A Technical Guide to Troubleshooting Laser Power Supplies

The laser power supply is a crucial component in the day-to-day operation of your laser equipment. However, sometimes malfunctions may occur, such as the power supply indicator not lighting up or unstable current levels. This article will explain how to resolve these common laser power supply faults.

What can I do if the current indicator light on the laser power supply doesn't light up?

1. Check power cord connections:

Check the back of the machine to see if any additional power cords are not properly connected or have fallen off. If so, just connect it correctly.

2. Check the emergency stop button and laser control switch:

Make sure the Emergency Stop Button is not pressed and the Laser Control Switch (machine power switch) is in the on position. If necessary, turn the emergency stop button clockwise to release it.

3. Check the fuse:

If the laser switch will not turn on, check the switch fuse in the fuse box under the machine power plug. If blown or damaged, replace the fuse.

4. Check input voltage:

Use a multimeter to check the input voltage at the electrical input of the laser power supply. Gently touch both multimeter probes to each AC input on the green laser power plug. Make sure it reads approximately 110-120V (if you have a European gauge machine, make sure it reads approximately 220-230V). If no voltage is detected, the wiring may be loose, re-insert the wires to ensure proper connection. If voltage is detected, the laser power supply may need to be replaced.

How to deal with unstable current levels?

1. Measure the current at different power levels:

Adjust the power to 25%, 50% and 75% respectively and then measure the current level.

2. Check the motherboard connection to the power supply:

If the milliamp output changes little or not at all, unplug the motherboard from the power supply connection. Press the “TEST” button on the power supply and measure the mA reading. If the reading is less than 10mA, the laser power supply may need to be replaced.

These are the general steps for troubleshooting laser power supply problems. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve most common laser power supply malfunctions and ensure proper operation of your laser equipment. If the problem persists, it is recommended that you contact a professional technician for further inspection and repair.