No laser radiation on a CO2 laser machine: possible causes and solutions

2025/04/16

Reading Time: 3 minutes

When operating a CO2 laser machine, one common issue users may encounter is the absence of laser radiation. This problem can disrupt workflow and production, so it’s important to identify and resolve the cause efficiently. Below, we explore the most common reasons for this issue and how to troubleshoot them step by step.

Initial check: powering up the machine

The first and most essential step is to ensure the machine is powered on correctly. If everything appears to be in order but the laser beam is not firing, consider the following possible causes:

The key switch has not been turned – make sure the machine key is turned to the ON position.
The high voltage unit power button is off – verify that the power button for the high voltage unit is switched on.
No voltage in the power socket – check whether the socket is supplying power.
Blown fuses – inspect the fuses at the power supply connection point and replace if necessary.
Loose or faulty wiring – ensure all connections to the high voltage unit and controller are secure and properly wired.
Missing jumper on the high voltage unit – confirm that the jumper is installed where required.
Faulty potentiometer – if turning the potentiometer knob has no effect, it may be burnt out or malfunctioning.
Broken laser tube wiring – check for any broken or disconnected wires on the positive or negative terminals of the laser tube and high voltage unit.
Malfunctioning high voltage unit or laser tube – if the laser tube shows only a faint glow or does not respond to the test button, the issue could lie with the tube or high voltage unit itself.
Laser tube not activated in the software – double-click on the layer settings in the software and ensure the checkbox for the first laser tube is enabled.
Insufficient power – the laser may not fire if the potentiometer is set too low or the power value in the software is too low to activate the laser tube.

Conclusion

By systematically checking each of these potential issues, you can usually identify and resolve the cause of no laser radiation in a CO2 laser machine. Proper maintenance and careful setup are key to ensuring stable operation. Once the issue is addressed, your machine should function correctly, allowing you to resume your work without further interruption.