Laser cutter/Laser cutter maintenance
The following maintenance should be carried out monthly, or more frequently during times of heavy usage.
The key to the access panels of the laser and a RFID card with credit for laser maintenance is kept in the laser key safe in the members storage box room. The key code is only available to authorised laser maintainers and the trustees.
All maintenance should be recorded in the maintenance log book kept in the rear of the machine.
Chiller
Check water level on gauge on the rear of the chiller. Top up if needed using de-ionised water. A container of "Just Add Water" is available behind the laser.
Open the filter/vents on each side of the chiller and vacuum or brush clean of dust.
Mirrors and lens
Wipe all mirrors and lens clean using soft glasses (spectacles) cloth. If there are an stubborn marks on the lens or mirrors a little isopropyl alcohol may be used.
Take care when handling the lens, as these are easily broken if dropped.
Extractor
Remove the inlet hose by undoing the Jubilee clip, then vacuum the mesh over the inlet of the extractor.
Bed
The honey-comb bed and the knife bed bellow should be removed and any debris below cleared using a dustpan and brush.
Base of laser
Open the access doors on the front of the laser and clean the base using a dustpan and brush. Once the bulk of the debris is removed use a vacuum to remove the remainder.
General clean of laser
Use vacuum and/or brush to sweep up any debris located either side of the bed in the areas of the belts that move the gantry.
Clean the outside of the machine and glass with a general multipurpose surface cleaner and a soft cloth.
Beam alignment
Follow the beam alignment guide on the Just Add Sharks site to check and adjust alignment of the mirrors.
Aiming laser (red dot)
Check and adjust as necessary such that the red dot is aligned with the main beam when focused.
Lid hinges
Check the lid hinges for cracks. Some replacement hinges are available in the base of the machine if needed.
General clean/tidy of laser area
Sweep the floor of the area.
Sort and discard any laser scrap that is not useful.
Empty the bin. Ensure replacement bin liners are available.