recovery!

• Open the water tank drain valve and empty the water in the water tank.
• Close the external water valve, disassemble the water pipe, and blow out the water in the water pipe with air. The air pressure is controlled at about 2bar.
• Disassemble the water pump drain plug and blow it out with 2Bar compressed clean air. After blowing it out, restore the plug immediately.

Summary

The cooling system of the laser machine head is an important part of ensuring the efficient, stable and safe operation of the laser cutting machine. Reasonable cooling design can improve the overall performance and service life of the equipment.

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