5 major precautions when using Ortur laser engraving machine

   Ignoring safety protection

    Safety is always the first principle when using a laser engraving machine. The Ortur laser engraving machine emits a high-energy laser beam when working. If it directly hits the eyes, it may cause irreversible damage to vision. Therefore, when operating the equipment, be sure to wear professional laser protective glasses, which can effectively filter lasers of specific wavelengths and protect the eyes from harm.
At the same time, smoke and harmful gases will be generated during the laser engraving process. For example, when engraving materials such as wood and plastic, harmful substances such as formaldehyde and benzene may be released. Therefore, the working area must be well ventilated, and exhaust fans or special ventilation equipment can be installed to discharge these harmful gases outdoors in time. In addition, make sure that the engraving machine is placed on a stable and fireproof platform, and avoid placing flammable items around it, such as paper, cloth, chemicals, etc., to reduce the risk of fire. When the machine is running, it is strictly forbidden to touch the laser head and the engraving area with your hands to prevent burns and accidental injuries.

 Wrong material selection and setting

    Different materials absorb and react to lasers differently. If the material is not selected properly or the parameters are set incorrectly, it is difficult to achieve the ideal engraving effect. For example, when engraving wood, the power and speed required for softwood (such as pine) and hardwood (such as oak) are different. Softwood has a loose texture, so you can reduce the power and increase the speed appropriately to avoid burning; hardwood requires relatively high power to penetrate and engrave. 
For acrylic materials, cast acrylic and extruded acrylic are common. Cast acrylic has a matte white effect after engraving, which is suitable for making medals, logos, etc.; extruded acrylic has a smooth cut edge and a flame polishing effect, but the engraving effect is not matte white. If you want a matte white finish, choose cast acrylic. When engraving fabrics, thicker fabrics such as denim and canvas can withstand relatively high temperatures; while thin and soft fabrics such as silk and chiffon require initial settings with a fast speed (close to or equal to 100%) and low power (about 5% - 10%), and test it on scraps first, and gradually adjust the parameters to avoid burning through the material.

Improper maintenance of the optical path system

    The optical path system is a key part of the laser engraving machine, and its status directly affects the transmission and focusing effect of the laser. If the focusing mirror and reflector are contaminated with dust, debris or smoke residue after long-term use, the reflectivity and transmittance of the lens will be reduced, resulting in a decrease in laser power and a poor engraving effect, such as shallow engraving depth and blurred lines. 
Therefore, the optical path system should be checked and cleaned regularly. Check the optical devices (lenses and reflectors) at least once a week. If the cut material produces more residue, it needs to be cleaned more frequently. When cleaning, use special lens paper or a clean and soft cloth, dip in an appropriate amount of alcohol, and gently wipe the surface of the lens. Be careful not to press hard to prevent scratching the lens. At the same time, check whether the laser tube is installed firmly and whether the laser tube's spot mode is normal. If the spot is found to be deformed or multiple points appear, it may be that the installation fulcrum is unreasonable (the correct fulcrum should be at 1/4 of the total length of the laser tube). It needs to be adjusted in time to avoid affecting the laser power and engraving quality, or even shortening the service life of the laser tube.

Software operation and file setting issues

    When using the software supporting the Ortur laser engraving machine, improper operation or incorrect file settings will also cause various problems. For example, if the imported engraving file format is not supported by the software, or the file resolution is set too high, it may cause the engraving process to freeze, dislocate, or even fail to engrave normally. 
    Before importing the file, make sure the file format is correct. Common formats such as AI, PDF, DXF, etc. are usually compatible. For resolution, the higher the better, it needs to be set reasonably according to the actual engraving needs and material properties. Generally speaking, when engraving fine patterns or small-sized text, the resolution can be appropriately increased; while for large-area patterns or scenes with low precision requirements, the resolution can be reduced to increase the engraving speed. In addition, when setting processing parameters (such as power, speed, frequency, etc.) in the software, it is necessary to adjust them in combination with material and design requirements to avoid poor engraving effects or damage to materials due to unreasonable parameters. At the same time, before starting formal engraving, it is recommended to perform a simulation preview to check whether the path, size, etc. meet expectations, and then perform actual operations after they are correct.

Lack of daily equipment maintenance

    Like any mechanical equipment, the Ortur laser engraving machine needs regular maintenance to maintain good working condition and extend its service life. However, many users often ignore daily maintenance during use. If the workbench is not cleaned for a long time, the debris generated by engraving will accumulate, which will not only affect the cleanliness of the working area, but may also enter the interior of the equipment, damage mechanical parts, and increase the risk of equipment failure. 
    In addition, the cooling system is also crucial for the laser engraving machine. The laser tube generates a lot of heat when working. If it is not cooled in time, it will cause the laser power to drop, the life of the laser tube to be shortened, and even cause serious problems such as laser tube explosion. To ensure the normal operation of the cooling system, check the water level of the water tank regularly, and add distilled water or special coolant in time to prevent impurities in the cooling water from precipitating and clogging the pipes. At the same time, clean the water tank and waterway regularly to keep the water clean.         The temperature control point of the refrigeration temperature control water tank should also be set reasonably. It is generally recommended that the water temperature be controlled at 15-20℃. In addition, the guide rails and screws of the motion system should also be lubricated regularly to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation and accurate positioning of the equipment.