2025/01/30
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Do you know how often a laser cutter needs maintenance to ensure a long lifespan? Once a year, once a month, once a week, or even daily?

By the end of this article, you’ll not only have the answer but also learn how to clean and replace support slats, change the water in the chiller, and perform other essential maintenance tasks to keep your machine in top condition.

Wattsan laser cutter maintenance

Optics

Let’s start with one of the most common issues—dirty optics. But why do optical elements get dirty?

When the laser beam interacts with the material, it generates smoke, soot, and other combustion byproducts that accumulate on mirrors and lenses. This contamination reduces reflectivity, affects cutting and engraving quality, and, over time, can lead to lens or mirror damage due to heat buildup.

Wattsan laser cutter maintenance

How to maintain mirrors and lenses

  • Clean the laser tube’s output window first. Regular cleaning is crucial because any dust or dirt on this window can cause the laser tube to malfunction.
Wattsan laser cutter maintenance
  • Clean the mirrors and lenses:
  1. Remove the protective cap from the laser tube and take out the optical elements.
  2. Lightly shake off any large dust particles to prevent scratches during cleaning.
  3. Moisten a lint-free cloth or cleaning stick with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the lens with light strokes.
  4. Use a dry, lint-free cloth or tissue to remove excess alcohol.
  5. Carefully screw the protective cap back onto the tube.
  • Wiping mirrors:
  1. For better access, remove the protective cover (typically secured with four screws) using a wrench.
  2. Remove the first mirror and gently wrap it in a dry, lint-free cloth.
  3. Clean it using the same method as for lenses.
  4. Repeat the process for the second mirror.
Wattsan laser cutter maintenance
  • Clearing the focusing lens:
  1. Detach the blower by pressing the blue ring and pulling the hose without releasing it.
  2. Unscrew the nozzle and lens housing.
  3. If the lens has soot or scratches, replace it immediately.
  4. Clean the lens following the same steps used for mirrors.
  5. When reinstalling, ensure the convex side faces the mirror and remember to install the gasket to prevent damage.
Wattsan laser cutter maintenance

How often should you clean the optics?

A general rule is to clean the optics every two weeks. However, the frequency depends on:

 • The type of materials you process.

 • The intensity of machine use.

 • The efficiency of your exhaust system.

 • The cleanliness of the workspace.

Guide rails

We recommend cleaning the guide rails every two weeks to ensure smooth movement of the laser head.

Wattsan laser cutter maintenance

Cleaning and lubrication steps

  1. Move the laser head to one side.
  2. Wipe the guide rails with a dry cloth until they are clean and shiny.
  3. Apply silicone grease—preferably a light-colored one so you can easily see when it needs to be replaced.
  4. Move the laser head back and forth several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
  5. Apply grease to both sides of the bearings.
  6. Repeat the process for all other guide rails.
Wattsan laser cutter maintenance

Blades or honeycomb table

Over time, tar, resin, and combustion residues accumulate on the slats and honeycomb table. If not cleaned, they pose a fire hazard.

How to maintain the honeycomb table

Remove accumulated debris and scraps from the collection tray. If not cleared in time, the risk of ignition increases.

For deeper cleaning:

 • Soak the honeycomb table in water with a cleaning agent overnight.

 • If cutting plywood, regular water should be sufficient.

 • For other materials, use a specialized soaking solution.

 • Pressure washing can also be effective.

How often should you clean it?

• At least once a week under regular use.

 • Clean it immediately when you notice significant buildup.

Wattsan laser cutter maintenance

Electronics

The machine’s electronic components should be kept clean to prevent overheating and malfunctions.

How to maintain the electronics

  1. Turn off the machine completely before cleaning.
  2. Use compressed air to blow out dust from the electronics compartment.
  3. Perform this cleaning once a month.
Wattsan laser cutter maintenance

Chiller maintenance

Chillers also require regular maintenance, as their side filters can become clogged over time.

How to clean and replace the water in the chiller

  1. Remove the chiller pipes and squeeze them to prevent water from escaping.
  2. Tilt the chiller to drain the old water completely.
  3. Refill with distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
  4. Secure the pipes to prevent leaks during operation.
  5. Check that the laser tube is completely filled with water and free of air bubbles.

Why is this important?

The quality and temperature of the cooling water directly impact the laser tube’s lifespan. We recommend changing the water once a month.

Wattsan laser cutter maintenance

Summary of maintenance tasks

Every two weeks

• Clean the optics (mirrors and lenses).

• Wipe down the guide rails and lubricate them.

• Remove combustion residues from the cutting table.

• Check and clean the chiller.

Once a month

• Change the water in the chiller.

• Clean the machine’s electronics using compressed air.

Final tip

If you notice that any part of the machine needs cleaning before the scheduled maintenance, don’t wait—clean it immediately.

Take care of your laser cutter, and it will serve you efficiently for years to come!

Conclusion

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your laser cutter operates smoothly, delivers high-quality results, and has a long service life. By following a structured maintenance routine, you can prevent performance issues, reduce downtime, and avoid costly repairs.

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