Lasers are beneficial for engraving most materials such as wood, glass, leather, and acrylic. For that reason, laser engraving machines are becoming an indispensable component of today&#;s production facilities, as well as small businesses and lifelong hobbyists. A high-powered laser engraver's performance and lifespan depend on various factors such as frequency of use, routine cleaning, and maintenance. However, users often overlook a crucial element to guarantee their machine's long-term functionality: effective cooling.
While there are many industrial water chiller products on the market, choosing a reliable laser water chiller is the best way to extend your laser tube&#;s life.
Let&#;s take a look at how industrial water chillers for laser machines work and determine their role in improving your laser engraver&#;s durability and performance.
Like most forms of light, laser beams produce heat. When you run your laser for extended periods, excessive heat builds inside the laser tube and its surrounding components, leading to cracked tubes, beam arcing, and other damages that can diminish engraving quality and rapidly destroy your CO2 laser tube. In many cases, DIY water pumps for co2 lasers are insufficient because they do not closely regulate a consistent cooling water temperature for CO2 lasers.
What you really need is an industrial water chiller. These specialized laser water chillers perform water circulation cooling on the machine&#;s laser generator and regulates its temperature to prolong its life. Recirculating chillers utilize active refrigeration for applications that require precise temperature control or below ambient temperatures. Standard models come with cooling capacities ranging from 600W to several KWs.
CO2 laser tubes can be expensive. From a 40W laser and up to 150W, a new tube can set you back $200 to $2,000, or even more in some cases. Protecting your investment with a high-performance laser water chiller is a wise decision. There are many DIY laser cooling methods out there like an ice water bucket with a water pump for CO2 lasers. While this DIY laser cooling equipment might work fine for K40 laser water cooling, it will not perform with the same consistency of a laser water chiller on a higher wattage laser. Why would you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a new CO2 laser tube only to let it overheat from inadequate laser cooling equipment like CO2 laser water pumps in ice water buckets? Never compromise on your laser tube cooling system &#; your wallet will thank you later.
Lasers underwent an incredible technical evolution in the last two decades. But since power and output wavelengths are sensitive to temperature variations, maintaining temperature is necessary, even in applications that do not need precise temperature control.
For low-power lasers (40W and below), air-cooling efficiently removes excess heat &#; a k40 water chiller or even a water pump for CO2 lasers will be sufficient. Medium-power lasers (50-100W) require a water pump or cold plate to deliver a consistent flow of ambient-cooled water directly to the laser head. However, for a high-power laser (100W and above), users need a recirculating industrial water chiller for cool, deionized water at a consistent flow rate and temperature. Capable laser water chillers guarantee long-term, corrosion-free performance with consistent laser water cooling functionality to prolong the lifespan of your machine.
A low-power laser engraver can work best when you are engraving thin materials like paper. However, you will need a high-power laser engraving machine for other materials. You will not need an industrial chiller for laser machines below 50W &#; again, a k40 water chiller is all you need. However, when you are using laser engravers of 50W and above, you surely need an industrial water chiller. Opt for a 5K laser chiller when you go above a 100W laser engraving machine. You can also find an efficient chiller that can hook up two machines at once.
If you run a laser engraving business and you're using your K40 or medium-power laser engraver for 8 hours every day, you should certainly leave the DIY laser cooling methods behind and invest in an industrial water chiller. The convenience of having professional-grade laser cooling equipment will save you time, effort, and many trips to your freezer.
Laser engraving machine manufacturers recommend using laser cooling equipment, such as an industrial water chiller, to reap their machines&#; full benefits. You need a water chiller for laser machines because the cost of installing an industrial chiller is a fraction of the cost of buying a laser engraver. However, the laser chiller you choose must be adequately equipped and correctly sized.
Unfortunately, many laser chiller industrial manufacturers provide a vague description of features and specs that make it difficult to choose the best laser cooling equipment for you. If you choose a cheap or mediocre product from an unknown brand, the chiller could spell disaster for your laser engraving machine.
The first step to select the best chiller industrial brand is to determine the water cooling requirements for the laser. Make sure you buy a laser water chiller that comes with clear information about its cooling capabilities in the operating manual. Not to mention, cooling capacity determines the chiller size. The heat load is the amount of waste heat that a laser chiller removes from a laser engraving machine. Typically, this value is in BTU/hr or watts. The chiller you choose must be powerful enough for the laser engraving machine you are using. We recommend a CW chiller for 50-100W machine or something ranging between and for above 100W. However, if you run a laser engraving business full time, you'll want a chiller even for 50-100W laser machines.
There are a few other factors to consider, such as temperature display, temperature monitors with high/low alarms, water flow rates, etc. Other considerations, such as ISO certification and warranty, can help you make the most out of your industrial water chiller.
OMTech specialists always recommend using distilled water for laser tube cooling, ensuring it stays between 60&#;70°F (16&#;21°C). Consistent using optimal CO2 laser tube temperature is actually a key to consistent laser performance.
Also keep in mind that your laser beam will perform slightly different at various cooling temperatures. The engraving result can look different if you change your laser cooling temperature, even by a few degrees. It's impossible to estimate the perfect CO2 laser cutting temperature, although the ideal range is the same for engraving, from 60&#;70°F (16&#;21°C). You might benefit from experimenting at different laser cooling temperatures within this range to optimize your laser cutting and laser engraving operations.
The laser beam is produced by running high-voltage electricity through the sealed glass tube, where it excites the carbon dioxide and other gases, producing a monochromatic infrared (invisible) beam of laser light. As some gases are consumed in this chemical reaction, excess heat can cause the electricity to accelerate gas consumption &#; producing a more intense laser beam.
This phenomenon explains why laser cooling extends the tube&#;s lifetime and shows how differences in CO2 laser tube temperature can affect laser power settings. With all other variables the same, the laser beam will be slightly more powerful at higher temperatures, meaning that consistent cooling temps help ensure constant and replicable engraving performance. Following this principle, you should monitor how your laser performs at various temperatures within the recommended range and use your laser water chiller consistently.
Choosing a quality laser water chiller can add years to your laser engraving machine&#;s life and improve processing accuracy. Here are a few important features that can help you prolong your laser engraver&#;s life:
A consistent flow of ambient-cooled water to the laser head or a cold plate is adequate for a medium-power laser. However, a recirculating industrial water chiller is the most efficient laser cooling equipment for high-powered lasers.
Low/high-temperature alarms can prevent any damage to your laser engraver. Moreover, a computer, visual, and audible alarm can signal the fault. Both shutoff and low-flow alarm features can protect the laser and water chiller from costly damages.
Digital temperature displays offer a constant update so you can determine the machine&#;s temperature levels. However, if you're running a DIY laser cooling system, you can always install a thermometer.
Since industrial water chillers have completely enclosed systems that prevent evaporation, an observation window lets you easily monitor your laser chiller&#;s water level.
Before buying, check the rated decibel (dB) level in the manufacturer&#;s specifications. After all, you may not want to deal with extra noise of laser cooling equipment in your workshop.
If you frequently need to relocate your laser chiller, choose one with caster wheels for mobility. Locking casters keep the chiller stable during operation.
A laser chiller&#;s credibility significantly depends on its warranty. Many industrial water chillers offer one-year protection with technical support. Choose brands with ISO registration and products with industry certifications such as CE and CSA.
If you are looking for a credible and reliable industrial chiller for your laser engraving machine, OMTech is a one-stop solution for all your needs. Here you can find our collection of CO2 laser engravers, accessories, software, and everything you need to get exceptional performance out of your laser engraver.
OMTech provides a range of robust industrial chillers for cooling down your machine with ease and reliability. Our top-notch industrial water chillers deliver consistent performance and are famous for their durability and compatibility with CO2 cabinet models (50-150W). Our chillers not only prolong the lifespan of your machine but also enhance your device&#;s engraving accuracy.
From automotive to aerospace, and even in the art world, laser cutters are used to create intricate designs and precise cuts on a variety of materials.
However, the efficiency and longevity of these incredible machines heavily depend on effective temperature control.
This is where industrial water chillers come into play, offering a more robust solution than ambient temperature water cooling to manage the heat generated during the laser cutting process.
Laser machine water chillers are essential for anyone using their laser frequently or for extended periods of time.
In many sectors outside of laser cutters and laser engravers, industrial water chillers are used to maintain consistent cooling to a range of machinery such as plastic moulding equipment.
From food production to pharmaceutical production, temperature is key to ensure consistent results. Enter the industrial water chiller.
Goto Lingji Jingke to know more.
If you use your laser cutter regularly or for extended periods of time, there&#;s a good chance you&#;ll require more than the ambient temperature water cooling system supplied as standard with our range of CO2 laser cutters.
Here&#;s why:
Laser cutters operate by focusing a high-intensity beam of light onto a material (learn more about how laser cutters work here), generating substantial heat in the process.
Our range of CO2 laser engraving and cutting machines each utilise a water cooled glass laser tube which requires adequate temperature regulation in order to operate effectively and reliably.
During the generation of the laser beam, heat is generated in the glass tube. Water chillers are designed to actively control this heat, thereby maintaining an optimal operating temperature.
Optimal operating temperatures for the HPC range of laser cutters and laser engravers is from 18 degrees, up to a maximum of 25 degrees C.
Unlike circulating unregulated water in a bucket or water tank, circulating chilled water via a chiller through the laser cutter&#;s cooling system ensures a consistent water temperature (between 18-23 degrees), increasing performance and preventing overheating over prolonged periods of use.
A CO2 laser tube can be fatally damaged if operated with cooling water above 25 degrees C.
Water chillers protect the tube by maintaining a stable temperature, extending their lifespan, ensuring the laser cutter operates at peak efficiency and saving you money.
There are a range of benefits of using a standalone chiller system with your laser cutter, here are some of them:
Consistent temperature control provided by water chillers enhances the performance and efficiency of laser cutters.
Stable operating temperatures ensure the laser beam remains focused and precise, resulting in higher-quality cuts. Additionally, by self-regulating the water temperature, water chillers reduce downtime, allowing for continuous operation and increased productivity.
Investing in a water chiller can lead to significant cost savings over time. Much like how fume extractors can help reduce maintenance, water chillers also help prevent unnecessary damage from overheating.
By protecting the laser cutter from heat-related damage, water chillers reduce the need for frequent maintenance and part replacements (mainly laser tubes).
Furthermore, modern water chillers are designed to be energy efficient, which can lower operational costs by reducing electricity consumption.
Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for achieving high-quality output in laser cutting.
Temperature fluctuations can cause variations in cut quality, leading to defects and material wastage.
Water chillers ensure that the laser cutter operates under optimal conditions, producing uniform and precise cuts, and minimising the risk of material damage.
Laser cutters come in a range of shapes and sizes, so it&#;s critical to ensure the water chiller you choose is suitable for the machine you have and can keep up with the machine&#;s cooling requirements.
Choosing the right water chiller for your laser cutter involves several key considerations:
The HPC range of CO2 laser cutters up to 150W power work well with the CW water chiller shown below. Alternatively, you can browse our full range of laser water chillers here.
This unit not only protects your laser tube but also ensures your beam remains accurate by maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
The CW chiller unit is available from UK stock and typically delivered via courier within 2 to 3 working days of your order.
However, if you&#;re not sure what your requirements are, please feel free to get in touch with the team at HPC so one of ours experts can help guide you towards the correct model.
You can call the team Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on +44 (0) .
Proper installation of a water chiller is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these guidelines to ensure a successful setup:
Much like the maintenance on a laser cutter itself, maintenance is essential to keep your laser water chiller in top condition:
Water chillers play an essential role in the efficient and reliable operation of laser cutters.
By regulating temperature, protecting critical components, and ensuring consistent performance, water chillers contribute to improved cut quality, reduced downtime, and significant cost savings.
As laser cutting technology continues to advance, the importance of effective cooling solutions like water chillers will only grow, making them a worthwhile investment for any business relying on precision laser cutting.