Winter Care for Lasers: Preventing Freeze Damage

As the winter months approach, it’s crucial to consider the effects of cold weather on sensitive equipment, especially lasers. Whether used in industrial applications, medical settings, or research labs, lasers can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Here’s how to ensure your laser systems remain safe and operational during the winter months.

Understanding the Risks

Cold weather can cause several issues for laser equipment, including:

Component Freeze: Many lasers contain fluids or gases that can freeze at low temperatures, leading to blockages and potential damage.

Condensation: When moving equipment from cold environments to warmer indoor settings, condensation can form inside the laser housing, risking internal electrical components.

Material Changes: Extreme cold can affect the materials used in laser construction, potentially leading to misalignments or failures.

How to solve the low temperature alarm?

When the water temperature of the chiller is low than 22℃, the laser will trriger a low temperature protection alarm. Please turn off the equipment first, and then the alarm can be eliminated when the chiller is preheated to 22℃ and turned on again. 

Best Practices for Winter Care

To protect your lasers during the winter, follow these guidelines:

【Temperature Control】 Keep lasers in climate-controlled environments when possible. Maintain a consistent temperature to avoid sudden fluctuations that could lead to condensation.

【Insulation】 Use insulating covers or blankets specifically designed for lasers to help maintain internal temperatures during transport or storage.

【Proper Storage】 When not in use, drain the cooling water in the euipment and store lasers in a dry, temperature-controlled location. Avoid leaving them in vehicles or unheated spaces.

【Regular Maintenance】 Conduct routine checks before and after winter. Look for signs of moisture, ice buildup, or physical damage.

【De-icing Solutions】 Please use laser-specific antifreeze. If lasers are exposed to freezing conditions, consider using safe de-icing solutions designed for electronic equipment. 

How to choose antifreeze?

It is recommended to use genuiine antifreeze: 

(1)ethylene glycol -water type.

(2)propylene glycol -water type.

Note:Antifreeze cannot completely replace cooling water. After winter, please first clean the pipes with cooling water and then add cooling water. 

Handling Transportation

If you need to transport lasers during winter:

Allow Acclimatization: When moving from a cold to a warm environment, let the equipment sit in its packaging for a while to acclimatize. This helps reduce condensation risk.

Protective Cases: Use padded, insulated cases for transportation to minimize temperature fluctuations and physical damage.

Conclusion

Taking proactive measures to protect your SFX laser systems during the winter months can save you from costly repairs and ensure optimal performance. By understanding the risks and implementing best practices, you can keep your lasers safe and effective throughout the season.

Please pay attention to the "FROSTABITE" to your laser machine. Stay warm, stay safe, and ensure your technology is winter-ready!