Ensure your laser welder is kept up properly to make sure it lasts for years to come.
A jeweler’s responsibilities are not only limited to selling and creating jewelry, they include the maintenance and upkeep of the tools required to create these pieces. It is extremely important for jewelers to perform routine maintenance on their tools and machinery — especially laser welders.
Follow this checklist to ensure you take the proper steps to keep your laser welder in working order.
1. Check Protection Lens
It is important to have a clean protection lens for good visibility — use isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to clean both sides of the lens. If dust builds up, it can block the light from passing through the lens, thus leading to a reduction in the power output and therefore effectiveness of the tool. When checking the lens, ensure that there is no major damage. If damage is found, you can replace the part through Stuller’s website.
Frequency: check monthly
2. Replace Water and Water Filter
While all maintenance is important, changing the water and water filter are the most important tasks to perform for the longest lifespan on a laser welder. When replacing the water and filter, you should always use distilled or deionized water as it has no impurities and enhances the machine’s lifespan. Over time water filters will diminish and can develop positive ions which can cause energy from the flash lamp to arc outward when it discharges. This arcing can damage the internal components while also rendering the unit ineffective. The water can form algae and clog up your screen or filter over time which can put more stress on the water pump. Replacement water filters can be ordered through Stuller.
Remember that every welder is made a little differently, and when replacing your water, make sure you keep an eye on the water indicator to make sure it’s full. You can learn to change the water for an Orotig Evo White Laser System by watching this video.
Frequency: check annually
3. Clean Laser Welder
Your laser welder should be cleaned to ensure there is no buildup of dust or grime. Use canned air or an air compressor to clean off the heat exchanges and internal fans. Shop-Vacs can be used to clean under and around the machines. When there is a build-up of dust, it can cause the fans to clog or cause other internal components to overwork, which could lead to the machine overheating or parts failing faster than their typical lifespan.
Frequency: check annually
4. Replace Air Filter
Replacing the air filter on the laser welder will help prevent dust build up in the machine. If dust builds up in the air filters, it could cause the machine to malfunction or overheat, which would be very costly to repair. Air filters can be purchased or set to auto-reorder using Stuller’s website.
Frequency: check annually
5. Check Flash Lamp
Every 2 to 4 years, flash lamps should be checked when performing annual maintenance. When checking the internal chamber, you should make sure to look over the gold contacts and gaskets for any damage or dirt. The flow plate that separates the flash lamp from the YAG rod should be checked as well — if damaged, a new one can be ordered through Stuller.
Frequency: check annually
Maintaining Your Laser Welder
It is vital to make sure your laser welder stays in functional working condition for many years to come. Many of these maintenance tips can be done quickly whenever you have a moment of free time — most importantly, be sure to stay consistent with checking your equipment. If you have any questions about the information provided or would like a helping hand when performing this maintenance, you can contact B&D Sales and Service by phone at (401)781-4810 or through email, bd_support@stuller.com.
Here’s a printable checklist for those who want a quick reference while performing maintenance.