In addition to daily maintenance, it is equally important to carry out regular inspections of plastic laser welding equipment. Wanzhong Laser , a leading manufacturer of plastic laser welding machines, shares some critical inspection items that should be performed on a scheduled basis to ensure the performance and longevity of your equipment.

1. Cooling System

The cooling system plays a vital role in maintaining the stable operation of the laser plastic welding machine. Its performance directly affects the equipment’s stability and service life.

Water Level Inspection (Weekly):
Check the water level in the cooling tank weekly to ensure it remains within the normal range indicated on the tank. Low water levels may cause insufficient cooling, leading to overheating and negatively affecting the laser source's performance and lifespan — in severe cases, even damaging the equipment.

Water Temperature Monitoring:
The normal operating water temperature should be maintained between 20°C - 25°C . Excessively high temperatures may reduce laser efficiency and output power, resulting in unstable welding quality; excessively low temperatures can lead to condensation inside the laser unit, potentially damaging optical and electronic components.

Water Quality Testing (Monthly):
Regularly test the pH value and conductivity of the cooling water to ensure it meets equipment specifications. Poor water quality can lead to scale buildup and impurities, which may clog the cooling channels and reduce heat dissipation efficiency. Replace the coolant and clean the water channels promptly if water quality deteriorates. Use specialized cleaning agents and soft brushes to carefully remove deposits and dirt from the cooling system, ensuring smooth water flow and efficient heat dissipation.

Pump Operation Check:
Regularly inspect the pump's pressure, flow rate, noise, and vibration using pressure gauges and flow meters. Any abnormal readings should be addressed immediately through repair or replacement to maintain the cooling system’s reliability.

2. Electrical System

The electrical system serves as the power core of the laser plastic welding machine, and its stability and safety are crucial for reliable equipment operation.

Inspection of Wiring and Components (Monthly):
Carefully inspect cables, connectors, power cords, and other electrical components for signs of looseness, oxidation, damage, or short circuits. Loose connections can result in poor contact, causing unstable operation or sudden power loss, which disrupts the welding process. Oxidized or damaged wires may increase resistance, leading to overheating and posing potential fire risks.

Tightening and Maintenance:
For loose connections, use appropriate tools to tighten them and apply conductive paste to enhance conductivity and prevent oxidation. Damaged or oxidized wires should be replaced immediately to ensure safe and reliable electrical connections.

Voltage Monitoring:
Use a multimeter or similar device to regularly check the voltage supply, ensuring it remains within the recommended operational range — typically ±5% deviation. Voltage instability can affect the performance of the laser source and control systems, leading to inaccurate laser output and reduced welding quality. High voltage may damage sensitive electronics, while low voltage might prevent the laser from starting or provide inadequate power output.

Power Protection Measures:
To ensure voltage stability, consider installing a voltage stabilizer or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) based on specific site conditions. These devices help protect against grid voltage fluctuations and power outages, providing a stable and reliable power environment for the equipment and enabling smooth welding operations.

3. Optical Path System

The optical path system is the channel through which the laser beam travels. Its accuracy and stability directly determine whether the laser can precisely reach the target welding area, significantly affecting welding quality.

Mirror and Lens Inspection (Monthly):
Regularly inspect the alignment, mounting condition, and physical integrity of mirrors and focusing lenses using professional optical testing instruments and tools. Ensure that each component is securely fastened and that lens surfaces are free from scratches, cracks, or contamination.

Impact of Misalignment or Damage:
Even minor misalignments of reflectors or focusing lenses can alter the direction of the laser beam, preventing proper focus and causing weld defects such as uneven penetration depth and positional inaccuracies. Loosely mounted lenses may vibrate during operation, further destabilizing the optical path. Surface imperfections like scratches or stains can cause light scattering and energy loss, reducing the laser’s power density and compromising weld strength and appearance.

Adjustment and Replacement Procedures:
If any mirror or lens is found to be misaligned or loose, adjust its position and angle precisely using fine-tuning screws according to the equipment’s optical calibration standards. Ensure all components are securely reinstalled after adjustment. In the case of damaged lenses, replace them immediately with new ones of the same specifications. Handle replacements carefully to avoid secondary damage and ensure the optical path system continues to operate efficiently and reliably.

By following this periodic inspection checklist, users can significantly improve the stability, performance, and service life of their laser plastic welding machines. Consistent maintenance ensures that every weld produced is of consistent, high quality — helping you achieve optimal productivity and competitiveness in today’s demanding manufacturing landscape.