Laser Cleaning Machine Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Safety & Training Precautions
3. Laser Cleaning Machine Dimensions
4. Laser System Setup & Assembly
5. Operation Guidelines
6. Screen Settings & Display
7. Laser Recommended Settings by Material
8. Testing the Laser
9. General Maintenance, Cleaning & Lens Replacement
10. Troubleshooting and Error Codes
11. Warranty Information

Disclaimer: Laser generates extreme heat, posing a serious burn hazard. Never point the laser at people or objects that are not intended for cleaning. DO NOT use laser on wood, plastic, ceramic, copper, chrome, glass or reflective surfaces.

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Trilar Industrial Laser Cleaning System. This manual provides setup, operation, and troubleshooting instructions for the following models:

• 1500W
• 2000W
• 2000W Commercial

2. Safety & Training Precautions

• When operating the laser, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator. Operators must also wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing to protect exposed skin from potential laser exposure and related hazards.
• Optical Density (OD): OD indicates how much light is blocked at specific wavelengths. Higher OD values mean better protection from laser exposure. The manufacturers' recommendations are 190-420 & 850-1300mm OD4.
• Handle the fiber optic cable with care. Avoid sharp kinks, bends and stepping on cable as this can cause damage.
• Do not point the laser at any person or flammable material.
• Ensure the laser is used in a designated and controlled area.
• Never operate the laser without proper cooling and air supply.
• Train staff thoroughly before allowing anyone to operate the laser.
• Practice on scrap materials before working on materials.
• When using on aluminum, copper or other highly reflective materials refer to # 7 – Laser Recommended Settings by Material for detailed instructions.
• Remove all shiny or reflective items from the work area to prevent unintended laser reflections, which may pose a safety hazard to the operator and equipment.
• DO NOT use laser on wood, plastic, ceramic, chrome or reflective surfaces.

3. Laser Cleaning Machine Dimensions

Laser Machine Dimensions

Laser Machine Dimensions with cart

4. Laser System Setup & Assembly

Tools:

• Hammer
• Prybar for uncrating
• Allan Keys (Provided)

Crate Contents:

• Laser Cleaning Machine
• Machine Cover
• Tank Regulator
• Water Oil Separator
• 24 Protective Lens
• 1 Focus Lens
• 1 Collimating Lens
• 1 Galvo Reflector Lens
• 1 Pair Safety Glasses

Installation:

• Uncrate all components.
• If using Argon/Nitrogen tank for Anti-Contamination gas, connect the provided regulator, install the tank holder and hose bracket to cart. Nitrogen and argon gas are the suggested gas to be used in laser cleaning machines.
• Filtered, oil-free and water-free compressed air can also be used. Compressed air pressure is generally adjusted to (0.4-0.6Mpa/8.8-13lbs)
• If using compressed air, remove two bolts on back of machine. Reuse the same bolts to install the oil water separator on back of machine. (See Figure A below)
• Connect the provided air hose into the intake port located on back of machine and to the port located on the oil/water separator.
• Depending on your air supply line, we have provided a male/female industrial quick disconnect fitting.

Fill the coolant Reservoir with non-corrosive coolant and distilled water until water fill level is shown in the green/normal range. (See Figure B below)

4. Turn on the breaker at the rear of the machine.
5. Disengage emergency stop button, by rotating in the direction of arrows, E-Stop will pop up.
6. Press system on button.
7. Press laser on button.
8. Let the machine warm up to 70°F. Allow 15-20 minutes for warm up.
9. Verify laser parameters are set to the correct profile based on materials being cleaned.
10. Enable the laser gun:
    • Tap the "Stop Lasering" button on the display screen to activate. A red triangle indicates the laser is active and ready to use.
    • Flip up the laser dust blocking plate.
    • Double click and hold trigger to activate laser. Releasing trigger deactivates laser.

    *Once trigger is pressed, you should hear air blowing out the head of the gun.

5. Operation Guidelines

• Effective distance from materials being cleaned is between 18”- 24”.
• Operate the laser in a restricted area to prevent accidental exposure.
• Ensure no one can inadvertently walk in front of the active laser beam.
• Secondary laser contact can cause server injuries.
• Adjust laser settings based on the material being cleaned.
• Always use test samples before cleaning critical parts.
• Avoid staying in one spot too long to prevent warping on thin metal.
• Always test the material beforehand to determine the optimal settings.
• Proper calibration ensures effective cleaning while preventing material warping.
• DO NOT use laser on wood, plastic, ceramic, copper, chrome, glass or reflective surfaces.

6. Screen Settings & Display

• Parameter: Number 1-9 adjustable profiles for quick setting changes.
• Scanning Speed: Horizontal Laser scanning speed; millimeter per second.
• Laser Power: Adjust the amount of wattage the laser is shooting.

• Laser Frequency: Determines the number of light waves.
• Duty Ratio: Factory set at 100%, this setting should always remain unchanged to ensure continuous laser operation.
• Laser Length: Adjustable from .5” to 11”. A shorter laser length creates a more focused beam, which generates more heat. Adjust based on cleaning requirements (e.g., reducing to 7/8" for precision in tight spaces such as corners).

7. Laser Recommended Settings by Material

Due to the high reflectivity of aluminum, do not direct the laser at a 90-degree angle to the surface. This may cause hazardous reactions and potential damage to the laser.

Recommended Settings by Part Types and Materials

Recommended Settings by Metal Gauge

8. Testing the Laser

• Always test the material beforehand to determine the optimal settings.
• Proper calibration ensures effective cleaning while preventing material warping.
• Test the laser at different wattage settings to become familiar with its operation.
  • Start at 500 watts and increase by 500-watt increments.
  • Perform a 3-inch strip test side by side to observe the differences.

• Use a piece of scrap metal for testing.
• Continue moving the laser over the metal at different wattage settings. Avoid staying in one spot too long or moving too quickly to ensure even cleaning.

9. General Maintenance, Cleaning & Lens Replacement

Regular Inspections & Ventilation

• Keep the area surrounding the machine free from dust and debris to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating.
• Conduct routine checks of all components to identify and address potential issues.
• Place the Laser Cleaning Machine in a well-ventilated area to maintain proper airflow.
• Regularly check coolant levels. Inspect and clean the condenser if needed.
• Visually inspect wiring connections and brakers monthly.
• Inspect the lens regularly to ensure it is free of dust and debris.

A. Cleaning & Replacing Protective Lens – D30*T2MM

Tools Required:

• Dust-free gloves
• Dust-free wiping cotton swab
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Canned dry and pure compressed air

Cleaning Steps:

• All cleaning, disassembly and assembly procedures must be performed in a clean environment. Always wear dust-free gloves to avoid contaminating the optical components.
• Carefully remove the protective lens housing from the gun by pulling upward. Protective lens housing is directional, note orientation before removing.
• After removing the housing, seal the opening on the gun with tape to prevent dust from entering.
• Lightly spray isopropyl alcohol onto a dust-free cotton swab to clean lens.
• To replace the lens, remove the retaining ring by rotating and gently pulling up.
• Gently grasp the side edge of the lens using your thumb and index finger.

• After wiping, use canned dry compressed air to blow away any remaining particles.
• Carefully replace the protective lens into housing with retention ring and place back into gun, in the orientation it was before removing.

B. Replacing Focus Lens - D20*F800T4.5

Required Tools:

• 2mm inner-hexagon wrench
• Dust-free cotton swab
• Alcohol

Procedure:

1. Use a 2mm inner-hexagon wrench to loosen the two lateral M2.5 screws.
2. Remove the focus lens housing by sliding it out horizontally. Seal the opening on the gun with tape to prevent dust entering.
3. Rotate the retaining ring counterclockwise until the two bosses align with the opening slots. Lift the retaining ring upward to remove it.
4. Replace the focus lens.

Note: The lens has distinct plane and convex surfaces. Record the lens orientation during disassembly to maintain proper optical alignment. The lens has an etched arrow on the edge to identify orientation. (See Figure D below)

C. Collimating Lens – D16*F50T5

Tools Required:

• Dust-free gloves
• 2mm inner-hexagon wrench
• Dust-free cotton swab
• Isopropyl Alcohol

Steps:

• Ensure the laser head surface is free from dust by cleaning it thoroughly.
• Use a 2mm inner-hexagon wrench to loosen the four M2.5×6 screws securing the collimating lens housing.
• Carefully remove the collimating lens housing. Seal the opening on the gun with tape to prevent dust entering.
• Rotate the retaining ring counterclockwise until the two bosses align with the opening slots. Then, gently lift the retaining ring upward to remove it.
• Remove and replace the collimation lens.

Note: The lens has a plane side and a convex side. Record the original orientation during removal to ensure correct reinstallation. Incorrect orientation may affect the optical path. The lens has an etched arrow on the edge to identify orientation. (See Figure D below)

10. Troubleshooting and Error Codes

This section outlines common error codes, their possible causes, and recommended corrective actions to maintain optimal performance of your laser cleaning machine.

*In the event further troubleshooting is needed contact Trilar Industrial to schedule remote diagnostic via PC*

11. Warranty Information

Trilar Industrial stands behind the quality of its products and offers a one-year limited warranty covering parts only, and a two-year warranty on the laser source.

Warranty Coverage:

• This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.
• Replacement parts will be provided for defective components at no cost to the owner during the warranty period.

Warranty Limitations: