Machine Maintenance

Routine maintenance of LaserCAM machines is largely a matter of cleaning, lubrication and checking filter condition. Full training on what is needed is covered at the time of installation and is backed up with detailed instructions contained within the TechSoft Training Guide.

Maintenance beyond this, including alignment of the laser beam, requires specialist training and equipment and must not be attempted by the user.

Provided user maintenance guidelines are followed carefully and a regular maintenance routine is established, then it will be some time before a LaserCAM needs further attention. Quite how long will depend on use, but many schools opt for an annual service once the warranty period has expired. This service includes cleaning and adjustment of all mechanical and optical systems together with output tests to determine the efficiency of mirrors and lenses. Laser beam alignment is critical to efficient performance so this is checked and adjusted as needed. ‘Raw’ laser output is measured and this can give an indication of tube life expectancy. Schools will receive a full report following the service.

The most common reason for a LaserCAM failing to give consistent results is misalignment of the laser beam and/or mechanical systems. Age and use will contribute to this, but so too will over-enthusiastic cleaning, accidental knocks and bumps, and moving the machine to a new location. Most of these issues can be solved with a single call-out. Our engineers do not ‘clock-watch’, but about an hour on-site is usually all that is needed. If component failure is diagnosed, then parts will be charged in addition. In the unlikely event that parts are not available, our engineer will return to complete the repair with no further charges being levied. If a failed laser tube is diagnosed then this call-out charge will be absorbed within the cost of fitting a replacement tube.

Staff changes often mean that expertise is lost and we receive frequent enquiries about elderly (and not so elderly) TechSoft machines ‘discovered’ by teachers new to a department. Machines include LaserCAMs and many of the TechSoft/Roland knife-cutting and milling/routing systems. In nearly every case, machines can be re-commissioned at very low cost and need only basic maintenance to bring back into service. We will, of course, need to liaise in some detail to check on machine type, condition and likely work needed before calling. A Maintenance and Training Call-Out provides a TechSoft engineer on-site for up to two hours to carry out maintenance and re-commissioning work, with a further two hours to deliver staff training. This can prove an extremely cost-effective way to boost CAD/CAM work in a department.

Schools have a legal responsibility to maintain workshop equipment in a safe condition that complies with the relevant safety standards. This includes an annual Service Report where the condition and compliance of every machine is noted and any necessary repairs or shortcomings are highlighted for attention.

TechSoft will carry out this work and set up the required service records schools need to retain. These records will detail compliance and make recommendations about any items that fail to meet the required standard. It is the school’s responsibility to act on these recommendations. If required, TechSoft will provide a quotation to carry out any remedial work identified.

Servicing includes reporting on all machines, lubrication and adjustment of drive belts, guards and interlocks as needed. Machine repairs (as such) are not included. Larger departments may require more than a single one-day visit, please contact TechSoft for advice prior to booking.

N.B. COSHH responsibilities require all extraction systems to be tested for correct flow rates and filter efficiency. This work is normally carried out by H&S specialists, but, if required, TechSoft can arrange this for you.