Contents:
Replacing the laser tube ignition unit in your Wattsan laser cutter is an essential maintenance procedure to ensure the machine’s optimal performance. This guide provides a step-by-step process for safely and correctly replacing the ignition unit.
Preparation and safety measures
Before starting, ensure that the laser cutter is completely powered off and disconnected from the power supply. The ignition unit has two terminals on the right side: the power supply terminal and the control terminal. Both terminals must be disconnected before dismantling the unit to avoid electrical hazards.
Removing the old ignition unit
- Disconnect terminals: detach the power supply terminal and control terminal from the ignition unit.
- Unscrew the unit: the ignition unit is secured to the machine with screw nails. Begin by unscrewing the top screws, followed by the bottom screws. Carefully remove the unit from the machine.
- Detach high voltage cables: the left side of the ignition unit has two cables: one connected to the cathode of the laser tube, one high-voltage cable connected to the anode of the laser tube.
- Cut the cable leading to the cathode and disconnect the high-voltage cable from the anode. Pull both cables out of the machine.
Installing the new ignition unit
- Insert new high voltage cable: place the new high-voltage cable into the machine and connect it to the laser tube’s anode.
- Mount the new unit: install the new ignition unit in place and secure it with screws.
- Reconnect terminals: attach the power supply terminal first, followed by the control terminal.
- Connect the anode cable: attach the high-voltage cable terminal from the laser tube’s anode to the corresponding terminal on the ignition unit.
- Solder the cathode cable:
• Solder the wire that connects to the cathode of the laser tube.
• Place a heat shrink sleeve over the joint, twist the wires together, and solder them securely.
• Slide the heat shrink sleeve over the soldered joint and heat it to insulate the connection.
- Secure the unit: reattach the high-voltage unit securely to the machine’s bed.
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Adjusting the maximum current
Prepare for adjustment
- Disconnect the wire from the laser tube’s cathode.
- Attach a small piece of wire of the same cross-section to the cathode.
Connect to a multimeter
- Connect the two wires to a multimeter in any order.
- Set the multimeter to measure current up to 200 mA.
Adjust the potentiometer
- Set the laser machine’s display to the maximum beam power.
- Using a thin slotted screwdriver, insert it into the potentiometer adjustment hole on the ignition unit.
- Twist the potentiometer clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the current.
- Press “Pulse” on the display and monitor the multimeter readings to adjust the current accurately.
For this guide, the recommended maximum current strength is 28 mA. Adjust until this value is reached.
Conclusion
Replacing the laser tube ignition unit in a Wattsan laser cutter requires careful handling and precise adjustments. Ensuring proper connections, soldering, and current settings will guarantee the machine’s optimal operation and prolong its lifespan. Always prioritize safety by disconnecting the power supply before starting and carefully insulating all soldered joints.
By following this guide, you can confidently maintain and optimize your Wattsan laser cutter’s performance.
