I’m after some advice on why my Gweike Cloud might not be cutting. I bought the machine second hand but it’s like new. The previous owner said he’d only used it on a couple of occasions. I’ve not used a laser cutter before but I have used digital printers and CNC machines.
It’s been in the garage since I bought it, not used, although it’s set up. I’ve noticed a coolent leak which appears at the right front of the machine. This is below the coolent tank so I assume it could be coming from that.
There seems to be coolent in the tube but half full. Not sure if this is correct or whether it should be full?
It loads a cut file ok and looks like its following the cut path ok, but doesn’t cut. There’s no sign or sound of the laser doing anything.
Any advice on what I should look at or check?
Thanks
Rob
You need to find the leak. You must have the inner tube completely covered with coolant, 1/2 level in the tube is not enough. You can damage the tube if you run it like this.
Find the leak and top off the coolant before lasing, even a quick test is too long with no coolant.
Hi Jack,
Thank you for the advice. I’ve been looking for the leak, I’ve removed the right cover for better access but there’s no sign of leaked coolent around the coolent tubes or laser tube. There does seem a bit of residue under the edge of the coolent tank. I have noticed that the coolent reservoir is fixed to the base with 2 screws, I think it could be leaking around one of these. It does seem a very slow leak and I wonder if it’s done it from new. The machine hasn’t been used for a couple of years, all the coolent tubes have air in them.
I’ll remove the reservoir and reseal around the screws and see if that cures the leak. I know this is a sealed coolent system on the Gweike, any advice on how I refill the coolent system and what is the best coolent to use?
You should be able to fill the coolant tank. I don’t know why you think it’s sealed, I can see you have removed the lid..?
I don’t know what Gweike uses from the factory as a coolant, I use one made by OMTech that’s also an antifreeze. It’s made specifically for lasers.
Take the tank out and fill it with tap water, let it sit and see if you can visually identify the leak. Generally not a good idea to just seal up a bunch of screw holes and hope for a fix.
