In the process of using a laser engraving machine, you may encounter issues such as insufficient laser power or no light output. Below are the common symptoms of these issues and their corresponding solutions.
I. Problem Symptoms
1. Laser Not Emitting Light
The laser does not emit any light during operation, and the device fails to function normally
2. Intermittent Engraving Results
During engraving, the light beam output is unstable, causing the engraving pattern to be incomplete or uneven.
3. Insufficient Cutting Power
The device is unable to cut materials that it should normally be able to cut, such as wood or acrylic.
II. Solutions
To troubleshoot and resolve the above issues, follow these steps:
Step1: Check LightBurn Settings: Ensure the Maximum S-Value is Set to 1000
● To check the S-value:Open Device Settings.
○ Find the S-value max field and ensure it is set to 1000.
● If you find that the S-value has been modified, set it to 1000 and retest the laser's functionality.
● If the S-value has not been modified, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Check the Window Lens and Focus Lens
● Check the Lens Condition
a. Open the air deflector cover and check if there are any stains on the window lens and focus lens.
b. If stains are found, please follow the tutorials below to clean the window lens.
c. If the lenses cannot be cleaned or are damaged, they need to be replaced.
d. If the lenses are in good condition, proceed to the next step
● Window Lens Cleaning Tutorials (Categorized by Model)
○ A5, A5 Pro, A5 Pro+, A5 20W, A5 30W, A5 M30, A5 M40: https://youtu.be/5KrWHSqa97c
○ A10, A10 Pro, A5 M50, A5 M50 Pro, X7, X7 Pro: https://youtu.be/KzF2k19rCpc
○ A20, A20 Pro, A20 Max, A30, A30 Pro, A30 Max: https://youtu.be/9GKdJq7CAb0
○ A40, A40 Pro, A40 Max, A48, A48 Ultra, A40 Pro V2: https://youtu.be/9GKdJq7CAb0
○ A6, A6 Pro, A12, A12 Pro, A10 Pro V2, A24, A24 Pro, A20 Pro V2: https://youtu.be/S93zYMoWP64
○ A70 Pro, A70 Max: https://youtu.be/iuylpQqHcnw
○ Hurricane: https://youtu.be/iFZHAIA3jbY
Step 3: Check Laser Connections and Voltage
● Reference the relevant video tutorial to learn how to measure the laser connection voltage. (Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MByWMreYL6s)
● Run a 100% power cutting program, and use a multimeter to measure the voltage on the following key pins of the laser connections:
Note: There may be pinout variations across different laser engraver models. Please refer to the device's user manual for the correct pinout configuration.
Step 4: Analyze Measurement Results
Based on the voltage measurement results, determine the cause of the fault and follow the appropriate troubleshooting steps:
● Voltage Matches the Adapter and PWM Signal Voltage is Normal
○ If the measured voltage is normal but the laser still doesn't work:
Note: Please ensure that the laser has encountered the issues described in this article before opening the laser and following the steps below. Otherwise, do not open the laser cover without proper reason.
■ Diode Connection Check:
a. General Models: Open the laser engraver's back cover and disconnect the diode from the driver board.
b. A40 Pro\A40 Max\A40 Pro V2: The diode connection on the A40 series is located at the front, so there is no need to remove the back cover. You can disconnect the diode from the airflow cover area (the red arrow marks the connection point) and check the indicator light status at the rear of the machine.
■ Run an Engraving Program and Observe the Driver Board Indicators:
a. Both Indicator Lights Are On: This may indicate a diode fault, and the laser module needs to be replaced.
b. Only the Red Indicator Light Is On: This could indicate a driver board issue, and the driver board needs to be replaced.
Once the fault is identified, it is recommended to contact technical support at support@atomstack.com for further assistance and to arrange for repair or replacement.
● Voltage Doesn't Match the Adapter or No Voltage
○ If the measurement shows that the voltage is significantly lower than the adapter's rated voltage or there is no voltage:
■ Check the Adapter Voltage:
● Abnormal Voltage: If the adapter's output voltage is abnormal, replace the adapter and test the laser again.
● Normal Voltage: Proceed to check the motherboard or connection cables.
■ Motherboard or Connection Cable Troubleshooting: Carefully inspect the connection cables for any visible damage or loose connectors.If the cables are damaged or have poor contact, replace the cables and test the laser operation again.
○ If the cables are in good condition but the laser still doesn’t work, it could be a motherboard issue. In this case, please contact technical support at support@atomstack.com for motherboard repair or replacement.
III. Notes
1. Before performing any measurements or testing operations, ensure the device is powered off, and wear appropriate protective equipment to avoid the risk of electric shock.
2. Once hardware issues are confirmed, it is recommended to contact professional technicians or the device supplier for repair to prevent further damage caused by incorrect handling.
By following the above steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve issues related to insufficient laser power or no light output. If further technical assistance is required, please reach out to support@atomstack.com for help.
