how to protect laser welding machine in winter?
Core Solution: Using Antifreeze
This is the most effective and fundamental method for freeze protection.
Replace or add specialized antifreeze: Completely replace the pure or deionized water in the water tank with laser equipment-specific ethylene glycol-based or propylene glycol-based antifreeze. Note: Automotive antifreeze is not recommended, as its electrical conductivity and corrosiveness may not meet the requirements of precision laser equipment.
Mixing Ratio: Determine the appropriate mixing ratio of antifreeze to pure water based on the equipment manual requirements and the historical lowest temperature of the local area. For example, a freeze protection capability of -15°C typically requires approximately a 40% concentration of antifreeze. Please consult your equipment manufacturer or antifreeze supplier.
Note:
After using antifreeze, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling system will slightly decrease. It is necessary to monitor whether the water temperature remains within the normal range.
Antifreeze has a limited service life and generally needs to be tested and replaced every 1-2 years.
1. Freeze Protection Measures During Long-term or Short-term Equipment Shutdown (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays)
This is the critical time for freeze prevention.
Maintain Indoor Ambient Temperature: This is the most ideal situation. Ensure the temperature in the workshop where the equipment is stored/operates consistently remains above 5°C.
Drain All Cooling Water:
If a stable room temperature cannot be guaranteed, the safest practice is to completely drain the cooling system.
Steps: After shutdown, first drain the water from the tank. Then, using an air compressor (pressure must be adjusted to the equipment's allowed low range, e.g., 0.3-0.5 Bar, to avoid damage), blow air through the internal pipelines of the laser, laser head, processing head, and water chiller to forcibly expel residual water. Be sure to refer to the equipment manual for drain port locations and procedures.
Keep the Water Chiller and Tank Powered and Enable "Freeze Protection Mode":
Modern high-end water chillers come with a built-in "Freeze Protection Mode" or "Temperature Control Circulation Mode." In this mode, when the detected water temperature falls below a set value (e.g., 5°C), the pump will intermittently operate at low speed or the heater will automatically activate to prevent freezing.
Note: This requires the equipment to be continuously powered. If power might be cut off during holidays, this method is ineffective.
2. Precautions During Equipment Operation
Preheat Before Starting: On winter mornings, do not begin high-power welding immediately. First, start the water chiller and let it circulate for 10-15 minutes to allow the coolant temperature to equalize, and check if the water temperature is normal (typically around 20°C).
Inspect the Water Circuit: Regularly check all water hose connections for leaks caused by hardening or cracking due to low temperatures.
3. Emergency Response (If Freezing is Suspected or Has Occurred)
Absolutely prohibit directly starting the equipment or turning on the laser!
Move to a Warm Environment: Transfer the entire equipment (or at least the core components like the laser and water chiller) to an indoor area with a temperature above 15°C and let it thaw naturally and slowly. This process may take 24-48 hours.
Comprehensive Inspection: After complete thawing, carefully inspect all water hoses, connections, the water tank, and the water pump housing for cracks or damage caused by ice expansion.
Professional Testing: After thawing and confirming no leaks, under the remote guidance of the equipment manufacturer's engineer or by a professional, perform a low-speed test after powering on. Gradually check if the water pump operation, flow sensors, temperature sensors, etc., are normal. Only after confirming everything is functioning properly should laser output testing be conducted.
