Laser Protection Guide for the Hot Summer: Shield Against Heatwaves, Prevent Condensation, Maintain Water Cooling Systems; Ensuring Stability for High-Power Lasers!

During the hot summer in 2025, lasers are also facing the severe ”heat test” with soaring temperatures and high humidity. Factors such as high temperature, high humidity, condensation, and algae growth may seriously affect the performance and lifetime of lasers. But don’t worry! This guide will help you scientifically protect your laser equipment to ensure stable operation and worry-free production during the hot season!

Three major risks that cannot be ignored:

1. High-Temperature Overload 

Components’ temperature soaring→ output instability, accelerated aging, and frequent failures.

High-power lasers are particularly temperature-sensitive and require higher heat dissipation.

Case warning : Due to poor heat dissipation + cooling water contamination, customer’s equipment suffered significant power fluctuations and a sharp drop in production yield!

2. Condensation Crisis 

Lens condensation → Coating damage, optical path abnormality.

Circuit board condensation → Short circuit, burning of components.

Metal parts rust, leading to shortened equipment lifetime.

Common situations: Powering on the laser on hot and humid mornings,when there are large temperature differences due to air conditioning; when restarting the laser after it has cooled down, etc.

3. Potential Dangers in the Cooling water system 

Cooling water contamination → Micro-channel blockage due to algae and scale buildup.

Abnormal water pump operation and deteriorated water quality → Reduced heat dissipation efficiency, affecting the laser’s performance.

Key Maintenance Tips for Lasers during the Hot Summer:

1. Heat Dissipation Management: Temperature Control is the Key to Performance Control

Maintain the working environment temperature (usually 22-28°C is the ideal zone). Industrial air conditioner is essential!

Leave more than 1m space around the laser, cooling channels are strictly prohibited blocking!

Clean the inlet and outlet filters weekly; it is recommended to equip the computer room with an exhaust/fresh air system to ensure proper air circulation.

2. Water Cooling System: Heat Prevention, Anti-blocking, Anti-algae

Regular inspection: pay attention to water level, water temperature (inlet/outlet), water quality (conductivity, pH value) on a daily/weekly basis.

Replacement cycle: It is recommended to replace cooling water and filter element every 3~6 months. It is recommended to shorten the cycle in high temperature and high humidity environment. Be sure to replace it completely before summer!

Water quality requirements: Use high-quality deionized water or specialized antibacterial cooling fluid; add algaecide in accordance with regulations and regularly test its concentration.

Anti-blocking and unobstructed: During water replacement, clean the water tank and piping system thoroughly. Keep the cooling water tank away from direct light as much as possible. Ensure that there are no bends or leaks in the water pipes and that the water pump operates smoothly without abnormal noises.

3. Lens Protection: High power requires more "hard core"

Prefer high-quality lenses with small thermal lens effect and low thermal expansion coefficient  (such as Fused Silica).

Select coatings with a high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) and excellent thermal stability. Coatings specifically designed for high-power and high average-power applications can effectively resist performance degradation and damage risks under high temperature.

Avoid contamination by ensuring installation and cleaning are conducted in a dust-free environment, using professional tools and reagents.

High-power protective lenses are consumables! It is recommended to increase inspection frequency in summer, monitor the lens condition and transmittance, and replace them in time  according to their service life.

4. Tips for Preventing Condensation: Avoiding Risks from Alternating Hot and Cold Conditions

Maintain a stable temperature in the laser room, the air conditioner setting temperature  differential recommended to be controlled within 7~10℃.

Preheat the laser for at least 1 hour before startup to prevent condensation. It is recommended to keep the air conditioning and cooling system running at low power during lunch break/short shutdown to maintain the internal temperature above the dew point.

When the humidity exceeds 80%, the industrial dehumidifier should be turned on immediately!!

Check the sealing of equipment cabinet doors and interfaces. Moisture-proof desiccant is configured in key areas and replaced regularly.

Extreme Weather Alert:

During thunderstorms, the Lasers should be shut down and powered off in strict order; it is recommended to use a lightning-proof sockets or voltage stabilizer to ensure power supply safety.

Three Unbreakable Prohibitions for Laser Safety ❌ :

Never power on if the environment fails to meet standards!(e.g., excessive temperature, poor ventilation)

Turn off the power immediately and dry the equipment if condensation is detected! (on lenses, windows, or metal surfaces)

Do not delay daily maintenance tasks!(such as cleaning, water replacement, lens inspection, pump operation checks, etc.)

Professional Maintenance for a Guaranteed Smooth Performance in Summer

For lasers, especially high-power devices, an efficient and reliable heat management system are essential to achieve stable high-power output. Only through scientific temperature control, meticulous maintenance, and appropriate protection measures can ensure the stable operation and consistent performance of the laser even in hot summer, thereby safeguarding efficient production!

Take action now! Check your laser equipment against our guidelines to safeguard seamless summer operations and worry-free production.

What summer-related laser issues have you encountered? Welcome to share your experiences in the comments below!

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