Why are laser-tubes in laser-cutters consumables

When you use a laser cutting machine for co2 engraving and cutting applications, it’s important to look for ways to extend its durability. This is where you should take a look at the most consumable parts in the laser cutter. As you go through different components, you will notice that the CO2 laser tube is one of the most consumable items. If you want to extend the lifetime of your laser cutter, you should understand why laser-tubes in laser-cutters are consumables.

We’ve teamed up with our laser engineers to provide you with some solid advice. 

Reasons on why laser tubes tend to degrade faster 

In the CO2 lasers, there is a laser gas mix inside the tube. This gas mix is degrading along with time. In other words, degradation happens when CO2 gas is converting into CO gas. The average lifetime of a laser tube is therefore between 18 months to 36 months. However, there are some tips that you can follow so you end up getting the maximum life out of your CO2 laser tube. Continue to read, and we will share all those details with you…

Ways to Extend the lifetime of co2 laser tubes 

Laser cutting machines are a cost-effective solution to cut, mark and engrave a wide range of materials. While you continue to go ahead with CO2 and fiber laser cutting, you will need to keep the following tips in mind to extend the lifetime of your laser tubes.

See what type of tube is attached to the machine 

As the very first step, you will need to carefully check and see what kind of laser is attached to your machine. This would directly contribute to the quality that you can expect to receive at the end of the day. For example, there are unscrupulous sellers, who will rebadge malfunctioning and defective CO2 laser tubes. If you are concerned about quality, you should refrain from buying those sub-par products. Instead, you will need to buy RECI Laser and EFR Laser, which are well-known for their excellent quality. When you pick the right tube from the beginning, you don't have to worry too much about the lifetime and quality you will receive.

Go for a reputable laser tube supplier 

In case you are looking for a laser beam replacement tube, you should always go for a supplier that you can trust. This is where you should do background research on the best brands. In case your replacement tube doesn't work, you should be in a position to get great customer support. A replacement should be an easy process if you’re covered by warranty. 

On top of that, it is worth working with a knowledgeable team as well. They will provide you with recommendations and make sure that you don't make any incorrect choices.

Don’t forget to look at the manufacturing date !

You shouldn’t forget to take a look at the manufacturing label that you can see on the tube. You can usually see this on the wattage rating label of the laser tube. You should always go for a replacement tube manufactured in the near past. In fact, you should try to get a tube manufactured before 6 weeks to 8 weeks. Then you can expect to get a prolonged laser beam out of it to proceed with laser cutting.

Keep the tube clean 

It is important for you to keep the tube clean, as it will directly contribute towards durability. Also, if your mirrors and lenses are dirty, you will easily be losing around 9% to 13% of laser power. This is why you should ensure that your tube is clean so that you don't encounter extra loss of power. In such situations, the tube will have to work longer and harder to cool than required, which will reduce the lifetime. 

Final words 

Keep these tips in mind and focus on enhancing the lifetime of the tube. If you’re in need of some advice about your laser tube or have any concerns, drop us a message or pick up the phone. If you’re in need of a laser tube replacement, all our glass co2 laser tubes are compatible with all the co2 laser engraving and cutting machines that use glass laser tubes*.