Laser Source Overheating: Four Numbers to Remember

Four figures for the Raycus 2000 W source

From the manufacturer's user guide:

Coolant temperature 22 ± 1 °C
Minimum water flow ≥ 20 L/min
Maximum water pressure ≤ 7 bar
Hose outside diameter 13 mm
Cooling capacity > 6000 W

These figures apply to the Raycus 2000 W source. Sources of other power ratings or other manufacturers have their own requirements — go by the documentation supplied with your machine.

Three habits that keep the machine from locking on temperature

• Use purified water. Tap water leaves mineral deposits in the cooling circuit and reduces flow over time. The manufacturer's documentation mentions adding around 10% alcohol for cold environments.
• Watch flow, not just temperature. The display can read a normal temperature while flow is already short. A kinked hose or a dirty filter drops flow well before the temperature alarm catches up.
• Watch the ambient shop temperature. A chiller pushed against a wall, poorly ventilated, or in direct sun will not hold 22 °C at midday in the dry season.

When the fault has already triggered

Temperature is only a symptom. The cause may sit in the chiller, the piping, water quality, a sensor, or ambient conditions — and each calls for a different response.

This page lists symptoms to help you narrow the field. It does not give repair procedures. The laser source and optical path are expensive and carry safety risk; the wrong action can make the damage far worse.

If the machine is locked on temperature and you cannot identify the cause, contact technical support.