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17000 - CO2 Laser Replacement Checklist / No Output

Do I need a laser tube replacement? My laser is not firing.

Date updated: 09/27/2024
Machine Series: Fusion Maker, Fusion Edge, Fusion Pro
Categories:
Key Words: Laser | No Output | Low Output | Checklists | No Fire
This document is designed to help determine if you need to replace your laser tube.

Overview

These items should be checked before replacing a CO2 laser tube with no output. If the laser has been inactive for more than one (1) month, follow the Extended Cold Start Guide first. The goal of this document is to determine the operational status of the CO2 laser in a Fusion Edge, Maker, or Pro machine.

There is a PDF version of this document on the right.

Required Tools

  • Heavy Card Stock
  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • 5/32" Hex Wrench
  • Masking Tape

Checklist

  • Interlocks
  • Laser Control LEDs
  • Burn Mark From X-Axis
  • Optics
  • Alignment
  • Focus
  • LEDs On Laser Tube
  • Burn From Source

Safety Interlocks

  1. Locate the safety interlock LEDs on the right-side of the display panel.

    screenshot

  2. The two interlock LEDs are labeled with lock icons. These LEDs must be illuminated when the doors are closed.

    screenshot

  3. While running a job, the interlock LEDs should stay illuminated the entire time.

No Interlock LEDs

  • Check for debris around top door seal.
  • Make sure all doors are closed.
  • Look for an unusual gap between the top door and chassis.

Note: If the interlock LEDs are not functioning properly, you must troubleshoot them before proceeding.

Laser Control LED

  1. Locate the laser control LED on the right-side of the display panel. It’s labeled with a CO2 Icon.

    screenshot

    Note: The laser control LED will illuminate when the system is commanding the laser to fire.

  2. Clear the laser bed of all flammable material.

  3. Download the sample vector job below.

    Vector Test

  4. Send the job to the laser, and run the job.

  5. The CO2 laser LED should be on while the job is running.

No Laser Control LED:

  • Check artwork / job parameters.
  • Make sure the laser source is set to CO2 if you have a dual source machine.
  • Verify the power is set properly.
  • Check that the artwork is positioned properly within the artboard.

Note: If the laser control or interlock LEDs are not functioning properly, you must troubleshoot them before proceeding.

Check output from X-Axis

  1. Place masking tape over the circular opening on the left side of the X-Axis rail.

    screenshot

  2. Move the carriage to the home position (top left) by pressing reset twice.

  3. Click the gear icon in the top right of the display.

    screenshot

  4. Select Alignment.

    screenshot

  5. Get a burn mark by tapping the Activate button and watching for a burn mark on the tape.

    screenshot

  6. Check the tape for a burn mark.

Burn Mark:

  • Check carriage optics (lens / mirror).
  • Refer to the Low Output Procedure.

No Burn Mark:

  • Proceed to the next section.

Check laser Status LEDs

screenshot

WARNING! Laser Safety Statement: Before proceeding, EVERYONE must be wearing safety glasses for the following steps.

screenshot

HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETY STATEMENT: In the following steps, High Voltage will be identified with this icon. DO NOT TOUCH the areas marked with the high voltage icon.

screenshot

  1. Turn off the machine and disconnect the power cable.

  2. Remove the back panel of the machine.

    screenshot

  3. Remove the mirror 1 cover located at the bottom left corner of the machine.

    screenshot

    There are three LED’s on the end of the laser tube. The red LED indicates there is power to the laser. The green LED indicates the interlocks are active. The yellow LED will only come on when the laser is commanded to fire.

    screenshot screenshot

  4. Reconnect the power cable.

  5. Power the machine ON.

  6. Close all doors.

  7. Check that the red and green LEDs are illuminated on the side of the laser tube.

No Red LED:

  • Laser tube unplugged.
  • Damaged harnessing to laser.
  • Damaged laser tube.
  • Damaged power supply.

No Green LED:

  • Interlocks are NOT engaged.
  • Damaged Interlock harnessing.
  • Damaged Interlocks.

Note: If the interlock LEDs on laser do not match the interlock LEDs on the side of the control panel, troubleshoot the connection between the laser and control board.

Check Laser Output

Warning: In this step we will test fire the laser with a piece of material directly outside the tube. EVERYONE must wear safety glasses for this step.

  1. Remove the magnetic cover over mirror 1.

    screenshot

  2. Remove mirror 1.

    screenshot

  3. Place a piece of card stock in the mirror 1 housing.

  4. Fire the laser In Alignment mode.

  5. Remove the material from the mirror housing and check for a burn mark.

  6. Tap the Activate button in alignment mode and check that the yellow CO2 laser LED on the laser tube illuminates while the Activate button is being pressed.

    Note: You may need two people for this step. One to watch the LEDs on the laser tube while the other operates the machine. You can also take a video of the lights.

Conclusion

No Burn Mark:

  • If you are not getting a burn mark directly outside the laser tube, and all three LEDs on the laser are working properly, contact Epilog Technical Support.

Burn Mark:

  • If you are getting a burn mark directly outside the tube but not on the bed of the laser, follow the Low Output laser replacement checklist.

Checklist

  • Interlocks
  • Laser Control LEDs
  • Burn Mark From X-Axis
  • Optics
  • Alignment
  • Focus
  • LEDs On Laser Tube
  • Burn From Source

If further assistance is required, please visit www.epiloglaser.com/support to contact Epilog Laser Technical Support.

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