lots of smoke produced -fuses and filters changed

Help, advise and examples created by the Universal Laser Systems (ULS) VersaLaser laser cutting / marking machine supplied by Denford

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KatWells
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Hardware/Software: 2D design
Versalaser VLS3.50

lots of smoke produced -fuses and filters changed

Post by KatWells » Tue 16 Sep , 2014 9:38 am

we have had our VLS3.50 in school for 4 years with no problems but yesterday it started to produce a lot of smoke when cutting. I have cleaned the main enclosure, the optics the fan filters and the engraving table. I have also tried checking the fuses (on the back by the 'kettle like plug') which are fine and have tried taking the filter out of the ait filtration unit to crudely check if they were blocked but with no effect. My guess is that the exhaust is not extracting properly....Do you have any other suggestions?

Martin
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Re: lots of smoke produced -fuses and filters changed

Post by Martin » Tue 16 Sep , 2014 21:23 pm

Check you have air flow at the outlet manifold on the back of extraction cabinet when it is running.

Also check the air assist is blowing out of the air assist cone.


The fuses for the Bofa extraction unit are behind the left band side end cover.

TDIPower
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Re: lots of smoke produced -fuses and filters changed

Post by TDIPower » Tue 16 Sep , 2014 21:43 pm

I don't know if the extraction motor unit is the same as the VL300 we have had for 10yrs. The brushes on these wear down and can cause the motor to stop working correctly.
I have found 1 brush will wear about twice as quick as the other. Last time one failed it burnt out the relay which is switched via USB from the PC. So the brushes and relay had to be replaced.

Pete

Martin
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Re: lots of smoke produced -fuses and filters changed

Post by Martin » Wed 17 Sep , 2014 6:21 am

I presume the unit we are talking about is a Bofa extraction cabinet & not the ULS extraction, The Bofa unit filters are behind the hinged end panel & the ULS filters in the 2 front drawers.

KatWells
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue 16 Sep , 2014 9:08 am
Hardware/Software: 2D design
Versalaser VLS3.50

Re: lots of smoke produced -fuses and filters changed

Post by KatWells » Wed 17 Sep , 2014 10:54 am

yes its a Bofa extraction unit - I checked the air flow at the outlet and there is good airflow I have also checked that there is air from the air assist cone. I'll check the brushes today but as the motor is running I don't think this is the case?

Martin
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Re: lots of smoke produced -fuses and filters changed

Post by Martin » Wed 17 Sep , 2014 18:06 pm

Does it cut?


Make sure the focus height is correct& the focus lens & air assist cone clean.

Not sure the Bofa unit has any brushess but it does sound like the unit is working correctly.

KatWells
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue 16 Sep , 2014 9:08 am
Hardware/Software: 2D design
Versalaser VLS3.50

Re: lots of smoke produced -fuses and filters changed

Post by KatWells » Mon 22 Sep , 2014 10:39 am

Yes it does cut, extractor seems to be OK and I think there is plenty of air from the assist air cone. there is a hiss coming from the air supply - but I can't find where from and the teacher who usually uses the machine thins that it is normal and has been there for some time.

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