Key Aftercare Areas
Optical Components
- —Protective windows require regular inspection and replacement — ablation debris contaminates them over time
- —A contaminated protective window degrades beam quality and can crack under laser load
- —Replacement windows should be sourced to the original specification — not lowest-cost alternatives
- —Focus lenses and collimating optics have longer service lives but should be inspected periodically
Cooling Systems
- —Water-cooled systems require clean, appropriately treated cooling water — algae and mineral buildup damage chiller components and laser sources
- —Chiller coolant should be checked and replaced on a schedule appropriate to usage
- —Air-cooled systems rely on clean, unobstructed airflow — filters and vents should be kept clear
- —Cooling system faults are a common cause of laser source degradation
Laser Source
- —Fibre laser sources (JPT, Raycus, NLight) are generally long-lived if operated within specification
- —Exceeding recommended duty cycles or operating with degraded cooling will shorten source life
- —Fibre connections should be kept clean — contaminated fibre connectors cause reflections that can damage the source
- —Operating log review helps identify anomalies before they become failures
Routine Maintenance Checklist
Before each session
- —Inspect protective window — clean or replace if contaminated
- —Check fibre cable for kinks or damage
- —Verify cooling system function (water temp, flow)
Weekly
- —Clean external panels and air vents
- —Check fume extraction filter condition
- —Review any error logs or alarms
Monthly
- —Inspect fibre connectors for contamination
- —Check water coolant level and condition (water-cooled units)
- —Verify scan head operation and movement
Periodically
- —Full system inspection and calibration check
- —Coolant replacement (water-cooled)
- —Optical alignment verification