Common Faults of Laser Marking Machines and Maintenance Methods

December 23, 2025
Latest company case about Common Faults of Laser Marking Machines and Maintenance Methods
Laser marking machines are processing devices that use high energy density laser beams to create permanent marks on material surfaces. They are widely used in metal, plastic, electronics, hardware, and precision component manufacturing. During long-term operation, equipment may experience failures caused by optical, electrical, software, or environmental factors. Analyzing common faults and adopting standardized maintenance measures helps ensure stable operation and consistent marking quality.
 
I. No Laser Output or Insufficient Laser Power
 
Common causes:
 
Laser power supply not properly energized or power module malfunction
 
Incorrect laser operating parameter settings
 
Laser source aging or internal optical path abnormalities
 
Laser control signal not properly triggered
 
Maintenance methods:
 
Check whether the input voltage of the laser power supply is stable
 
Verify that laser power, frequency, and duty cycle parameters in the control software are correctly set
 
Check laser alarm status and contact the manufacturer for inspection if necessary
 
Regularly monitor actual laser output power to prevent power degradation caused by aging
 
II. Shallow, Blurred, or Uneven Marking Results
 
Common causes:
 
Incorrect focal position
 
Contamination of the field lens or protective lens
 
Excessive scanning speed or insufficient energy density
 
Abnormal galvanometer system response
 
Maintenance methods:
 
Adjust the focal distance so that the focus is located on the material surface or at the required process position
 
Regularly clean the field lens and protective lens to prevent oil and dust contamination
 
Properly match marking speed, laser power, and repetition frequency
 
Check galvanometer connections and calibration parameters, and recalibrate if necessary
 
III. Marking Position Offset or Graphic Distortion
 
Common causes:
 
Changes in field lens installation position
 
Abnormal galvanometer calibration parameters
 
Damage to or corruption of software calibration files
 
Loosened mechanical structures
 
Maintenance methods:
 
Check the fixation of the field lens to ensure optical axis stability
 
Re-execute the galvanometer calibration procedure
 
Back up and restore correct calibration files
 
Regularly inspect the installation platform and structural fasteners
 
IV. Equipment Fails to Start or Frequently Alarms
 
Common causes:
 
Control system power supply abnormalities
 
Safety interlock not engaged
 
Poor contact in communication lines
 
Cooling system abnormalities triggering protection
 
Maintenance methods:
 
Inspect power lines, power modules, and grounding status
 
Confirm that emergency stop switches and protective door interlocks are functioning properly
 
Check communication connections between the control board, laser source, and galvanometer
 
Inspect air-cooling or water-cooling systems to ensure proper heat dissipation
 
V. Cooling System Failures Causing Laser Instability
 
Common causes:
 
Blocked air ducts or damaged fans
 
Excessive cooling water temperature or insufficient flow in water-cooling systems
 
Pipeline blockage caused by impurities in cooling water
 
Maintenance methods:
 
Regularly clean air ducts and ventilation openings
 
Check the operating condition of the water chiller and maintain appropriate water temperature
 
Use compliant cooling water and replace it regularly while cleaning the pipelines
 
VI. Daily Maintenance and Care Recommendations
 
Maintain a dry and clean operating environment, avoiding dust and corrosive gases
 
Regularly clean optical components using dedicated cleaning tools
 
Perform periodic inspections and parameter backups according to the equipment manual
 
Disconnect power during long-term shutdowns to prevent aging of electrical components
 
Stop operation immediately when abnormalities are detected to prevent fault escalation
 
The stable operation of laser marking machines relies on the coordinated performance of the laser source, optical system, electrical control, and cooling system. Through accurate identification of common faults and standardized maintenance measures, equipment service life can be effectively extended while ensuring marking quality and production continuity. Proper operation and regular maintenance are key to reducing failure rates.