Preventative Maintenance Checklist - PM Checklist

Preface: This article is for Nova series machines. Proper care and routine maintenance of the machine will ensure optimal performance over a long service life.

As you operate the machine, you need to build in time to your schedule for maintenance tasks. Also how you have the machine installed in your space can make maintenance more difficult. Be sure to leave yourself access to the back of the machine to be able to reach critical components.

Maintenance Schedule:

Maintenance Topic	Minimum Frequency	More Information
Focus Lens Cleaning	Daily (or as needed)	Inspecting and Cleaning Nova Series Optics
Mirrors Cleaning	Weekly (or as needed)	Inspecting and Cleaning Nova Series Optics
Beam Combiner	Weekly	Inspecting and Cleaning Nova Series Optics
Machine (Honeycomb, panels etc)	Weekly	See Below for more information
Lubrication for Rails	Monthly	See Below for more information
Laser Beam Path	Monthly	How to Align your Thunder Laser Nova Series machine - Quick Start Alignment Guide
Exhaust Fan and exhaust air path	Monthly	Cleaning Your Stock Exhaust Fan
Chiller Water	3 Months	Chiller Water Change
Chiller Air Filters	Monthly	Chiller Maintenance Manual

Keep the Machine clean

While a dirty machine may still run, the residual debris and dirt is fuel for fires and lingering smells. The dirty glass may limit your ability to observe the machine while it is running. It is suggested to:

-Clean the Honeycomb

-Empty the crumb Tray(s)

-Wipe down the Machine inside

-Clean the glass

Clean the Honeycomb , Knives and Crumb Tray(s)	Wipe down the machine body panels

Lubrication for Rails and Screws

The mechanical rails and rods (Z-screws) should be cleaned of debris (bearing races too) and then re-apply lubrication. Currently, the supplied lubrication is a 5w-30 conventional motor oil.

Locations:

	(4 Screw\Rod Locations)

Laser Beam Path

You should check the beam path of the laser and the verticality of the Beam so that you can ensure optimum performance of the laser. The quick check is to pulse a piece of tape at each corner of the machine. The tape can be placed if the mirror 3 entry hole on the laser head. Check that the beam spot is centered in all 4 locations. If it is not, then you need to perform an alignment.

In addition to checking the beam path of the horizontal mirrors, you can check the verticality of the beam as it exist the nozzle by pulsing into clear acrylic, Adjust the verticality as needed.

Here is more on Aligning Your Laser Beam

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