Laser Maintenance

Current Status (Updated February 2026) The Noisebridge laser cutter is operational but aging. Regular maintenance is essential to keep it working reliably. Machine Status: OLD machine (knockoff of Thunderlaser Nova 51) donated to Noisebridge by Chinese company Working for now, but replacement should be considered for long-term planning (~$13,400) 130W CO2 tube Ruida controller with Lightburn software Active Maintainers: j.d. - Regular lens cleaning (every class), general maintenance Paolo Botta - Mirror alignment, beam calibration, repairs For help with the laser cutter, contact j.d. or Paolo on Discord.

Periodic Maintenance (every couple weeks)

1. Clean the x and y axis belt

2. Clean the reflectors and the lens with a qtip and 95% rubbing alcohol. To access the lens, you can take off the laser tube, and then unscrew the top half from the bottom half (it appears to be stuck right now - we weren't strong enough to unscrew it, so if you see someone who's really strong at noisebridge, maybe we can ask them), and the lens is inside. The side of the lens that's reflective (you can see your face in it), is supposed to face up

Occasional Maintenance (twice a year)

Clean the wheel guide, and lubricate it.

As needed maintenance items

• clean the external filters
• clean under and behind laser cutter
• clean internal filters
• wash and scrub slats and honeycomb
• check that max speed and power are set correctly

From Laser Manual

Please don't perform any maintenance on the machine (including cleaning lenses/mirrors or aligning mirrors) unless you've specifically trained on it.

• TEMP note: some check(s) may be included outside of maintenance so a user can trigger a maintenance notification
• DON'T - let someone who has been trained do it
• how to tell if the lens is dirty (or getting old?)
• how to tell if the mirrors are dirty
  • Cleaning the mirrors
    • ethanol solution? isopropanol? - see manual.
    • fabric must be non scratch - see manual.
• Checking and performing mirror alignment
  • Safety - remove gratings and any other reflective surfaces before any maintenance that requires disabling the door sensors.
  • TEMP note: in restrospect the alignment was a very dangerous situation. mirror paths were not checked before powering on the laser with the door open with many people around. (or maybe nigel is just insanely good at configuring mirrors... still... reddit.com/r/OSHA)
  • Tape test - mirrors 1,2,3 and their corresponding exits. Slightly propped laser tube.
  • vertical/horizontal alignment by brass dial.
• Checking chiller tank water volume
  • Chiller alarm - what does it mean
  • Checking tank water volume
  • Refilling tank water
• Cleaning the bed and waste drawer (this section probably should be moved to usage)

Recent Maintenance History

December 2025:

• New Purex filters installed (Dec 17, 2025)
• Lightburn license issues resolved - twiceasnice provided key location (stored in software Help menu)
• Circuit breaker near entrance tripped, resolved by OkZack and j.d.

September 2025:

• Mirrors aligned and cleaned by Paolo Botta
• Beam realigned, cutting power restored
• Removed sticky residue from polycarbonate incident that covered internal components
• Red pointer mirror realigned to prevent people from touching mirror screws
• Confirmed cutting capability: 4.5mm plywood at 70/20, 3mm acrylic at various settings, 6mm acrylic at 70/15

Known Issues (as of February 2026):

• Focus disc is 9mm (not standard 8mm) - etched with "9mm" for identification
  • The original 8mm disc disappeared
  • j.d. made replacement from 9mm scrap
• Lens has dark blotch from polycarbonate smoke incident (Sept 2025)
  • Flaw is off-center, likely not in direct beam path
  • Created when smoke got inside housing and baked onto lens
  • Still functional but replacement recommended
• Y-axis cutting angle approximately 5° off (not critical for most uses, may affect precision parts like gears)
• Last full cleaning and calibration: over a year ago (as of Jan 2026)

Recommended Purchases:

• 8mm stock for replacement focus discs (plus several backups)
• Replacement lens: 2.5" focal length, ZnSe meniscus lens for 130W CO2 tube (~$20)
• Backup lens for emergency replacement
• Honeycomb bed may need eventual replacement (current one has wear)

Common Issues & Solutions

Lightburn License

• License key location: In Lightburn software under Help menu
• If license issues occur, contact j.d. or twiceasnice on Discord
• Backup license information available with maintainers
• Free trial expires after 14 days if not activated

Lens Maintenance

• Current lens has dark spot from polycarbonate smoke incident (still functional)
• Flaw is off-center, not in direct beam path
• Replacement recommended: ~$20 for 2.5" ZnSe meniscus lens
• j.d. demonstrates lens cleaning/inspection during every training class
• Cleaning frequency: j.d. cleans lens before/during every class
• How to check: Look at reflection to verify correct installation

Focus Disc Issue

• Current disc: 9mm (etched for identification)
• Standard disc: 8mm (disappeared, needs replacement stock)
• Recommendation: Create multiple 8mm backups when stock is purchased

Y-Axis Alignment

• Approximately 5° off in Y-axis direction
• Not critical for most visual/artistic work
• May affect precision parts (gears, mechanical components)
• Can be calibrated if needed for precision work

Purex Filter

• Last replaced: December 17, 2025
• Expected lifespan: approximately 6 months
• Circuit breaker near entrance occasionally trips - check if filter won't turn on
• When circuit breaker trips: Simply turn back on, laser should work normally

Maintenance Tracking

Filter Replacement Schedule:

• Last replaced: December 2025
• Next replacement due: ~June 2026 (6 month cycle)
• Cost tracking: Needed for budgeting

Lens Cleaning Schedule:

• Current practice: j.d. cleans lens during every training class
• Demonstrates proper technique to all students
• Check reflection method taught to verify correct installation

Full Cleaning & Calibration:

• Last performed: Before January 2025 (over a year ago)
• Recommended frequency: At least annually
• Includes:
  • Mirror cleaning and alignment
  • Beam alignment and calibration
  • Lens inspection and replacement if needed
  • Honeycomb bed cleaning
  • Belt cleaning (X and Y axis)
  • Wheel guide cleaning and lubrication

Training & Authorization:

• Primary trainers: j.d., Paolo Botta
• Training classes held regularly
• Contact j.d. or Paolo on Discord for training schedule
• Honor system for payment: $10/hour (sticker on laser/computer)
• No card reader/tracking system currently implemented

Machine Specifications

Hardware:

• OLD machine - knockoff of Thunderlaser Nova 51
• Donated by Chinese company that toured Noisebridge
• 130W CO2 tube
• Ruida controller
• Lightburn software

Replacement Considerations:

• Machine age: Aging, but currently operational
• Replacement cost: ~$13,400 (Thunderlaser Nova 51, before tax)
• Long-term planning: Replacement should be considered for future budgeting
• Current status: Working for now, regular maintenance essential for reliability