With cold waves sweeping across the country and temperatures plummeting, it’s now peak season for laser equipment failures. In low-temperature environments, water-cooling systems are prone to freezing—risking severe damage to critical components like the laser source, chiller, and optical lenses—leading to costly repairs and production downtime. To ensure stable operation, Glorious Laser presents the Professional Anti-Freeze Maintenance Guide for Laser Equipment, covering protective measures for both water-cooled and air-cooled systems, antifreeze mixing ratios, chiller drainage procedures, and safe winter startup protocols. Applicable to laser cutters, markers, and other industrial laser machines, this guide is a must-read for every operator and manager. Read on and save it for reference!Winter Is Coming! Professional Anti-Freeze Maintenance Guide for Laser Equipment – Must Read & Save
Cold wave alert: temperatures are dropping sharply across many regions.
To ensure stable operation of laser equipment and prevent unnecessary losses due to low temperatures,
Glorious Laser reminds all users:
Please follow standard operating procedures and promptly perform professional anti-freeze maintenance on your laser machines.
Operating Environment for Laser Equipment
Ideal Operating Conditions:
- Temperature: 23 ± 3°C
- Humidity: 50 ± 10%
Acceptable Operating Range:
- Temperature: 5–35°C
- Humidity: 5–85%
The operating environment for laser equipment should not fall below 5°C.
Impact of Low Temperatures on Laser Equipment
Operating or storing laser equipment in environments below 5°C can cause critical components such as the laser source and external optical lenses to malfunction due to low temperature. It may also lead to frozen water-cooling pipes. In severe cases, internal tubing in the cooling system can deform or rupture.
If the machine is powered on after pipe rupture, coolant leakage may occur, damaging core components. To avoid unnecessary losses, please add antifreeze promptly or implement other anti-freeze measures.
Anti-Freeze Measures for Water-Cooled Laser Systems
Winter Anti-Freeze Tips
- Install air conditioning or heating systems to maintain the operating environment above 5°C.
- Run the chiller 24/7—flowing water is less likely to freeze.
- If the laser machine will be idle for an extended period or during power outages, drain all water from the chiller and store the equipment in an environment above 5°C.
- When ambient temperature drops below 5°C, add laser equipment-specific antifreeze in a timely manner.
Antifreeze Usage Instructions
- If temperatures may drop below 5°C, we recommend adding specialized antifreeze in a 3:7 ratio (antifreeze:water). If temperatures fall below 0°C, antifreeze must be added strictly according to requirements.
- In extreme cold, follow the recommended mixing ratios below:
(Image: Recommended Antifreeze Mixing Ratios Table)
| Ratio (Antifreeze:Water) | Minimum Ambient Temp |
|---|---|
| 6:4 (60%) | -42°C ~ -45°C |
| 5:5 (50%) | -32°C ~ -35°C |
| 4:6 (40%) | -22°C ~ -25°C |
| 3:7 (30%) | -12°C ~ -15°C |
| 2:8 (20%) | -02°C ~ -05°C |
When temperatures remain consistently above 5°C, completely drain the antifreeze, then flush the chiller multiple times with purified or distilled water, and refill with standard coolant.
Chiller Drainage Procedure
Step 1: Ensure all power is off. Open the drain valve at the back of the chiller to empty residual water.
Step 2: Remove inlet and outlet water pipes (label them clearly for correct reinstallation).
Step 3: Unscrew the chiller filter cartridge and drain any remaining water inside.
Step 4: Connect a 0.2 MPa (2 kg) gas supply to one end of the water line to blow out water from the laser unit.
Note: If using compressed air:
- Open all connection points (including the fill port) first.
- Blow air in from the inlet side only—never from the outlet.
- Use low pressure to avoid damaging the laser.
- Ensure all water is completely removed to prevent ice damage.
Winter Startup Precautions
Step 1: Only power on the laser equipment when indoor temperature is between 5–35°C.
Step 2: Check for ice in the cooling pipes. Do not power on if ice is present.
Step 3: If frozen, turn on AC or heating to raise ambient temperature to 5–35°C, then let the machine sit for at least 4 hours until ice melts naturally. Never use forceful methods to defrost.
Step 4: After confirming no ice remains, turn on the chiller first for preheating.
Step 5: Wait until the chiller’s circulating water reaches normal temperature (recommended: 25 ± 3°C) before turning on the laser source.
Step 6: After normal startup, set output power to below 30%, perform a no-load beam test for about 10 minutes, then resume regular production.
Anti-Freeze Measures for Air-Cooled Laser Systems
Air-cooled laser equipment does not require antifreeze or drainage procedures. Key winter precautions include:
Winter Anti-Freeze Tips
- Install heating or AC systems to maintain ambient temperature above 5°C.
- No special protection needed during normal operation.
- If the machine will be idle for a long time or during power outages, store it in an environment above 5°C.
Winter Startup Precautions
After normal startup, set output power to below 30% (see interface below), keep other parameters unchanged, perform a no-load beam test for about 10 minutes, then begin production.
The key to winter equipment maintenance is “prevention first.” Whether you’re using water-cooled or air-cooled laser systems, taking proactive anti-freeze measures—such as maintaining ambient temperature, adding specialized antifreeze, fully draining water, or following proper warm-up procedures—can prevent over 90% of cold-weather-related damages. Glorious Laser reminds all users: don’t wait until your machine breaks down to start maintenance. Act now—follow this guide to complete your anti-freeze checks and setup, ensuring your laser equipment operates safely and efficiently throughout the winter. Save this article, share it with your team, and keep every machine running smoothly in the cold!
